Maryland might be a small state, but with its thick forests and breathtaking oceanside beaches, it is an excellent destination for camping. You will not run out of camping options in Maryland, from secluded sites tucked away among the woods to beautiful beachfront campgrounds.
Maryland offers a big city, oceanic and mountain breeze that is ideal for camping. In fact, camping is a popular economical alternative to the state’s expensive hotels and amenities. It also provides a way of enjoying the tranquil rural countryside that covers most of Maryland.
The various national and state parks as well as forests provide spaces for campgrounds. Whether you are planning for family-friendly vacation or a remote background gateway, here are some of the free campgrounds in Maryland.
Assateague State Park
Address: 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, United States
Phone: +1 410-641-2918
Assateague State Park is located at the north end of Assateague Island, Worcester County, Maryland. With two miles of ocean beaches, Assateague State Park is one of the best camping destinations in Maryland. Assateague has an extremely large campground with access to electricity, clean and updated bathhouses, and never ending hot water. Besides, the park also offers spaces for RVs.
While here, you can engage in various fun activities like camping, beachcombing, fishing, surfing, sunbathing, among others. You can also participate in kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. The paved bike path that runs parallel to the main road is an excellent feature for kids.
Martinak State Park
Address: 137 Deep Shore Rd, Denton, MD 21629, United States
Phone: +1 410-820-1668
This is a public recreation area located on Watta Creek and the Choptank River. Martinak State Park has a large campground with over 60 campsites — 30 of them have power hookups for RVs. The campground gives you access to essential amenities like toilets, showers, water, dump station, among others. With spaces for RVs, you don’t have to worry about where to park your car.
Furthermore, there are various recreational activities around the park including, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and various playground activities. In addition, this park has a nature center that you can spend time exploring various plants and animals. You can also participate in exciting activities like nature walks around the nature-rich state park.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Address: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, United States
Phone: +1 410-461-5005
Located along the Patapsco River, Patapsco Valley State Park has eight different recreational areas. Some of the fun activities you can participate in while here are camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, among others. Highly regarded as one of the best campgrounds in Maryland, this park is a must-visit for RV lovers. Its large area that provides a space for RVs.
The various water-based recreational activities activities like swimming make the park an exciting place to be. In addition, you can explore the several picnic areas in the park as well as enjoy the disc golf course. Essential amenities like toilets, water, showers and electricity are also available.
Savage River State Forest
Address: 97 Locker Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536, United States
Phone: +1 301-895-5759
Savage River State Forest is located in the northeastern part of Garret County, Maryland. Sitting on around 54,000 acres of land, this park is Maryland’s largest public land. Savage River State Forest offers affordable public camping with essential amenities like water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets.
Given its large size, this park has around 50 primitive campsites ready for use. While here, you can engage in fun activities like cross country skiing, boat launch, biking trails, hunting, hiking trails, historic interest, picnics, white water canoeing, among others. You can explore the large area through nature walks and camping activities.
Swallow Falls State Park
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, United States
Phone:(301) 334-9180
Some of the best sceneries in Maryland are found in Swallow Falls State Park. The famous Muddy Creek Falls surrounded by a spectacular old-growth forest and tall hemlocks are located in this park. Outdoor activities are plenty in this natural paradise. Horseback riding, bike riding, rock climbing, fire rings, fishing, and boating are some of the wide variety of adventures awaiting you at Swallow Falls State Park. In addition, you can also engage in other activities like hiking and nature walks.
You will also have access to essential amenities like toilets, bathhouses, electricity, and water. History enthusiasts will love to learn more about the adventures of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who camped in park for several weeks in 1918.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Address: Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Phone: 301-663-9388
Catoctin Mountain Park is approximately 8 square miles in area and it features sparkling water streams and breathtaking sceneries. Located just an hour from Washington DC, Catoctin Mountain Park is an excellent place to camp. The park offers a wealth of wildflowers, historic buildings, wildlife, and scenic drives that will make your stay memorable.
Besides, it offers limited length space for RVs, with access to water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets also guaranteed. You can engage in activities like camping, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and horse riding. You can also participate in nature walks to explore the breathtaking sceneries and learn more about the park.
Cedarville State Forest
Address: 10201 Bee Oak Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613, United States
Phone: +1 301-888-1410
Cedarville State Forest is a great campground hidden away in the city. With over 3500 acres of land, this park is excellent area for camping. Besides, it has electricity, clean water, bathhouses, toilets, among other essential amenities. You will also have access to fire pits and rest areas. In addition, there is a nearby market for product supply and shopping. This ensures that you don’t run out of essential supplies.
The availability of a picnic table makes the whole camping process better. Furthermore, the park offers space for RVs. While here, you can engage in activities like horse riding, biking, camping, hiking, and fishing. Given its large area, you can also participate in nature walks.
