Best Camping in Maryland

Camping in Maryland

By Alex Murphy

From the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay through Baltimore and the mountains of the western part of that state, Maryland has a lot to see in a fairly small area. Visitors can enjoy some tasty blue crabs and see views of the Appalachian Mountains all in a single day.

Here's a look at some of the best places to camp in the "America in Miniature" state.

See a map of all camping in Maryland.

Maryland State Parks

Like many other natural areas around the country, Maryland State Parks officials say they've seen an increase in visitors to their 75 parks and campgrounds in Maryland.

For anyone looking to visit the coast for fishing and soak up the sun, the popular Assateague State Park is a barrier island providing campsites close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Sinepuxent Bay. However, the main attraction may be the wild Assateague horses who call the area home.

On the opposite side of the state, visitors can explore the mountains and hike a section of the Appalachian Trail in Greenbrier State Park. The park also has a lake with fishing and a beach.

Like many states in this region, Maryland is packed with history. Fort Frederick State Park is named for the fort built before the American Revolution for the French and Indian War.

National Parks in Maryland

Visitors can find more history at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which runs for miles along the Potomac River. The park starts near the border of Maryland and Washington DC and heads west to the Harpers Ferry, WV area.

The site preserves one of the country's earliest modes of transportation as expansion headed west from the East Coast and used the Chesapeake and Ohio Canals to do so.

RV Parks in Maryland

With plenty of RV Parks in Maryland, there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing where to stay.

Options for camping near the popular destination of Ocean City, MD, include Castaways RV Resort & Campground and Island Resort Campground, which are near the beach and close to popular destinations like Assateague Island.

Those passing through the state or looking to visit Baltimore, Annapolis or DC, can stay at Capitol KOA or Cherry Hill Park. Both locations have easy access back onto Interstates 95 and 97.

Finally, if you're trying to avoid the busy coast, visitors to Maryland can head west to the part of the state squeezed in between West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, where the salty air is replaced by fresh mountain breezes. Hillcrest River Kampground and Bumble Bee RV Park Campground are both close to nearby destinations with great views.

Free Camping in Maryland

Finding free camping in Maryland can be a little tricky as most of the state is near major metro areas, and public land can be limited.

For those in the northern part of the state in Hagerstown, Cracker Barrell and Walmart allow parking. It is always a good idea to check with management before settling in for the evening.

Closer to the beach on the Delmarva Peninsula is the Furnace Town Parking Lot. This popular free camping in Maryland location is a historic site with a museum and reenactments of life in the 1800s.

Travelers can find additional free camping over state lines with plentiful public land in West Virginia.

National Forests in Maryland

The National Forest Service does not manage any land in Maryland.