Cunningham Falls State Park

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2 reviews
Cunningham Falls State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Maryland DNR site

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Cunningham Falls State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

2 Google reviews

"Reviewer gave a 5‑star rating and provided practical driving advice for RVs, noting narrow roads and confirming sewer dump availability at Houck for Manor Area campers."

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Best Time to Camp at Cunningham Falls State Park

Summer transforms the park into a buzzing hub of activity—literally and figuratively—as warm weekends draw crowds to the waterfall and beach, along with gnats and other insects (pack your bug spray!). While sunny campsites can turn into saunas during peak summer heat, the shaded loops offer a cool refuge where forest cover keeps temperatures comfortable and your campsite feeling like a true mountain retreat.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Cunningham Falls State Park

    Nestled in the scenic Catoctin Mountains, Cunningham Falls State Park delivers the perfect mountain escape with towering hardwoods shading your campsite and Maryland's highest cascading waterfall just a hike away. Families love the sandy-beached mountain lake with its roped swimming areas, while campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and that authentic, rustic mountain atmosphere—even if it means trading full hookups for the charm of narrow, winding campground roads.
    Multiple developed campground loops (Houck, Manor, Deer Springs, Elderberry) offering shaded tent sites and RV sites (some with electric).
    Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the park into a buzzing hub of activity—literally and figuratively—as warm weekends draw crowds to the waterfall and beach, along with gnats and other insects (pack your bug spray!). While sunny campsites can turn into saunas during peak summer heat, the shaded loops offer a cool refuge where forest cover keeps temperatures comfortable and your campsite feeling like a true mountain retreat.
    Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up beneath a dense canopy of mixed hardwoods, where dappled sunlight filters through leaves and the mountain air feels crisp and clean. The Catoctin Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop of rolling terrain, while an extensive trail network invites you to explore your way to the park's crown jewels: the tumbling cascades of Cunningham Falls and a sparkling mountain lake complete with sandy beaches. The lake's guarded, shallow swimming areas make it ideal for little ones to splash safely while parents relax on the shore.
    Geological RegionCatoctin Mountains
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (Maryland reservations portal: https://parkreservations.maryland.gov)

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Dump station
    Cell phone service
    Flush toilets
    Electricity hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Forested mountain campground with easy access to hiking, a guarded swimming lake with beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
    Hiking
    Multiple trails of varying lengths lead to Cunningham Falls and other viewpoints; short, easy hikes access the falls directly from the park.
    Swimming
    Small mountain lake with sandy swimming beaches and guarded, roped‑off shallow areas for children; beaches can be very crowded in summer.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsWarm‑season gnats/insects can be a nuisance; rattlesnakes are present in the broader park area though not commonly reported in campsites. Narrow interior roads and tight back‑in sites can pose challenges for larger RVs. Some low‑lying Deer Springs sites may be soggy after heavy rain. Crowds at the falls and beach can create safety and congestion issues.

    Weather at Cunningham Falls State Park

    27
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Moderate snow fall
    Precipitation: 1.2%
    Humidity: 94%
    Wind: 11.4 mph
    Moderate snow fall

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Common complaintsNarrow access roads (particularly the south end of Catoctin Hollow Rd) and potential GPS‑routing issues for RVs.

    Campground Map

    Cunningham Falls State Park
    Driving directionsRecommended access for larger rigs: take MD-77W to Catoctin Hollow Rd to the campground. Avoid the south end of Catoctin Hollow Rd (very narrow) for RVs and travel trailers; interior park roads and some campground approaches are narrow.
    Accessible from MD-77; interior park and campground roads are narrow in places and require careful driving for larger rigs.
    Nearby places
    Thurmont (short drive)
    Gettysburg area reachable by car for day trips
    Nearby supplies
    Thurmont (nearest town for groceries and supplies)

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    0.0
    2 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Cunningham Falls State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewer gave a 5‑star rating and provided practical driving advice for RVs, noting narrow roads and confirming sewer dump availability at Houck for Manor Area campers.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 2 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Sewer dump available at Houck for Manor Area campers; reviewer experience was positive (5★).
    Based on 2 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Limited camp store stock**: several reviews say the Houck campground store offers mainly firewood and a few basics, which some found disappointing when expecting a fully stocked store.[1][2][3] •...
    Show more
    Based on 2 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Do not enter via the south end of Catoctin Hollow Rd if towing an RV or travel trailer; take MD‑77W to Catoctin Hollow Rd instead. Be cautious of narrow campground roads.
    Based on 2 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "If you have a RV or travel trailer do not come in through the south end of Catoctin Hollow Rd. ... Make sure to take MD-77W to Catoctin Hollow Rd which is a two way lane to the campground."
    Based on 2 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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