Fort Frederick State Park

Star4.16
36 reviews
Fort Frederick State Park
Fishing

Quick Facts

443 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Maryland DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Fort Frederick 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

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 36 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingstafffriendly

Some mention

noisetrain

"Google reviewers praise the park's historic Fort Frederick setting, riverside campsites and direct access to the C&O Canal for hiking and biking, noting friendly staff and clean, simple gravel pads. Common negatives are the campground's basic facilities (porta‑potties in the loop, distant/outdoor showers), lack of hookups, limited privacy between sites and intermittent train noise."

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Campground Map

Fort Frederick State Park

Fort Frederick State Park

39.6066, -78.0100

Accessible from I-70; reviewers note easy access from I-70 (short drive).
Nearby supplies
On-site fort area with a General Store (visitor reports note flush toilets and facilities behind the General Store).

Best Time to Camp at Fort Frederick State Park

The campground's open layout offers expansive views but limited shade, so summer campers should come prepared with sun hats, plenty of water, and a good sunscreen routine for those warm, exposed afternoons. The flip side? Spectacular stargazing on clear nights and unobstructed sunrise views over the Potomac that make early rising worthwhile.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open, exposed sites with limited shade; summer heat and sun exposure are concerns.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder temps, foliage and scenic river views make fall especially appealing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring birding, blooming riparian corridors and active river recreation are highlights.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Colder, fewer activities and exposed sites reduce appeal; living-history may be seasonal.

Planning Tips

    About Fort Frederick State Park

    Step back in time at Fort Frederick State Park, where history meets nature along the scenic Potomac River. This no-frills campground puts you right next to an authentic 18th-century stone fort and the historic C&O Canal, with easy river access for those seeking a rustic, historically-rich outdoor experience. Just know that the nearby railroad adds a rhythmic soundtrack to your stay—perfect for train enthusiasts, less ideal for ultra-light sleepers.
    A primarily primitive/tent campground that also accommodates RV boondocking; a separate youth/group camping area exists for organized groups.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    One reviewer reported the park can require a 2-night minimum on weekends.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Flush toilets
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Direct access to the Potomac River and the C&O Canal towpath supports hiking, biking, fishing and boating/canoeing; the onsite historic Fort Frederick offers tours and living‑history programming. Meadow and river corridor habitat make the park a popular spot for birding and wildlife viewing.
    HikingTrails and the C&O Canal towpath run directly from the campground to the fort and along the river, suitable for short walks and longer hikes.
    FishingFishing reported from the Potomac River and an on‑site pond/lake (user reports of largemouth bass); river access is close to many campsites.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNotable issues reported by visitors include intermittent train noise from nearby rail lines, limited shade leading to heat exposure on hot days, close spacing of sites (limited privacy), and limited on‑site facilities (porta‑potties in the camping loop). Cell coverage is uncertain based on available reports.

    Weather at Fort Frederick State Park

    Reviews

    4.2
    36 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Fort Frederick State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Google reviewers praise the park's historic Fort Frederick setting, riverside campsites and direct access to the C&O Canal for hiking and biking, noting friendly staff and clean, simple gravel pads. Common negatives are the campground's basic facilities (porta‑potties in the loop, distant/outdoor showers), lack of hookups, limited privacy between sites and intermittent train noise.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 36 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Historic fort and living‑history programs; riverside camping with close river access and scenic views; easy access to the C&O Canal towpath for biking and hiking; friendly/helpful staff;...
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    Based on 36 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Lack of modern facilities at the campground.** Multiple reviews criticize the absence of permanent restrooms and showers in the camping loop itself, relying instead on porta‑potties, which some...
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    Based on 36 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring/collect drinking water from the central/fort area before settling at sites; expect no electric/water/sewer hookups; bring sun protection and shade for exposed sites and earplugs if sensitive to...
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    Based on 36 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Nice place to camp"; "Wonderful camping experience near the historic Fort Frederick"; "Good place to boondock it or tent camp. No showers but nice!!"; "I would not recommend this campground... zero...
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    Based on 36 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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