Swallow Falls State Park

Star4.66
32 reviews
Swallow 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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Swallow 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

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 32 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshowerswater

Some mention

noisesmall

"Overall reviewers rate the park positively (many 4–5 star reviews): clean, well-maintained campground with excellent access to waterfall hikes and river scenery. Common criticisms include small/tightly spaced sites, limited hookups, occasional noise, and drainage/mud in wet weather."

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Best Time to Camp at Swallow Falls State Park

Come prepared for the reality of camping in a lush forest environment—when it rains, trails transform into muddy, slippery challenges and some campsites may puddle due to drainage limitations. Plan your visit knowing that weekends draw crowds of fellow waterfall enthusiasts, and if you're traveling with pets, be aware of seasonal on-trail restrictions between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Best
Spring (Mar-May)

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

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 Swallow Falls State Park

    Nestled along the rushing Youghiogheny River, Swallow Falls State Park Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering hemlocks where the soundtrack is provided by cascading waterfalls just a short hike away. The wooded sites offer a peaceful retreat with varying levels of privacy, though it's worth noting that some are cozy neighbors and drainage can be challenging after heavy rains.
    Primarily a wooded tent/primitive campground with a small number of RV sites offering limited hookups.
    Weather and SeasonsCome prepared for the reality of camping in a lush forest environment—when it rains, trails transform into muddy, slippery challenges and some campsites may puddle due to drainage limitations. Plan your visit knowing that weekends draw crowds of fellow waterfall enthusiasts, and if you're traveling with pets, be aware of seasonal on-trail restrictions between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
    Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the sound of the Youghiogheny River flowing through an ancient hemlock forest, where some trees have stood sentinel for centuries. The real stars here are the waterfalls—Muddy Creek Falls plunges an impressive 53 feet in a dramatic free-fall, while Upper and Lower Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls each offer their own character and photo opportunities. The 1.5-mile Canyon Trail winds through rocky terrain and connects you to this waterfall wonderland, with additional trails linking to Herrington Manor for those seeking longer adventures. Riverside campsites provide front-row seats to the water's constant movement, while mountain biking trails offer another way to explore this stunning landscape.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (parkreservations.maryland.gov)

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Cell phone service
    Flush toilets
    Electricity hookups
    Water hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Primary activities center on short waterfall hikes, river access and trails; additional opportunities include mountain biking, trout fishing, whitewater rafting nearby, and wildlife viewing.
    Hiking
    Multiple short hikes to waterfalls (Canyon Trail ~1.5 miles to falls including Tolliver, Upper/Lower Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls) and longer trail connections (about 5.5 miles to Herrington Manor). Trails can be rocky and slippery.
    Fishing
    Catch-and-release trout fishing reported on local waters.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed
    • Sites include fire rings with grills (noted in visitor reports); specific fire restriction details are not provided here and should be confirmed on the park website or reservation system.

    Hazards

    General hazardsSlippery, rocky and muddy trails; poor site drainage in wet weather; wildlife sightings reported (deer, chipmunks, occasional bear); coyotes reported in reviews; some visitors have reported nearby loud gunfire on occasion.

    Weather at Swallow Falls State Park

    16
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Moderate snow fall
    Precipitation: 0.8%
    Humidity: 87%
    Wind: 6.5 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 complaintsSites are often small and close together; several sites are tilted and may need leveling blocks; very limited electric/water hookup availability; muddy/poor drainage in wet weather; occasional noise reported (nearby gunfire, daily grounds maintenance noise, coyotes at night).

    Campground Map

    Swallow Falls State Park

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.7
    32 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Swallow Falls State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Overall reviewers rate the park positively (many 4–5 star reviews): clean, well-maintained campground with excellent access to waterfall hikes and river scenery. Common criticisms include small/tightly spaced sites, limited hookups, occasional noise, and drainage/mud in wet weather.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 32 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Clean, well-kept bathhouse and showers; proximity to spectacular short waterfall hikes; peaceful wooded setting with good wildlife viewing; friendly staff and on-site camp store.
    Based on 32 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Poor drainage in wet weather leading to muddy conditions; weekends busy; pet restrictions on Canyon Trail during peak summer; limited electric sites (only 6); tilted sites requiring leveling.[1][2][4]
    Based on 32 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Book the few electric/water sites early; bring leveling blocks and grippy shoes for slippery trails; choose riverside sites for more privacy; bring mats/shoe trays for muddy conditions after rain.
    Based on 32 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Clean, well maintained sites. Close to hiking trails." — review excerpt. "Amazing waterfalls and trails, tiny sites (barely enough to set up 2 tents) very close to one another." — review excerpt.
    Based on 32 reviews

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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