Is Swallow Falls State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Swallow Falls State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Swallow Falls State Park before I book?

Yes! Swallow Falls State Park has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Swallow Falls State Park?

Yes, Swallow Falls State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Swallow Falls State Park?

Fire policies at Swallow Falls State Park: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Swallow Falls State Park?

Cell phone service at Swallow Falls State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Swallow Falls State Park have?

Swallow Falls State Park has 69 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swallow Falls State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Swallow Falls State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Swallow Falls State Park?

Swallow Falls State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swallow Falls State Park?

Popular activities at Swallow Falls State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Swallow Falls State Park

4.47

43 reviews

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Fall Camping Maryland#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Maryland#2 Mountain Camping Maryland#2 +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,464 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Maryland DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,464 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Maryland DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

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

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 43 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Swallow Falls State Park

39.4979, -79.4225

Best Time to Camp at Swallow Falls State Park

Fall is the standout season. Mid-to-late October brings peak foliage. Maples and oaks surround the hemlock groves and waterfalls. With daytime highs in the 45–60°F range and nights dropping into the 30s. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Rain turns trails slippery and creates mud problems in camp; several sites drain poorly and puddle after storms. Bring layers for fall temperature swings and grippy shoes for wet rocks on the trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in MD

Fall is the standout season: peak foliage mid-late October and ideal temps cited.

Planning Tips

About Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park sits along the Youghiogheny River in western Maryland's hemlock forest, offering 69 sites and direct access to short waterfall hikes. The campground has showers, flush toilets, and a small number of electric/water hookup sites. Sites are generally small and close together, with uneven terrain in places.

Primarily a wooded tent/primitive campground with a small number of RV sites offering limited hookups.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Mid-to-late October brings peak foliage. Maples and oaks surround the hemlock groves and waterfalls. With daytime highs in the 45–60°F range and nights dropping into the 30s. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Rain turns trails slippery and creates mud problems in camp; several sites drain poorly and puddle after storms. Bring layers for fall temperature swings and grippy shoes for wet rocks on the trails.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Youghiogheny River runs through an old-growth hemlock forest where some trees are centuries old. Muddy Creek Falls drops 53 feet. The park's main attraction. While Upper and Lower Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls add variety within easy hiking distance. The 1.5-mile Canyon Trail connects these waterfalls through rocky terrain, and trails extend to nearby Herrington Manor for longer trips. Riverside sites face the moving water. Mountain biking trails loop through the woods. At 2,464 feet elevation, the forest stays cool and damp even in summer.

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Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSlippery, 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

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

43 reviews

Recommended

Swallow Falls State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 43 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 43 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 43 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 43 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 43 reviews

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