Swallow Falls State Park

Star4.66
43 reviews
Swallow Falls State Park
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

2,464 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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
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

4.66

Top-Rated

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."

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Campground Map

Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park

39.4979, -79.4225


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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Great hiking and river access in summer; popular and busy on weekends, and can be muddy after rains.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MD

Canyon, river and forest make fall especially scenic; cooler temps favor hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Lush forest and strong waterfall flows in spring, though increased mud and runoff are common.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

No winter activities noted; trails can be muddy/slippery and services may be limited.

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.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    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.
    HikingMultiple 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.
    FishingCatch-and-release trout fishing reported on local waters.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    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

    Reviews

    4.7
    43 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 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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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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