Mont Alto State Park

, Mercersville, MD, 21782, USA

Horseshoe C welcomes adventurous spirits and cycling enthusiasts to a peaceful riverside retreat where the historic C&O Canal towpath meets the mighty Potomac River. This biker-friendly campground offers the perfect basecamp for two-wheeled explorers seeking both natural beauty and a touch of American history.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 82.7 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite serves as a welcome respite for adventurous souls traversing this storied waterway. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to hikers and cyclists exploring the canal's scenic route, offering essential amenities in a pristine natural setting. Best of all, this hidden gem comes with no price tag and no reservation hassles—simply arrive, set up camp, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

, USA

Escape to a tranquil riverside retreat where history meets natural beauty. This charming campground offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure along one of America's most storied waterways. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Greenbrier State Park welcomes families to its sparkling man-made lake, where a sandy beach and designated swim area create the perfect setting for summer days filled with swimming, boating, and lakeside picnics. Multiple campground loops nestle among the trees, connected by scenic trails that wind through the park's well-maintained grounds. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends, when this popular destination draws crowds eager to claim their spot by the water.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover the charm of simple adventure at this hidden gem along the historic C&O Canal towpath. This no-fee, first-come, first-served walk-in campsite welcomes weary travelers and weekend warriors alike, offering a peaceful respite for those exploring the canal's storied route by foot or bicycle. With no reservations required, it's the perfect spot for spontaneous adventurers seeking an authentic connection with nature and history.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover your perfect trailside retreat at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite, a welcoming waypoint at mile 101.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This thoughtfully designed campsite caters exclusively to adventurous souls traveling by foot or bicycle, offering a peaceful respite without the hassle of fees or reservations. Your home for the night includes essential comforts: chemical toilets, a sturdy picnic table for evening meals, a grill for cooking up trail favorites, and access to non-potable water. True to its hiker-biker spirit, stays are limited to one night, encouraging you to continue your journey along this legendary pathway.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Tucked away at Mile 110.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, McCoy's Ferry Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor escape. This intimate riverside retreat features 12 thoughtfully spaced single campsites and one spacious group site, creating the perfect basecamp for paddlers, anglers, and trail enthusiasts. Here, the rhythmic flow of the Potomac sets the soundtrack for days spent casting lines into promising waters, exploring miles of scenic towpath, or launching kayaks into the gentle current.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 110.0 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, North Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite offers a true back-to-basics camping experience for adventurous souls traversing this legendary trail. This free primitive campsite provides essential amenities for weary travelers, including a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill for evening meals under the stars. Fresh water flows here during the warmer months (treated with iodine for safety), though wise campers pack purification tablets as backup. It's the perfect respite for those seeking an authentic connection with the towpath's storied past.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

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.

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Step back in time at Camp Misty Mount, where rustic stone and wood cabins from 1937 beckon modern adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Nestled within the lush Eastern deciduous forests of Catoctin Mountain Park, these historic structures offer a unique blend of heritage charm and natural beauty, inviting guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.

14840 Manahan Road, Sabillasville, MD, 21780

Nestled in Maryland's scenic mountains, Camp Round Meadow welcomes groups year-round with the capacity to host up to 120 guests in comfort. This historic retreat combines modern amenities with rustic charm, featuring cozy dormitories, a spacious dining hall with commercial kitchen, an indoor gymnasium, and versatile conference facilities. Once home to hardworking Civilian Conservation Corps members and later transformed into America's very first Job Corps Center, these grounds echo with stories of transformation and opportunity.

Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA

Escape into the wilderness at Adirondack Shelters, where adventure begins with every step along the trail. These secluded backcountry havens in Catoctin Mountain Park offer an authentic off-grid experience, accessible only by foot through forested paths. Each rustic shelter welcomes up to five adventurers seeking refuge from the modern world, complete with a crackling campfire ring for evening storytelling and shared pit toilet facilities. With no vehicle access or running water, this is camping stripped down to its purest form—just you, your gear, and the untamed beauty of Maryland's mountains.

6602 Foxville Rd

Nestled deep within a tranquil forest setting, Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience designed exclusively for young adventurers and their organizations. This primitive camping haven invites groups to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature beneath a protective canopy of mature trees. Rustic tent sites scattered throughout the property provide the perfect backdrop for campfire stories, team-building activities, and lifelong memories, while thoughtfully placed shared amenities ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience across 48 primitive tent sites. This cherished retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and untamed nature, where families gather under towering canopies and solo adventurers find solace in the rhythmic babble of mountain streams. As your basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails, this rustic haven strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Step into history at the Slyder Farmhouse, a beautifully restored year-round retreat nestled within Gettysburg National Military Park, just moments from legendary landmarks like Little Round Top and Devil's Den. This 2024-updated historic property seamlessly blends Civil War-era character with modern comforts—think fully equipped kitchen, climate control, and keyless entry—while placing you at the doorstep of battlefield trails, the park visitor center, and Eisenhower's former home.

1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, Gettysburg, PA, 17325, USA

Step back in time at the Historic Bushman House, where Civil War history comes alive in this meticulously restored battlefield home. Nestled within the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park, this premium accommodation offers a rare opportunity to sleep where soldiers once sought shelter during America's most pivotal battle. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with period architecture, creating an unforgettable experience just moments from legendary sites like Little Round Top and Devil's Den. Here, every creak of the floorboards whispers stories of courage and sacrifice from July 1863.

C/O COWANS GAP STATE PARK, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

Tucked into a dramatic mountain gap where history and nature converge, Buchanan's Birthplace State Park offers 18.5 acres of peaceful retreat in Franklin County's Tuscarora Mountain. This intimate park invites visitors to step back in time at the birthplace of America's 15th President, James Buchanan, while enjoying modern amenities including shaded picnic pavilions perfect for family gatherings, scattered picnic tables beneath towering trees, clean restroom facilities, and refreshing drinking water stations throughout the grounds.

10099 Lincoln Way West, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, 17222, United States

Nestled within 85,500 acres of pristine Pennsylvania wilderness, Michaux State Forest beckons adventurers with its distinctive free roadside camping experience. These rustic, minimally developed sites offer an authentic back-to-nature escape in what's fondly known as the 'cradle of forestry.' Here, where conservation history meets modern outdoor recreation, campers discover a rare blend of solitude, natural beauty, and endless opportunities for exploration—all without the price tag of traditional campgrounds.

101 Pine Grove Road, FAYETTEVILLE, Pennsylvania, 17222, United States

Nestled within 1,125 acres of pristine Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness, Caledonia State Park beckons adventurers with an extraordinary blend of outdoor pursuits. From peaceful camping beneath towering trees to challenging hikes along mountain trails, championship golf on rolling fairways, and refreshing dips in the swimming pool, this mountain sanctuary offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Summer evenings come alive with performances at the park's charming theater, creating memories that last long after the curtain falls.

25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, 17233, United States

Escape into the untamed wilderness of Buchanan State Forest, where 72,286 acres of pristine Pennsylvania backcountry await your discovery. Here, remote and primitive campsites offer the ultimate retreat for adventurers craving genuine solitude. Far from the crowds and chaos of modern life, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where nature still reigns supreme, and the only sounds breaking the silence are rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

6235 AUGHWICK RD, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's mountains, Cowans Gap State Park beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover its pristine campgrounds and crystal-clear 42-acre lake. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-like waters, or hiking through dense forest trails, this well-appointed park delivers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Modern amenities including hot showers, clean restrooms, shaded pavilions, and convenient picnic areas ensure your wilderness escape doesn't mean roughing it.

1100 PINE GROVE ROAD, GARDNERS, Pennsylvania, 17324, United States

Discover a 696-acre wilderness sanctuary where adventure meets history at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Here, two pristine mountain lakes—Laurel and Fuller—mirror the surrounding forest canopy, inviting swimmers, anglers, and kayakers to explore their crystal-clear waters. As the celebrated halfway point of the legendary Appalachian Trail, this park draws thru-hikers and day adventurers alike to its extensive network of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Whether you're seeking a refreshing swim after a trail run or hoping to cast a line at sunset, Pine Grove Furnace offers an authentic outdoor escape where every path leads to a new discovery.

500 KINGS GAP ROAD, CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, 17015, United States

Perched high on South Mountain, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center invites visitors to explore 2,531 acres of pristine forest where education meets adventure. The crown jewel of this mountain sanctuary is the historic Cameron-Masland Mansion, which serves as both a window to the past and a gateway to spectacular Cumberland Valley vistas. Miles of hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, while an orienteering course challenges navigation skills. Scattered picnic areas provide perfect spots to rest and refuel between explorations, and the center's educational programs bring the natural world to life for curious minds of all ages.

Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA

C/O COWANS GAP STATE PARK, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

10099 Lincoln Way West, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, 17222, United States

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

6602 Foxville Rd

1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, Gettysburg, PA, 17325, USA

500 KINGS GAP ROAD, CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, 17015, United States

6235 AUGHWICK RD, FORT LOUDON, Pennsylvania, 17224, United States

14840 Manahan Road, Sabillasville, MD, 21780

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

101 Pine Grove Road, FAYETTEVILLE, Pennsylvania, 17222, United States

1100 PINE GROVE ROAD, GARDNERS, Pennsylvania, 17324, United States

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Gettysburg National Military Park

181 Rothrock Lane, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, 16652, United States

Discover 97,000 acres of untamed Pennsylvania wilderness in Rothrock State Forest, where rugged mountain terrain meets pristine natural beauty. This vast outdoor playground beckons adventurers with its network of dispersed primitive campsites tucked among towering trees and scenic vistas. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring miles of hiking trails, tracking game through dense forests, or riding horseback along mountain paths, Rothrock offers an authentic backcountry experience that connects you with nature's raw magnificence.

C/O Lyman Run SP, 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Beneath some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, Cherry Springs State Park beckons stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to experience the cosmos like never before. This remote sanctuary, cradled within the expansive Susquehannock State Forest, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the night sky as our ancestors saw it—unpolluted by artificial light, where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in breathtaking clarity. By day, the park reveals its wild character through dense forests and untamed landscapes that seem worlds away from civilization.

500 KINGS GAP ROAD, CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, 17015, United States

Perched high on South Mountain, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center invites visitors to explore 2,531 acres of pristine forest where education meets adventure. The crown jewel of this mountain sanctuary is the historic Cameron-Masland Mansion, which serves as both a window to the past and a gateway to spectacular Cumberland Valley vistas. Miles of hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, while an orienteering course challenges navigation skills. Scattered picnic areas provide perfect spots to rest and refuel between explorations, and the center's educational programs bring the natural world to life for curious minds of all ages.

1454 LAUREL HILL PARK ROAD, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic mountains, Laurel Hill State Park's campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse camping options. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of tent camping, or gathering with friends at spacious group sites, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Visitors rave about the pristine conditions, breathtaking vistas, and meticulously maintained facilities that make every stay memorable.

225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Discover a dramatic landscape where nature and history converge at McConnells Mill State Park. This spectacular 2,546-acre preserve cradles the breathtaking Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, where a restored 1800s gristmill stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage. While the park doesn't offer camping, visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through one of the state's most stunning geological formations.

97 KETTLE CREEK PARK LANE, RENOVO, Pennsylvania, 17764, United States

Nestled in the heart of western Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Kettle Creek State Park unfolds across 1,793 pristine acres where mountain ridges cradle the winding waters of Kettle Creek. This hidden gem offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience, where towering forests and rugged terrain create a natural sanctuary far from the hustle of modern life.

4797 ROUTE 660, WELLSBORO, Pennsylvania, 16901, United States

Perched dramatically on the eastern rim of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, Leonard Harrison State Park commands breathtaking views that have captivated visitors for generations. This 585-acre natural sanctuary invites you to stand at the edge of wonder, where modern amenities meet untamed wilderness. From the welcoming visitor center and charming gift shop to the legendary Turkey Path trail that winds down ancient cliffsides, every corner of the park tells a story. Adventure seekers find their gateway here, with direct access to the renowned Pine Creek Rail Trail stretching through the valley below.

82 Cabin Bridge Road, Forksville, PA 18616-0062

Tucked into the dramatic S-shaped valley of Loyalsock Creek, Worlds End State Park feels like a hidden sanctuary at the edge of the earth. This peaceful retreat, embraced by the vast Loyalsock State Forest, rewards visitors with rugged mountain landscapes, miles of winding trails, and the kind of profound quiet that only comes from being surrounded by ancient forests. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails or tranquility by the creek, this park offers an authentic escape into Pennsylvania's untamed wilderness.

170 ROUTE 259 HWY, PENN RUN, Pennsylvania, 15765, United States

Sprawling across nearly 3,000 acres of Pennsylvania wilderness, Yellow Creek State Park beckons adventurers with its shimmering 720-acre lake and pristine sandy beach. This natural sanctuary transforms throughout the seasons, serving as a vital stopover for countless migrating birds while offering visitors endless opportunities for recreation. From tranquil picnic spots nestled among towering trees to winding trails that reveal hidden corners of beauty, the park invites you to create lasting memories through year-round programs and activities.

111 Spillway Road, WELLSBORO, Pennsylvania, 16901, United States

Nestled in the heart of northcentral Pennsylvania, Hills Creek State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 85 thoughtfully designed campsites that cater to every camping style. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the rustic charm of a cabin, the comfort of a cottage, or the unique experience of staying in a yurt, this 407-acre haven has something special waiting for you. Days here unfold with endless possibilities—from peaceful picnics by the water's edge to invigorating hikes through wooded trails and refreshing adventures on the pristine 137-acre Hills Creek Lake.