Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland

Discover the best primitive campgrounds across Maryland. Escape the crowds and experience camping the way it was meant to be. Minimal facilities, maximum wilderness.

12+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

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Handpicked destinations that define the region

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4.7

(49)

Savage River State Forest

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Premier primitive camping destination in Maryland's Appalachian highlands with drive-in and walk-in sites along pristine streams and the Savage River. Perfect greenbook score (100), exceptional sentiment (4.71), and authentic wilderness experience with large, private wooded sites. Offers fishing, paddling, and dark sky viewing in remote high-elevation forest.

Thurmont
Catoctin Mountain Park

Authentic backcountry experience requiring 3-mile hike to rustic three-sided shelters in Catoctin Mountain Park. Strong greenbook (91.9), good sentiment (4.36), and genuine primitive appeal with no vehicle access. Reviews praise seclusion and simplicity, perfect for testing gear and experiencing true backcountry camping.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Primitive campground along Big Run creek at Savage River Reservoir edge with tent and vehicle-accessible sites but no hookups. Excellent greenbook (98), strong sentiment (4.63), and authentic primitive facilities (pit toilets only). Reviews highlight quiet, secluded wooded sites with creek access and reservoir paddling opportunities.

Tents

RVs

About Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland

Primitive camping in Maryland offers an authentic back-to-basics wilderness experience across diverse landscapes from the Appalachian highlands to the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal corridor. Despite being one of the nation's most densely populated states, Maryland preserves remarkable primitive camping opportunities where you can disconnect from modern conveniences and reconnect with nature.

Best Time

Late spring through early fall (May through October) provides the most reliable weather for primitive camping in Maryland, with May and September offering ideal conditions—comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds than peak summer months. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather perfect for swimming and paddling but also higher humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and increased mosquito activity, particularly in lowland areas along the canal.

What Makes It Great

No reservations needed at many sites
True wilderness experience
Minimal to no amenities
Often free or low-cost

More Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland

Discover 9 additional top-rated primitive campgrounds in Maryland

4.5

(109)

Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite

Potomac
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Free primitive hiker-biker campsite at Mile 16.6 on C&O Canal with chemical toilets and no potable water. Strong greenbook (84.66), excellent sentiment (4.46), and 109 reviews confirm quality. Offers authentic minimalist camping near Great Falls with Potomac River views, accessible yet genuinely primitive.

Tents

4.7

(38)

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Thurmont
Catoctin Mountain Park

Primitive tent-only youth group campground in Catoctin Mountain Park with three sites for up to 25 people each. Excellent greenbook (93.46), strong sentiment (4.66), and authentic wilderness setting in hardwood forest. Reviews praise clean facilities, spacious private sites, and genuine primitive experience for organized youth groups.

Tents

Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

4.5

(30)

Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Poolesville
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Free first-come primitive campsite for hikers and bikers along C&O Canal Towpath with chemical toilets and seasonal water. Excellent greenbook (98.24), strong sentiment (4.53), and authentic back-to-basics experience. Reviews praise spaciousness, wildlife viewing, and riverside primitive camping.

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Poolesville
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Free primitive hiker-biker campsite at Mile 26.1 with chemical toilet and water pump. Strong greenbook (96.36), excellent sentiment (4.54), and authentic wilderness retreat. Reviews note convenient towpath location and basic amenities typical of primitive camping.

Tents

4.4

(50)

Rohrbach Group Campground

Sharpsburg
Antietam National Battlefield

Primitive walk-in group tent camping at historic Antietam National Battlefield for up to 30 per site. Excellent greenbook (97.06), good sentiment (4.39), and authentic primitive setup with no water on-site. Reviews praise spacious sites and historical setting, though steep terrain noted on some sites.

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

Williamsport
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Free first-come primitive campsite at Mile 101.2 on C&O Canal exclusively for hikers and bikers. Good greenbook (80), strong sentiment (4.53), and authentic trailside retreat with picnic tables and grills. Reviews note convenient location though water availability issues mentioned.

Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite

Dickerson
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Free primitive campsite at Mile 42.5 on C&O Canal with chemical toilets and river access. Good greenbook (90.87), solid sentiment (4.26), and authentic back-to-nature experience. Reviews praise seclusion, Potomac River proximity, and ample space despite water pump reliability issues.

Tents

4.3

(224)

Mccoy'S Ferry Campground

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Riverside campground at Mile 110.4 on C&O Canal with 12 single sites and one group site accommodating tents to small RVs. Greenbook caution (66.85) but acceptable for supporting position, good sentiment (4.30), and strong review count (224). Reviews praise natural beauty and Potomac River access despite train noise concerns.

Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker Campsite

Mercersville
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Primitive hiker-biker campsite at Mile 79.2 where creek meets canal and Potomac River. Good greenbook (78.5), solid sentiment (4.29), and authentic primitive facilities. Reviews note picturesque river views and flat tent areas though muddy conditions and steep access mentioned.

Tents

Campground Locations

Showing top 12 campgrounds near Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland

Map of campgrounds near Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland

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Map Key

Savage River State Forest

Adirondack Shelters

Big Run State Park

Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Rohrbach Group Campground

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite

Mccoy'S Ferry Campground

Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker Campsite

View all 53 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Primitive tent camping and backcountry backpackingHiking and wilderness trail explorationTrout and bass fishing in mountain streams and reservoirsWildlife viewing and bird watchingDark sky stargazing and astrophotographyKayaking and canoeing on rivers and reservoirs

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve vehicle-accessible primitive sites at Maryland state forests and parks through the state reservation system well in advance for weekends and fall foliage season, but note that C&O Canal hiker-biker sites remain first-come, first-served with no reservations possible.
2Obtain required backcountry permits for Catoctin Mountain Park's Adirondack Shelters through the National Park Service, and familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols for western Maryland mountains—use bear-resistant food storage or proper hanging techniques.
3Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit, water purification system (tablets, filter, or boiling capability), and backup lighting since primitive sites lack electricity and ambient light pollution.
4Bring layers for temperature fluctuations, especially in mountain locations where nighttime temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees below daytime highs even in summer.

12 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland

Primitive Campgrounds in Maryland FAQ

Maryland has 12+ primitive and dispersed camping areas. Popular options include BLM land, national forests, and designated wilderness areas.

Many primitive camping areas in Maryland are free or have minimal fees ($5-15). Check local regulations for maximum stay limits, typically 14 days on BLM and National Forest land.

Primitive camping in Maryland requires self-sufficiency. Bring your own water, waste disposal bags, and be prepared for no electricity, restrooms, or cell service. Leave No Trace practices are essential.