Mountain Camping in Maryland
Discover the best mountain camping across Maryland. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Perched on Maryland's highest plateau, this Appalachian sanctuary delivers authentic mountain terrain where ridgelines meet rushing rivers and dense forest canopy stretches endlessly toward distant peaks.
Towering ancient hemlocks frame dramatic waterfall vistas where Muddy Creek Falls plunges 53 feet into a misty gorge, creating a mountain cathedral along the rushing Youghiogheny River.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain's forested ridges rise around camp, where trail systems climb through ancient hardwood canopies to ridgetop vistas overlooking the Blue Ridge.
About Mountain Camping in Maryland
Mountain camping in Maryland offers an unexpected Appalachian escape in the state's western highlands, where the rugged terrain of Garrett and Allegany counties rises to meet ancient forests and cascading waterfalls. Despite Maryland's modest size, its western panhandle delivers authentic mountain experiences with elevations reaching over 3,000 feet in the Savage River State Forest and dramatic ridgelines throughout the Catoctin Mountains.
Best Time
Late spring through mid-October offers the most reliable mountain camping conditions in Maryland, with May and June providing comfortable temperatures, blooming mountain laurel, and rushing waterfalls fed by spring runoff. Summer months bring warm days perfect for swimming in mountain lakes and streams, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in the highlands and humidity can be high even at elevation.
Scenery Highlights
- Stunning mountain panoramas
- Cool alpine temperatures
- Alpine lakes and meadows
- World-class hiking trails
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Maryland
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve popular mountain campgrounds like Swallow Falls and Owens Creek 3-6 months in advance for summer and fall weekends, as these fill quickly through Maryland's state park reservation system.
- 2For Savage River State Forest's primitive sites, obtain free camping permits from the forest headquarters and carry detailed maps, as cell service is unreliable and forest roads can be confusing.
- 3Pack layers even in summer—mountain temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees at night compared to Baltimore, and sudden weather changes are common in the highlands.
- 4Bring a quality rain fly and ground tarp, as afternoon thunderstorms frequently roll through the mountains, and rocky terrain can create drainage challenges.
Mountain Camping in Maryland FAQ
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