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
Savage River State Forest
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.
Swallow Falls State Park
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.
Owens Creek Campground
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
Explore Mountain Camping in Maryland
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
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
We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Maryland based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Maryland requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Maryland typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
Popular Maryland Campgrounds Book Fast
The best mountain camping in Maryland book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
Outdoorithm
Just now
🎉 Site opened up!
Savage River State Forest
Your preferred dates
Quick! This site typically books within hours.
Find Your Perfect Maryland Campground
Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.
- Search 20+ mountain camping in Maryland
- Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
- Get personalized recommendations for your trip
- Compare campground amenities
- Check weather forecasts
No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.
