From mountain lakes and rushing waterfalls to quiet forests and sandy beaches, Maryland packs an amazing variety of camping destinations into one state.
Whether you want to wake up beside the water, spend the day hiking scenic trails, or relax around a campfire under the stars, you’ll find a campground that fits your style.
Some parks are famous for unforgettable natural landmarks, while others hide incredible outdoor adventures that many people overlook.
Keep reading to discover the best state parks for camping in Maryland and find the perfect spot for your next weekend getaway or family camping trip.
📆 Reservations:
Since all of these are Maryland State Parks you can make reservations online at Maryland State Park Reservations or by phone.
1. Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park sits on Assateague Island between the Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay, where wild horses roam beaches, dunes, and marshes.
Here, you can choose from 342 tent, trailer, and RV campsites just steps from the beach, each with a picnic table and fire ring, plus 30-amp electric hookups in G Loop and I Loop.
Be sure to book your spot in advance as most campsites are available only from the last week of April through October.
Once you settle in, head out to swim, surf, beachcomb, fish, paddle the bay, watch birds and horses, or explore the trails at Assateague Island National Seashore.
2. Janes Island State Park
Next, Janes Island State Park spans over 2,900 acres near Crisfield on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, surrounded by salt marshes and Chesapeake Bay waters.
Stay at one of 105 tent or RV campsites, including 50 with electric hookups, each with a camping pad, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and bath houses.
You can also choose a primitive campsite or mini cabin.
When you’re ready to explore, paddle the park’s 30-mile water trail, fish for striped bass, go crabbing, or hike the nature trails.
3. Tuckahoe State Park
Then there’s Tuckahoe State Park, covering 3,994 acres in Caroline and Queen Anne counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with a scenic 60-acre lake at its heart.
Surrounded by nature, you can paddle the lake, hike, bike, ride horseback along the park’s 20 miles of trails, or spot herons and other wildlife along the quiet shoreline.
To extend your visit, choose from 54 family campsites, including 33 with electric hookups, or book one of seven camper cabins, with access to a central bathhouse.
4. Elk Neck State Park
Between the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, you’ll find Elk Neck State Park, home to sandy beaches, scenic marshes, and the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse.
To explore, hike the 1.2-mile Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail to see the 35-foot tower and sweeping bay views, or spend your time fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
After a day outdoors, spend the night at one of 250 campsites or four camper cabins, each with a fire ring, a picnic table, and access to a central bathhouse.
The North East Camping Loop is open year-round so you have plenty of time to find a slot that works for you.
5. Patapsco Valley State Park
Another standout is Patapsco Valley State Park, which follows the Patapsco River for 32 miles and covers about 16,043 acres, making it Maryland’s largest state park.
Here, you can stay at one of the Hollofield Area’s 73 campsites, some with electric hookups, or book one of 12 tent-only sites or six camper cabins in the Hilton Area.
Both campgrounds are open year-round, but it’s still good to reserve in advance.
No matter which area you choose, you can hike the 2.3-mile Cascade Falls Trail, go mountain biking, fish, ride horseback, or rock climb in designated areas.
6. Smallwood State Park
Located near Marbury on Mattawoman Creek, Smallwood State Park spans 984 acres with a marina, boat ramps, hiking trails, and a nature center.
From fishing for largemouth bass and paddling quiet creeks to hiking the trails and touring the historic Smallwood’s Retreat, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
As for camping, you’ll find 18 campsites, including 16 for tents and RVs with 50-amp electric and water hookups, along with two tent-only sites.
For a little extra comfort, you can also stay in a rustic or modern cabin.
7. Cunningham Falls State Park
Up next is Cunningham Falls State Park near Thurmont, home to the famous Cunningham Falls, the state’s largest cascading waterfall at 78 feet.
While you’re here, hike the short 0.5-mile Lower Trail to the falls, swim at Hunting Creek Lake’s designated beach during summer, or fish for trout.
You can then settle into the Manor Area, where you’ll find 20 basic and seven electric campsites open year-round.
From April through October, the William Houck Area also offers 106 basic and 36 electric sites.
8. Deep Creek Lake State Park
Rounding out the list is Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County, set along the northeastern shore of Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, which spans 3,900 acres.
From the water to the surrounding forest, you can kayak or canoe, fish for walleye and trout, hike the 3-mile Cherry Creek Loop, or swim at two sandy beaches.
After a day of exploring, unwind at one of 112 basic or electric campsites, or book a mini cabin, yurt, or bear den with picnic tables and fire rings.
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