Elk Neck State Park is a beautiful, natural getaway located on the Chesapeake Bay in northeastern Maryland. Known for its picturesque views, forested trails, and diverse wildlife, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and families looking for an enjoyable retreat.

    Accommodations:

    • Campsites: The park offers both tent and RV campsites, with some featuring electric hookups. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers is available.
    • Cabins: For those seeking a more comfortable stay, Elk Neck State Park offers cozy, rustic cabins complete with kitchens, bathrooms, heating/air conditioning, and a relaxing space for family gatherings.

    Amenities:

    • Restrooms & Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are available for campers and visitors.
    • Picnic Areas: Multiple picnic areas are located throughout the park, each with tables and grills, making them perfect for family meals and outdoor dining.
    • Boat Ramp: A boat ramp provides access to the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
    • Visitor Center: The visitor center offers information on park history, local wildlife, and environmental education programs.

    Activities:

    • Hiking & Biking: The park features over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the famous Turkey Point Trail, which leads to stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay.
    • Fishing & Boating: The park provides excellent opportunities for fishing from the shore or by boat, with species such as striped bass, perch, and catfish abundant in the area.
    • Wildlife Viewing: Elk Neck is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species, making it a great destination for wildlife watching and photography.
    • Swimming: The park features a sandy beach area on the Chesapeake Bay where visitors can swim and relax by the water.
    • Geocaching: For those who enjoy treasure hunts, Elk Neck offers several geocaching opportunities throughout the park.

    Walmart in Oakland Maryland is a Parking Lot providing free camping opportunities. Post pictures and leave reviews for others

    Walmart in Pocomoke City Maryland is a Parking Lot providing free camping opportunities. Post pictures and leave reviews for others

    Furnace Town Parking Lot in Snow Hill Maryland is a Parking Lot providing free camping opportunities. Post pictures and leave reviews for others

    Cracker Barrel in Hagerstown Maryland is a Parking Lot providing free camping opportunities. Post pictures and leave reviews for others

    Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont Maryland offers primitive and partial hookup RV and tent camping located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. The William Houck Area located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77 has the lake area, falls and camping area. The Manor Area off Route 15 three miles south of Thurmont has the Scales and Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace.

    Savage River State Forest, located in the heart of western Maryland, is the largest state forest in the state, spanning over 54,000 acres of rugged, unspoiled wilderness. This expansive forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, making it a favorite destination for hikers, campers, anglers, hunters, and those seeking solitude in nature. Its rich landscape of dense forests, rolling hills, and pristine streams provides an ideal retreat for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Maryland.

    Amenities and Features:

    • Primitive Camping: Savage River State Forest offers primitive camping with designated campsites scattered throughout the forest. These sites are rugged and remote, providing a true wilderness experience.
    • Hiking Trails: The forest boasts over 80 miles of hiking trails, including the scenic Big Savage Mountain Trail and the Meadow Mountain Trail. These trails offer hikers views of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and picturesque streams.
    • Fishing: Anglers can enjoy trout fishing in the Savage River and the nearby Savage River Reservoir, known for its clean waters and abundant trout population, as well as bass and panfish.
    • Boating and Canoeing: The Savage River Reservoir provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, offering a peaceful way to explore the water.
    • Hunting: With thousands of acres open to public hunting, the forest is a popular destination for hunting deer, turkey, and small game during designated seasons.
    • Snowmobiling and Cross-Country Skiing: In the winter, the forest’s trails are open to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, offering a wide range of year-round activities.
    • Scenic Overlooks: Several scenic overlooks within the forest provide breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains and the surrounding valleys.
    • Pet-Friendly: Savage River State Forest is pet-friendly, making it an ideal location for outdoor adventurers who want to bring their pets along.

    With its remote wilderness and diverse recreational activities, Savage River State Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature and explore the stunning beauty of Maryland’s Appalachian Mountains. Whether you’re hiking the trails, fishing the rivers, or camping under the stars, this forest offers a true back-to-nature experience.

    Green Ridge State Forest, located in Flintstone, Maryland, is the largest contiguous forest in the state and offers a rugged, back-to-nature experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive 49,000-acre forest is known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and a wide range of recreational activities, making it a haven for campers, hikers, hunters, and adventurers seeking solitude and exploration in the Appalachian Mountains.

    Amenities and Features:

    • Primitive Camping: Green Ridge State Forest is known for its primitive, backcountry camping. Campsites are rustic and remote, offering a true wilderness experience with minimal amenities—just fire rings and picnic tables. A permit is required for camping.
    • Hiking Trails: The forest offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, including sections of the Green Ridge Hiking Trail and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath. These trails wind through dense forests, ridgelines, and along rivers, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
    • Mountain Biking: The forest is a favorite among mountain bikers, with several trails offering challenging terrain and scenic routes.
    • Fishing and Boating: Green Ridge is bordered by the Potomac River and several streams, making it an ideal location for anglers and boaters. The Potomac is known for its excellent bass and catfish fishing.
    • Hunting: The forest is open for hunting during designated seasons, and it’s a popular spot for deer, turkey, and small game hunting.
    • Scenic Driving Routes: For those looking to explore the forest by car, Green Ridge features several scenic driving routes, including the 18-mile Green Ridge Driving Tour, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
    • Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the forest, making it an excellent destination for travelers with pets.

    With its rugged, undeveloped landscape and opportunities for outdoor adventure, Green Ridge State Forest is the perfect destination for those seeking a remote, natural escape in Maryland’s Appalachian wilderness. Whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, or simply exploring the scenic beauty, Green Ridge offers an authentic backcountry experience.

    Big Run State Park, located in Swanton, Maryland, is a serene and nature-filled getaway nestled within the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. With its close proximity to Savage River State Forest, this park offers a perfect retreat for campers, hikers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful connection to nature.

    Amenities and Features:

    • Primitive Camping: The park offers primitive campsites, ideal for those looking for a more rugged and authentic outdoor experience. These sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for cozy campfires.
    • Cabin Rentals: For campers looking for more comfort, the park offers rustic cabins that provide shelter while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
    • Savage River Reservoir: One of the park’s highlights is its access to the Savage River Reservoir, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Anglers will appreciate the reservoir’s plentiful trout, bass, and walleye.
    • Hiking Trails: Big Run State Park is surrounded by several scenic hiking trails that wind through the forested landscape, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
    • Picnic Areas: Picnic tables and pavilions are available for families and groups, making it a great spot for day trips or gatherings.
    • Pet-Friendly: The park welcomes pets, so you can bring along your furry companions.
    • Nearby Savage River State Forest: Visitors can explore the larger Savage River State Forest, offering even more hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities.

    With its rustic charm, proximity to the Savage River Reservoir, and access to the surrounding state forest, Big Run State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in western Maryland.

    Immerse yourself in the luxurious Ocean City Cottage lifestyle, filled with abundant amenities and endless enjoyment. Discover Shore Point Cottages, an independent vacation rental community that caters to the entire family, including your beloved pets. Select from our exquisite two-bedroom or one-bedroom deluxe accommodations, each boasting a private porch, expansive living rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and sleeping arrangements to suit the whole family.

    The McCoys Ferry Campground is located at Mile 110.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the towns of Big Pool and Big Spring on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are drive-in, large enough to park a very small fifth wheel/travel trailer/RV/pop-out with a 20′ ft. maximum. McCoys Ferry has a tunnel access which limits vehicle height to 10′ 3″.

    The campground has 12 single drive-in campsites. Each single will accommodate up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is one group site available with space for two vehicles and a small trailer or support vehicle less than 20 ft. The group site can accommodate 30 people and has four picnic tables with grill and fire pit. Protected pit toilets and accessible portable toilets are available. Potable hand pump water is available April 15 – November 1. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath. Parking is allowed in the drive-in campsites and the adjacent parking lot for vehicles with trailers.

    The most popular activity for McCoys Ferry campers is boating and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and fisherman alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

    The Fifteen Mile Creek Campground is located at Mile 140 on the C&O Canal Towpath, in the town of Little Orleans upstream of Hancock and downstream of Paw Paw, WV, on the Maryland side of the of the Potomac River. The campsites are drive-in, large enough to park a small fifth wheel/travel trailer/RV/pop-out with a 20′ ft. maximum.

    The campground has nine single drive-in campsites. There is one group site available that does not have direct vehicle access. The group site can accommodate 30 people. Each single will accommodate up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Protected pit toilets are located between campsite #3 and campsite #4 along the dead end circle. Potable hand pump water is available from April 15 – October 31. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath. Parking is allowed in the drive-in campsites and the adjacent parking lot for vehicles with trailers and support vehicles for the group site.

    Fifteen Mile Creek Campground is adjacent to the confluence of Fifteen Mile Creek and the Potomac River on the Maryland side. Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, natural beauty is plentiful all times of the year, but especially during autumn. The most popular activity for Fifteen Mile Creek campers is boating and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and fisherman alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

    The Spring Gap Campground is located at Mile 173.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath, near the city of Cumberland on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

    Spring Gap Campground offers 12 single drive-in campsites and two drive-in group sites. Campsites 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13 can fit a single vehicle (i.e., car/pickup/van). Campsites 3-7, 12, 14 can fit a small 20 ft. or less RV/trailer/pop-up. Single sites can accommodate up to eight people. Each single has a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Campsites 9 and 10 are group sites capable of holding 30 people each. The group site has room for two vehicles. The group site has four picnic tables, a fire pit and grill. Pit and portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available April 15 – November 1.

    Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Cumberland, MD, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year but, especially during autumn.

    The most popular activities for Spring Gap campers are hiking the local trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, and kayaking or canoeing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and fisherman alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

    Wooley Swamp Farm in Snow Hill North Carolina provides primitive and electric hookup RV and cabin camping in a rustic setting focused on the live game hunts. Fishing is also available the park recently (2017) re-opened following devastating flooding. Located in a thicket of trees this destination primarily appeals to hunters and anglers. A 6 acre catch and release pond and access to the Contentnea Creek for fishing. Hunters of all skill range enjoy scheduled hunting packages for hogs, rams, and Spanish goat.