Maryland RV Camping And Campgrounds

Maryland RV Camping and Campgrounds

RV camping locations can be found throughout Maryland. From ocean shores and historic parks, to remote mountain locations, there is a great RV camping location waiting for you.

Maryland Private RV Parks

• Private RV Parks - Research tools for finding the best RV parks and campgrounds in Maryland.

Official Maryland RV Camping Information

• National Park Service - Information about camping and recreation opportunities on NPS administered lands in Maryland.
• US Army Corps of Engineers USACE/COE information about water projects and camping in Maryland.
• Maryland State Tourism Website - Where to go, and what to do. Includes campgrounds.
• Maryland State Parks - Information about RV camping and other outdoor recreation opportunities in Maryland state parks, as well as information about camping at the more primitive Reserve Land areas of the state..
• Maryland Wildlife Management Areas - Some state wildlife management area's offer primitive camping in remote settings. Not all locations permit camping so check carefully.

RV Dumps Stations In Maryland

• Sanidumps.com - RV dump locations listed alphabetically by town name.
• RVdumps.com - Places to dump your RV in Maryland.

Maryland Public Campgrounds

Thousands of campsites are available for RV camping at public campgrounds throughout Maryland. The following list of is only an example of the available public campgrounds available in Maryland.

BERLIN
Assateague State Park is Maryland's only ocean park. Two miles of ocean beaches, camping, swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing are available. The island's bay side offers canoeing and kayaking with great wildlife viewing opportunities. The Assateague wild ponies and sika deer inhabit the area.

DENTON
Over 60 campsites are available with 30 having power hookups for RVs. Hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, playground and more await you at Martinak State Park. Don't forget to visit the nature center.

ELLICOTT CITY
Over 16,000 acres in 8 separate developed areas are available for varied recreation including camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails await you at Patapsco Valley State Park.

GRANTSVILLE
Savage River State Forest is Maryland's largest public lands area with more than 54,000 acres. This area offers the least expensive public camping in Maryland we know of at $5 per night. There are over 50 roadside primitive campsites available on a first come first serve basis. Activities include biking trails, boat launch, cross country skiing, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trail, historic interest, hunting, picnic, riding trails, shelters, snowmobiling, and white water canoeing.

OAKLAND
Some of Maryland's best scenery can found at Swallow Falls State Park. This mountain park offers hiking, biking, boating, fishing, fire rings, and picnic tables. 66 wooded campsites, with only 3 having full RV hookups.

THURMONT
The National Park Service offers Catoctin Mountain Park. Activities for the whole family including fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and horse trails. Limited length RV spaces.

UPPER MARLBORO
Cedarville State Forest offers over 3500 acres with activities for the whole family including fishing, hiking, biking, and horse trails.

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Federal Public Land
RV Camping Information

USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS policies and rules about RV camping. Information about dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.

NPS (National Park Service) - General information about RV camping and campgrounds in US National Parks. With campgrounds in the most historic and scenic places in the country, the NPS offers some of the best places for RV camping.

USACE/COE (US Army Corp of Engineers) - USACE (perhaps better know as COE) manages water recreation areas throughout the USA. Information about finding USACE lakes, RV camping possibilities, and rules and policies for use of these water based recreation areas is included.

Free and Low Cost
RV Camping Ideas In Maryland

Here's a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight RV camping or parking location in Maryland. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don't ask permission, you end up "sneaking" into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.

Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission.

• Truck Stops - Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!
• Walmart - Not all stores allow overnight RV parking in Maryland due to city ordinances. Check store for policy.
• Nightclubs - Had one too many or just pretending?
• Grain Elevators - Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
• Fraternal Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.
• Cemetery - Sounds creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
• Fairgrounds - State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
• Parks - City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.
• Churches - You can almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
• Hotel Parking Lots - Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?
• Truck Terminals - Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission.
• RV Dealers - Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.
• Cracker Barrel - These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
• Movie Theaters - Too tired to drive home after the late show?
• Highway Rest Areas - All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
• Drive In Movies - Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?
• Vehicle Repair Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
• Big Box Retailers - Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
• Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest area.

As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking possibilities in Maryland. If you are not asking permission, it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.