The best camping near Western Maryland Rail Trail

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Western Maryland Rail Trail adventure.

Discover the scenic Western Maryland Rail Trail and its outdoor delights.

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Community favorites near Western Maryland Rail Trail

Top-rated campgrounds near Western Maryland Rail Trail

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Beespoke Farms

11 sites · Lodging25 acres · Sabillasville, MD

A small, startup farm focused on regenerative agriculture and producing environmentally friendly products through environmentally friendly processes. With roughly 15 acres of grazing and forested space, and another 9 acres developing projects and orchard planting, we're located along the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is both A-frame camping and 'pitch your own tent' camping space available.

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Bears Den Campground

5 sites · Tents66 acres · Bluemont, VA

Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Individual site capacities are varied! Please take note of this when selecting your site upon checkout. Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.

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Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Clearville, PA

We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however we do ask that you clean up after them, waste can be thrown into the trash can at the sites. Also all dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. No exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-10 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.

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Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

6 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Bolivar, WV

Surrounded by tall Oak and Poplar trees 1mile off the Appalachian trail. Cars do fine driving into the spot to park. There is some wood around to burn to forage for. Lots of trails l, breweries, wineries, rivers and such nearby. This is not good for toddlers but kids 6 and up will be fine. Thank you and enjoy

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Somerset Resort

36 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Friedens, PA

Somerset Resort, formerly known as Rainbow Woods Campground, was brought under new ownership in 2024. Our goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere for you to enjoy the outdoors. We are located in the heart of the Laurel Highlands in Somerset County. We are a mixed-use 33-site resort with modern cabins, log cabins, and transient RV sites available for nightly and monthly bookings. Explore scenic trails, majestic waterfalls, and charming small towns. Indulge in outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Discover serenity and adventure in this picturesque Pennsylvania paradise. Forget the camping supplies, and come stay in our luxurious modern cabins. These cabins are complete with beds, a living room, a kitchen, and a full bathroom. Enjoy the outdoors like never before. Enjoy the Somerset woods by bringing your RV to Somerset Resort. With pull-through and back-in sites available, enjoy a quiet campground in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. We look forward to seeing you. A highlight of Somerset Resort is the luxury cabins. With both modern and log styles to choose from, enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors from the comfort of a park model cabin.

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Ridge Rider Campground

85 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents220 acres · Little Orleans, MD

Where the Potomac River snakes out of the Western Maryland highlands near Little Orleans, MD lies the Ridge Rider Campground. We claim more than 220 acres of the country’s most beautiful, practically untouched woodlands, but it’s all yours – to explore, to fish, to commune with nature and your fellow travelers, whatever is your desire. Equally home to the rugged and the relaxed, Ridge Rider is pure camping in the best American tradition, whether you’re tent camping, driving your RV, or staying in a quaint cabin. Your family will treasure Ridge Rider. We have some unique features, like group tenting and air-conditioned and heated, cabins where some are pet-friendly. We’re also a favorite for whole-season guests. We’ve designed Ridge Rider to be a vacation in itself. At the central facility, you can enjoy the recreation room full of pool tables, pinball machines, and games. You’ll also find RV parts, hunting and fishing supplies, firewood, and ice at the Camp Store. We’re rich in outdoor recreation, with a sparkling clear swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a terrific playground for kids with a log playhouse. Hot showers, a brand-new laundry, and a multi-use pavilion complete the necessities. No wonder so many campers stay all season.

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Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

7 sites · Tents30 acres · Walkersville, MD

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet.

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Wilbur's Shed

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Blairs Mills, PA

Let your children and dogs roam free without a leash. This property is remote and private. There are no neighbors nearby. This location is; twenty minutes north of I-76 Turnpike Willow Hill Exit forty-five minutes from Raystown Lake one hour and thirty minutes north of Gettysburg one hour and thirty minutes south of PSU three hours east of Pittsburgh three hours west of Philadelphia five hours west of NYC There is some cell service, but it is limited. Can you hear me now? Be sure to save site information on your phone before you leave, in case you lose cell-service. This is not Alaska, but it is not a KOA campground, either. We recommend you print of bring a paper map. Your GPS will not bring you to the exact driveway location. You need to be personally observant. This is the top of a mountain ridge. The access lane is steep, rocky, and has water erosion ditches you must drive over. Do not attempt this if you have a low profile car or a new/fragile camper. 4WD/AWD is highly recommended. Low profile and fancy cars are not recommended. This is not Alaska, but it is not a paved KOA campground, either. This camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis & Clark, or Teddy Roosevelt. It is NOT for those who like their campground to be like The Villages of Florida where everything is flat, paved over, and you drive golf carts. This location is in a mix of farmland and mountain Appalachia. You will see common species such as chipmunks, squirrels turkey and deer. Many bird species. There are also porcupines, skunks, and black snakes around. You may also see black bear - it is rare, but possible. You are visiting wildlife species in their natural habitat. Please be self-aware of your own level comfort with wildlife. Once again, this is not an RVs park where you will socialize with a hundred other campers. This is primitive and isolated. This is an ideal camping spot if you want to escape from people. Nearby is the Tuscarora Creek which is excellent for trout fishing. The Tuscarora has a small but lovely window for kayaking from mid-March through the end of May. Please contact the host if you would like help to plan some paddle logistics. Twenty minutes south is Big Spring State Park which has an abandoned RR tunnel form the late 1800s. Forty-five minutes away is the 1,000 steps near Mt. Union which is part of the Standing Stone Trail that runs from Cowan’s Gap State Park to PSU. The Steps provides and amazing view of the Juniata River, and is a strenuous heart work-out. If you are interested in historic trains, East Broad Top Railroad is in Mt. Union. If members of your party would like a more pampered camping experience that includes real beds and hot showers, there is an adjoining property for rent on air b and b. Google search for The Crowe's Lounge.

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The Bluffs at Cedar Creek

1 site · RV, Tent600 acres · Star Tannery, VA

This is part of an 863 acre farm that has been bought sold and re-bought. Cedar Creek me Anders through the center of this property it is absolutely gorgeous a 4 mile trail lead you to the other end of the property and back around.

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Taylors Landing Camping Club

13 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Sharpsburg, MD

ONLY use 16869 Taylors Landing Rd, Sharpsburg Md for your GPS directions. UPON BOOKING, PLEASE CHECK THE "ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS" FOR YOUR SITE'S SELF CHECK IN INSTRUCTIONS. Experience the beauty of this historic property, featuring a mix of woodland, grassy hilltops, and clover filled bottomlands. Come and enjoy the near direct access to the C&O Canal Historic Park and Towpath and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 11 similar sites available for your camping pleasure in our clover filled bottomland as well as our Hilltop sites for maximum privacy, exclusivity and star gazing potential. The natural Shade/Privacy nooks will keep the midday sun off of tents and the surrounding old growth forest makes for a great hike up to a very accessible and kid friendly cave to explore. Whether you stay for a day or a month, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquil waters of the Potomac River. Throughout the summer, the river offers a user-friendly experience as water levels recede. Embark on float trips, kayaking, excellent fishing, swimming, cave exploring, or visit the historic towns and the Antietam Battlefields nearby for a touch of civilization during your stay. We have two kayaks and 4 SUP's, and numerous inner tubes on site free of charge. We have some life vests, but if you have your own, bring those along. Explore the endless miles of easy biking, hiking on the C&O Canal Towpath. Whether looking for adventure or just chill, down time, this location is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. There is limited shade in the camping areas after 2-3:00 PM depending on the time of year. We're working on large area sun shelters but haven't gotten there just yet. The river's beach is shady or filtered sun all day long. 4wd or All Wheel Drive are strongly recommended. If it's been dry, single wheel drive is fine, but if we get a hard rain the day before or during the stay, I'll possibly be pulling you up the hill a short distance to exit. Please pre-order firewood via a message to me if at all possible, so I can have it waiting for you. $30.00 buys you a long night's burn worth of all seasoned hardwood. Cash venmo paypal zelle all accepted upon arrival. PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AFTER BOOKING!! We share a driveway with the Shepherds Springs Outdoor Ministry and want to make sure you don't pass our entrance as the only place to turn around is up at their lodge.

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Korgemae Farm Happy Heart Highlands

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Knoxville, MD

Peaceful camping with privacy on a 160-acre historic farm! Minutes from Harpers Ferry, Antietam Battlefield and the C&O Canal to name a few. We are within an hour of Gettysburg or DC is within an hour and a half if you're planning a day trip. We have a prime central location with close access to so many things to do. This beautiful property is nestled in a narrow valley between Elk Ridge and South Mountain with incredible sunrises, sunsets and starlit night skies. Walk out to the fishing pond, or follow the trails around the pastures to meet the cattle grazing in our pastures. We have Scottish Highlands grazing in one of our pastures and Black Angus in another. We are a working farm so expect to see tractors and you may even see us baling hay or tending to the cattle. We enjoy talking to our guests so feel free to stop us for a chat.

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Tiny House at Tiny Hidden Ridge

3 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Knoxville, MD

We are 1 mile from the C&O canal for bicycle riding, and 1 mile from Maryland Heights hiking trail, and two miles from the Appalachian Trail. This tiny house is on our 5 acre mini farm where we have a few animals and a small garden. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits, grill, and swing for relaxing and watching the deer pass by.

The best camping near Western Maryland Rail Trail guide

Overview

About

Cycle along the scenic Western Maryland Rail Trail and indulge in a camping experience like no other. This 26-mile trail offers picturesque landscapes, charming towns to explore, and campsites for restful nights under the stars. Enjoy the serenity of the trail, soak in the beauty of the countryside, and create memories of a lifetime as you embark on this cycling and camping adventure.

When to go

The Western Maryland Rail Trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from spring to fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Winter can be cold and less ideal for outdoor activities. Always check the weather before your trip, as the trail can become muddy after heavy rains.

Know before you go

Trail hours are from sunrise to sunset, providing ample time for a full day of exploration.
Class 1 electric bicycles are welcome on the trail, adhering to the same rules as traditional bikes.
Be aware of the Indigo Tunnel closure and use the designated by-pass.
The trail is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.
For a more interactive visit, download the Activity Booklet online before your trip.