The best camping near Shawnee State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shawnee State Park adventure.

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Discover Shawnee State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Shawnee State Park

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The Byrd's Nest on the River

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Great Cacapon , WV

~ Voted West Virginia's No. 1 HIPCAMP, three years in a row!! ~ The Byrd's Nest is a river front, primitive campsite on the scenic Cacapon River in Great Cacapon, WV. The property is very secluded, but only 2 hrs from D. C. and Baltimore. The space can accommodate 5 tents comfortably or a few very small campers (w/o hookups). Please note- I only book one group at a time. You'll have plenty of privacy. Spend your day bird watching on the river deck, put up your hammock and chill, go hiking or mountain biking at Cacapon State Park, take the kayaks out and paddle around, go fishing, or take a float trip. I can provide info on put in/take out spots depending on how long you'd like to float. I have 3 tubes available for your use, and 3 kayaks, or BYO if you'd like to venture further outside of the property lines. There is one big fire ring for cooking and/or bonfires, along with a large stationary stand up charcoal camp grill. There is also a small shed down at camp that contains rope, tarps, shovel, shade tent, tackle box, extra torch fuel etc.. feel free to use use and put back and or/ contribute to it. :) This spot is close by to Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw Tunnel, Cacapon State Park, and other nature preserves. More hiking, biking, restaurants, spas, antiquing- all within a beautiful 20 minute drive if you wish to venture out. If I do not respond soon after your inquiry, it's because I am without reception. Even if your inquiry expires in 24 hours, I will still get back to you! Thanks in advance for your patience. There is a cabin on the property. I will more often be home than not, I will communicate with you about that around your stay. Sometimes I"ll come down to the river frontage if I drop in for a float. Also, we all get around on four wheelers and UTV's. So you will hear them from time to time. If I am home, please feel free to come up if you have any concerns/questions or to say hi! :) *Please note, you can normally get to this site without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. However, when the river is high it will sometimes flood the low water bridge where it crosses the Cacapon. If this is the case during your stay, there is a back way in over the ridge. You will absolutely need 4 wheel drive with clearance and it takes about 30 minutes longer and a sense of adventure- but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views and waterfalls at the switchbacks:) This route in is only an option when the bridge is flooded, as it is a private road that has many gates. I will provide all necessary information before your stay regarding projected river levels and directions. I will also offer a full refund if the bridge is impassable and you decide not to come. Sadly, the floating dock you see in the older pictures did not make it through the river ice last winter. However, the deck is now turned into another tent platform! In addition to that, there is now a 9x14 pavilion and a porta john for your use! *Please visit Cacaponriver.org prior to your stay for more info on our beautiful river:)

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Blase ‘n Love Forest

4 sites · Tents20 acres · MD

We have a beautiful forested mountain that sits at the southern edge of the GreenRidge State Forest. We sit on top of the Paw Paw tunnel and have access to the C and O Canal Trail. We view this place has nature's forest that we are stewards of. We are reclaiming this land that was clear cut over a hundred years ago for an apple orchard and then used as a sawmill and car dump. We have a beautiful deciduous and pine forest with an incredible scenic mountain top that can view the Potomac River at one end. Each day we are working the land to create a beautiful back to nature spot for campers, hikers, bikers, river and travel enthusiasts. Currently we are suited for being a “bring all your stuff with you” camping as we are completely off grid.

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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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Cosey Cabin

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Greencastle, PA

This is a 160 square foot tiny house/cabin in a small wooded area at the rear of my 2 acre property. A separate 90 square foot bath house is also provided. Both are primitive, ie, no electric or running water. The are some solar lights and candles for nighttime. Enjoy laying in the hammocks with a nice camp fire in the evening. The house is heated with a small wood stove but there is no air conditioning. Cook either on the wood stove or over the fire outside. In the summertime it is nice and private with the surrounding vegetation

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Ridge Top Retreat

5 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · Westover, PA

We are located in beautiful Clearfield county Pennysalvina. Our farm is on over 150 acres. It’s has been in the family for generations. It has beautiful farm views with wooded areas. There is lots of wildlife to see. Including bear, bobcat, deer, eagles, fishers, and many other species. We have lots of hiking trails and our property also boarders state game lands. It’s a short drive to the Susquehanna River and other parks. You can also enjoy the cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, and turkeys at the farm. Contact the host and set up a time to visit and feed the animals. Learn more about our family farm and the animals. We also have a sawmill and wood shop. Nearby is Bilgers Rocks, Rock Run Atv Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, the Susquehanna River, and many other fantastic outdoor activities. It’s a place to unwind and relax. And connect with nature.

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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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Paradise By The Pond

1 site · RV, Tent200 acres · Martinsburg, PA

Learn more about this land: A large 2 acre pond you are free to fish in. A small row boat with life vests is provided. We recently added two kayaks! Large mouth bass and sunfish/bluegills mostly. Down a lane about 1/3 mile, large field, by the woods. No hookups, No electricity, No neighbors very private! Large field for pets to romp. We are very flexible on check-in and check-out times. 30 Minutes to Raystown.

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Sleepy Hollow Campground

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Grantsville, MD

This property and farm has been in our family for 3 generations. In 1964 my grandfather started the campground due to limited camping at New Germany. My father tells stories of it being filled with guests all summer long! Over the years there was few upgrades and now it's in need of a facelift. Landscaping, electric upgrades and bathhouse remodels were completed Spring 2021. We will continue to renovate in phases it's been a labor of love, but you can still see the beauty of this rural location and enjoy the peace and quiet. Hope you enjoy your stay. Lots of trees, shade and nature. It's located near New Germany State Park, 1.5 miles by car, less than a mile by foot. The state park has a lake and hiking trails. Garrett County has so much to offer, waterfalls, lakes, hiking, skiing, Amish gifts, history, fresh air, beautiful scenery. The campground was first started in 1964 by my grandparents, we are currently completing renovations in phases.

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Apple Mountain Nature Retreat

7 sites · RVs, Tents105 acres · Little Orleans, MD

Learn more about this land: Apple Mountain Nature Retreat consist of 105 acres , of private property, forest and fields, bordering Greenridge State Forest, 46,000 acres of preserved state lands in the beautiful mountain side of Maryland! All of this state land is open to you. Our campsites range from close to "civilization" to very isolated. Adjacent to a 26 mile marked hiking trail through Greenridge State Forest. Fantastic isolated swimming hole in a pristine mountain creek! Fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, nature watching and all the benefits of really private property await our campers. The Potomac river is a half mile away as is the C&O Canal Towpath and the Western Maryland Rail Trail network. Check us out.

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Canoe Creek Camping

10 sites · RVs100 acres · Hollidaysburg, PA

Located in Hollidaysburg, PA, Canoe Creek Camping offers a secluded camping experience.Close attractions include Canoe Creek State Park, Horseshoe Curve, Allegheny Portage Railroad, Altoona Railroaders Museum, DelGrosso's Amusement Park, 1000 Steps, Lower Rails to Trails, Altoona Curve Double A Baseball, and much more!

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Ferns in the Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs32 acres · Farmington, PA

Learn more about this land: This wooded area is 5 miles away from the Ohiopyle State Park whitewater launch area and GAP bike trail. We are less than 9 miles from Frank Lloyd Wright's Classic Fallingwater and about 8 miles from Kentuck Knob one of the last resident homes he designed (both are open for tours). Fort Necessity National Battlefield is 5 miles away. There are numerous native trout streams in the area. Youghiogheny Reservoir is 7 miles away for fishing, boat rentals, and water-sports. The Fern House is the primary camp cabin on the property in 2024. Although if someone would want to park a "self contained" camper or small RV on the property we would permit the unit to occupy the area in front of the driveway just pass the entrance gate. It is not within the ferns and is next to the road. There is an electrical outlet available at this small RV or van camper site. We are "nice pet" friendly. We have a mountain spring (when the spring is running) up the trail road (450 feet away). The ferns will normally be in full glory by the end of May to the beginning of October and are amazing, covering the forest floor. Deer, bear, wild turkey, fox, chipmunks, squirrels and many woodland birds abound the property especially owls. A picnic table, fire ring and firewood is available on the property. Free WiFi on the property as long as the plant life is not too thick! There is a mile hiking loop right on the property and many challenging trails in the area, including the starting point for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

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Primitive Cozy Cabin

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Great Cacapon, WV

Indulge in the ultimate off-grid glamping retreat across 7 acres of private serenity. Immerse yourself in the tranquil symphony of raindrops tapping on the metal roof and the harmonious melody of birds perched in the surrounding trees. Just a stone's throw away, a small spring-fed water hole beckons, creating a soothing oasis only 30 feet from your cozy cabin. On sun-kissed days, bask in the luxury of enhanced solar-powered amenities, ensuring a seamless blend of sustainable living and comfort. Excitingly, we now offer the flexibility to plug in the cabin for unlimited power, providing an added layer of convenience. Even in the rare event of a power outage, rest assured, the solar system remains fully operational. For modern adventurers, a dedicated RV Nema 14-50 plug awaits, compatible with the Tesla mobile charger, catering to electric vehicle enthusiasts. Your off-grid experience is now elevated, offering the best of both worlds – a harmonious connection with nature and the convenience of unlimited power. Escape to our glamping oasis, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to enhance your connection with the great outdoors.

The best camping near Shawnee State Park guide

Overview

About

For a totally modern balance between civilization and nature, check out 3,983-acre Shawnee State Park. Fully equipped to accommodate all outdoor activity staples, this place will appeal to water recreation enthusiasts as well as land lubbers and winter sports buffs. For a relaxing afternoon, you can picnic, take a boat out on Shawnee Lake, or take a short drive to the historic town of Bedford. Those looking to add some oomph to their day can roam the over 3,000 acres available to hunters, or just enjoy the park’s 16 miles of trails. Disc golf and biking, along with a wide variety of winter activities such as sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, are yours to enjoy in one of the coolest parts of Pennsylvania’s gorgeous Ridge and Valley Province. A substantial range of camping and lodging options are the cherry on top of this dreamy wilderness sundae!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Shawnee State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months bring warmth perfect for water activities, while winter offers a quiet, frosty landscape for those who enjoy the brisk outdoors.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions and park alerts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for your outdoor adventures.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing to navigate the park's diverse terrains comfortably.
Respect wildlife habitats and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
Stay informed about the park's operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, to plan your activities accordingly.