Dispersed Camping in Frederick County, Maryland
Showing 21 locations in Frederick County.
Annapolis Rock Backcountry Campsites
A designated walk-in backcountry camping area located along the Appalachian Trail near the scenic Annapolis Rock overlook. The site features numbered tent pads, a natural spring for water, and vault toilet facilities, offering a rustic experience for backpackers. Camping is restricted to these designated sites. This walk-in location does not accommodate vehicles of any kind.
Anytime Fitness - Spring Ridge
An urban parking option located in a suburban commercial plaza in Spring Ridge.
Anytime Fitness - Thurmont
A paved shopping plaza parking lot outside a local fitness center. Overnight stays are highly variable and restricted to self-contained vehicles.
Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite
An official hiker-biker campsite located at Mile 50.3 of the C&O Canal towpath. Offering primitive single-night stays for non-motorized trail users, the site features a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill. Seasonal water is non-potable and must be treated.
Blue Belly Farms
A modern solar-powered working farm offering private paid overnight stays with electrical hookups, EV charging, and a modern restroom facility.
Brunswick City Campground
A developed city-managed campground situated on the Potomac River, offering basic dry camping options and hookup sites. Located adjacent to an active train yard, it provides convenient access to local attractions but experiences frequent train noise.
Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Campsite
A designated hike-in and bike-in primitive campsite situated along the scenic Potomac River corridor.
Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Campsite
Calico Rocks is an official hiker-biker campsite located directly along the scenic C&O Canal towpath. Designated for non-motorized travelers only, the site features basic facilities including a chemical toilet, a picnic table, and a grill, though water supply is treated with iodine and shut off seasonally.
Camp Misty Mount
A historic cabin camp built in 1937 featuring rustic American chestnut cabins, a seasonal swimming pool, and modern comfort stations with hot showers. Ideal for individuals and groups looking for structured rustic lodging within Catoctin Mountain Park.
Camp Round Meadow
A large-scale historic group facility featuring four dormitory buildings, a commercial kitchen, a dining hall, a gymnasium, and a conference room. The complex can accommodate up to 120 guests and is primarily leased to organizations, schools, and large retreats.
Catoctin Mountain Historic Camps
A historic cluster of developed group facilities and cabin rentals inside Catoctin Mountain Park. This zone features Camp Misty Mount, which offers vintage stone and chestnut cabins, and Camp Round Meadow, a large-group facility with dormitories and a gymnasium. Both sites provide an excellent base for organized groups and cabin enthusiasts exploring the park's trail system.
Cracker Barrel Frederick
An asphalt parking lot located at a Cracker Barrel with designated long RV and bus spots. Overnight stays require explicit manager permission and formal registration at the front desk. The lot is level and easily accessible, though standard highway noise is present throughout the night.
Gambrill State Park Campground
Located in the scenic High Knob area of Gambrill State Park, this campground offers wooded sites on Catoctin Mountain. Positioned near several prominent overlooks, including the Middletown and Frederick Overlooks, visitors enjoy direct trail access. Camping is strictly restricted to designated, reservation-only sites within the state park.
Houck Area Campground
Houck Area Campground is the primary developed campground at Cunningham Falls State Park, nestled in the scenic Catoctin Mountains. The site offers over 100 heavily wooded campsites spread across multiple loops, including many with electric hookups. Facilities are well-maintained and include modern bathhouses with flushing toilets and hot showers. It provides close walking access to Cunningham Falls, hiking trails, and the park's lake area.
Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite
A dedicated hiker-biker campsite located at Mile 42.5 along the C&O Canal Towpath. Amenities include a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill for non-motorized travelers.
Manor Area Campground
A developed Maryland State Park campground located in the scenic Manor Area of Cunningham Falls State Park. Featuring wooded campsites and electric hookups (30-amp) at select sites, this well-maintained campground serves as an excellent basecamp near local trails.
Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground
A rustic primitive campground operated by the National Park Service in Catoctin Mountain Park. This site is specifically designed and reserved for youth groups and educational organizations, offering basic tent sites, fire rings, and vault toilets in a historic hardwood forest setting near several hiking trails.
RT 15 Commuter Park & Ride
A large, well-lit commuter lot conveniently located near US-15. It is popular with travelers and oversized vehicles for a quick overnight stop, though early morning noise from commuting buses is expected.
Thurmont Parking Area
A basic paved public parking area located off Highway 15 in Thurmont, suitable for a quick rest stop.
Turner Farm Campground
A grassy group camping site situated near the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Weverton Road C&O Canal Access
A small roadside pull-off area along Weverton Road, primarily used by hikers and cyclists accessing the C&O Canal Towpath and the Appalachian Trail. While highly convenient for exploring nearby trails and visiting Harpers Ferry, overnight visitors will experience frequent and very loud train noise from the adjacent active railway. The space consists entirely of roadside shoulder parking with no formal lot or amenities.