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INTRODUCTION

How to Use This Guidebook

We at Menasha Ridge Press welcome you to Best Tent Camping: Maryland. Whether you’re new to this activity or you’ve been sleeping in your portable outdoor shelter over decades of outdoor adventures, please review the following information. It explains how we have worked with the author to organize this book and how you can make the best use of it.

:: THE RATINGS & RATING CATEGORIES

As with all of the books in the publisher’s Best Tent Camping series, this guidebook’s author personally experienced dozens of campgrounds and campsites to select the top 50 locations in this region. Within that universe of 50 sites, each was then ranked in the six categories described below. Each campground in this guidebook is superlative in its own way. For example, a site may be rated only one star in one category but perhaps five stars in another category. This rating system allows you to choose your destination based on the attributes that are most important to you. Though these ratings are subjective, they’re still excellent guidelines for finding the perfect camping experience for you and your companions.

Evaluating campgrounds requires some finesse, and in the end it is more of an art than a science. For a quick summary of what qualities make these campgrounds worth visiting, each is rated on six attributes: beauty, privacy, spaciousness, quiet, security, and cleanliness. A five-star scale is used. Not every campground in this book can pull a high score in every category. Sometimes a very worthwhile campground is located on terrain that makes it difficult to provide a lot of space, for example. In these cases, look for high marks in beauty or quiet to trump room to stretch out. In every case, the star rating system is a handy tool to help you pinpoint the campground that will fit your personal requirements.

		The site is ideal in that category.
		The site is exemplary in that category.
		The site is very good in that category.
		The site is above average in that category.
		The site is acceptable in that category.

Beauty

This category includes the area that extends beyond the campground itself. Easy access to thick forest, clear streams, or stupendous views gives a campground a high ranking, regardless of whether the specific sites themselves are apt to awe you.

Privacy

This category refers to the ease with which campers in the next site can hear you and vice versa. Few campgrounds in this book don’t offer at least a small green buffer between sites, but the ranking in this category will give you a good idea of how much.

Spaciousness

Spaciousness refers to the physical dimensions of the campsites. If you are in a group, for example, this may be a top concern.

Quiet

This is a difficult category to measure because different times of the year, times of the week, and luck of the neighborly draw will determine your experience. However, every effort was made to talk with other campers, rangers, and park employees at each campground to try to get a fair sense of what visitors can expect any time of the year.

Security

DNR-run campgrounds are invariably safe. Almost all have a camp host and easy access to ranger offices. Park police regularly patrol state campgrounds as well. Some of the more remote campgrounds received a lower rating for safety simply because there might be no one around to deter crime, so you might be more vulnerable. Of course, this isolation is what attracts many people to these places. In general, Maryland campgrounds are very safe and secure.

Cleanliness

This is self-explanatory but refers to the amount of litter you might find at the campground. Overflowing trash cans and restrooms that didn’t look well maintained were cause for knocking off a few stars in this category.

:: THE CAMPGROUND PROFILE

Each profile contains a concise but informative narrative of the campground and individual sites. Not only is the property described, but readers can also get a general idea of the recreational opportunities available in the area and perhaps suggestions for touristy activities. This descriptive text is enhanced with three helpful sidebars: Ratings, Key Information, and Getting There (accurate driving directions that lead you to the campground from the nearest major roadway, along with GPS coordinates).

:: THE OVERVIEW MAP, MAP KEY, AND LEGEND

Use the overview map on the inside front cover to assess the exact location of each campground. The campground’s number appears not only on the overview map but also on the map key facing the overview map, in the table of contents, and on the profile’s first page. This book is organized by region, as indicated in the table of contents.

A map legend that details the symbols found on the campground-layout maps appears on the inside back cover.

:: CAMPGROUND-LAYOUT MAPS

Each profile includes a detailed map of campground sites, internal roads, facilities, and other key items.

:: GPS CAMPGROUND-ENTRANCE COORDINATES

Readers can easily access all campgrounds in this book by using the directions given and the overview map, which shows at least one major road leading into the area. But for those who enjoy using GPS technology to navigate, the book includes coordinates for each campground’s entrance in latitude and longitude, expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.

A note of caution: Actual GPS devices will easily guide you to any of these campgrounds, but users of smartphone mapping apps will find that cell phone service is often unavailable in the hills and hollows where many of these hideaways are located.

About This Book

Many Marylanders like to boast about the state’s unofficial nickname, “America in Miniature.” Bestowed on the state by National Geographic founding editor Gilbert Grosvenor, it’s not a hyperbolic moniker. For a relatively small state—the country’s ninth smallest in area (with number ten almost twice the size)—Maryland packs in a tremendous amount of physical diversity. Having both mountains and ocean shoreline in the same state is a real plus; however, many states on the East Coast can make the same claim. What sets Maryland apart from these is the presence of Chesapeake Bay, the country’s largest estuary. The Bay’s central and massive presence in Maryland means its effects are far-reaching; in addition to being a major source of recreation, the Bay’s bounty formed a major part of the state’s economy from Maryland’s founding in the 17th century through the next three centuries.

Generally, the state is carved by three distinct fault lines, which run geographically as well as politically and culturally. Western Maryland is mountainous and retains some vestiges of its status as part of America’s first frontier—the Alleghany range of the Appalachians, the first natural barrier to European immigrants heading west. Central Maryland is urban and suburban, anchored by Baltimore in the north and Washington, D.C., in the south. The corridor between these two major cities is home to high-end service industries and a plethora of research institutions, as well as pleasant residential zones. Large swaths of the natural world are surprisingly abundant and—not surprisingly—cherished. Then there is southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, both dominated by water. Mostly this means the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, but there’s also the Atlantic Ocean, forming Maryland’s eastern boundary.

Accordingly, I’ve separated the camping locations in this book by these distinct zones listed above. Virtually any Maryland resident can reach at least a few of the camping destinations in this book in a quick trip, certainly in less than an hour. Most of the state’s population is clustered in the central, urban zone. We can reach all of the book’s destinations in less than four hours, and many, if not most, in less than three or even two.

In choosing which campgrounds to include, I tried hard to keep in mind the “typical” camper, meaning in this case an amalgam of all the campers I met while doing research for the two editions of this book. My personal preference is for out-of-the-way spots where one has to be fully self-sufficient, places where you can blissfully lose all the trappings of modernity for a few days. My bias for such places most probably comes through in my descriptions of the camping destinations, such as the primitive sites in the state forests at Green Ridge, Potomac, and Garrett. However, I am aware that many more campers like easy access to facilities and don’t want to travel too far or with too many jugs of potable water. Thus, I included many campgrounds that offer anything a camper could want. For instance, new to this edition is Watkins Regional Park in Prince George’s County, which fits that description. However, I was careful to exclude campgrounds that were overrun with RVs and where finding silence and privacy were virtual impossibilities. Don’t misunderstand: I’ve shared campground space with RVers and still enjoyed the experience immensely. Thus, a campground with a lot of RVs wasn’t automatically excluded from this book. Besides, more and more campgrounds are geared toward catering to the RV set. But rest assured, you’ll find many campgrounds in this book that are impossible for RV owners to reach or where RVs aren’t even allowed. Also new to the 2nd edition are the campsites along the Patuxent Water Trail; there are certainly no RVs there.

:: WEATHER

Continuing on the “Maryland-has-it-all” theme, the state offers four very distinct seasons—though, as any denizen knows, nothing is absolute. For example, the winter of 2013–2014 was unusually cold, windy, and snowy (and felt relentless, frankly), and the following summer was mild and simply lovely, a break from the usual crush of Maryland’s humid middle months. Winter can range from mild to downright frigid. The western part of the state is known for heavy snowfalls. Far western Garrett County, home to quite a few campgrounds in this book, actually sits west of the Eastern Continental Divide and sees, on average, some 140 inches of snow per season and routinely surpasses 200 inches. Generally speaking, spring is lovely—cold to start but yielding to gradually warmer temperatures and lengthening days. Forests burst into color and migratory songbirds make their return. Summer can be a bear, with high temperatures and crushing humidity, but the long days and sense of freedom attendant summer everywhere more than make up for that. Fall is sublime. For my money, it’s the best of all seasons. The fall foliage explodes. (Head out to Western Maryland, especially, for this, as few places anywhere rival the shows in the western forests; in fact, in 2014, Travel + Leisure magazine named Garrett County’s Oakland the best town in the country for seeing fall foliage. Who says you need to head to New England?) Fall usually sees a steady string of gorgeous days and cool nights, with plenty of sun and warmth to get you out there amid the colors, with leaves tenaciously hanging on well into November. In my opinion, this is the best time to camp in Maryland.

:: FIRST AID KIT

A useful first aid kit may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags (Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical make them) are available. As a preventive measure, take along sunscreen and insect repellent. Even though quite a few items are listed here, they pack down into a small space:

■ Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps

■ Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids

■ Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)

■ Antiseptic or disinfectant, such as Betadine or hydrogen peroxide

■ Aspirin or acetaminophen

■ Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)

■ Butterfly-closure bandages

■ Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for people known to have severe allergic reactions)

■ Gauze (one roll and six 4- x 4-inch compress pads)

■ LED flashlight or headlamp

■ Matches or pocket lighter

■ Moist towelettes

■ Moleskin/Spenco 2nd Skin

■ Pocketknife or multipurpose tool

■ Waterproof first aid tape

■ Whistle (more effective in signaling rescuers than your voice)

:: ANIMAL AND PLANT HAZARDS

Snakes

The prospect of being bitten by a snake should never deter a camper in Maryland. The state has only two native poisonous snakes: northern copperheads, which you may see, usually near water, in central, southern, and eastern Maryland; and timber rattlers, which live in the mountainous, western part of the state. Although the chances of being bitten by a snake are slim, take proper caution. For good information on snakes in Maryland, visit dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/vsnakes.asp.

Ticks

All outdoor recreationists in Maryland should be concerned about ticks. Your best protection is to be vigilant: Check yourself frequently and look closely. Often, the smaller the tick, the greater the chance for subsequent serious health problems. Tiny deer ticks (black-legged ticks), for example, carry Lyme disease; if you see a bull’s-eye rash radiating from a tender red spot, see a doctor right away. If you experience flulike symptoms (intense malaise, fever, chills, and a headache) a day or two after camping, look very hard for the telltale bull’s-eye rash and see a doctor to alleviate any concerns. If you find a tick attached to your skin, gently remove it with tweezers, taking care to pull it off gently so the mouthpart does not break off and remain attached. In general, ticks pose a major threat only during the warmest months of summer, but an unseasonably mild spring and/or warm autumn can mean a solid six or seven months of tick season. Take precautionary measures, but don’t let ticks keep you inside your tent. Generally speaking, Lyme disease tends to be overdiagnosed and afflicts relatively few people.

Poison Ivy

PCTomWatson

The old maxim for poison ivy holds true: “Leaves of three, let it be.” Poison sumac, however, can contain anywhere from 7 to 13 leaves. Because I am extremely allergic to poison ivy, I always take the following precautions: I do not scratch anything under any circumstances; if poison ivy is sitting on the skin, scratching and then touching skin anywhere else is the surest way of spreading it. I carry alcohol-based moist towelettes, and at the end of the day, I rub my legs gently with the towelettes to stave off infection until I can get home and shower. (Note: It is very important that these moist towelettes contain alcohol. If they contain just soap, wiping with them will only move the poison ivy oil, urushiol, around, increasing the risk of infection.)

Mosquitoes

Many of the campgrounds in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore are simply inundated with mosquitoes in the humid summer months. Protect yourself against mosquito bites by applying an effective repellent. Most people reach for repellents that contain DEET, which is fairly toxic stuff. I prefer Burt’s Bees natural insect repellent. I once took it with me on a trip into the Amazon jungle and found it very effective even there. Unlike DEET-based repellents, there is no maximum on the amount and frequency of use for Burt’s.

:: RESOURCES

As you read this book, you’ll see that the vast majority of the campgrounds are run by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. I found time and time again that state-operated campgrounds were invariably clean, safe, and beautifully maintained. The Maryland DNR maintains an excellent website with links to all of the DNR-operated campgrounds featured in this book (33 of the 50). Visit dnr2.maryland.gov for all the latest information and links. Note: All DNR parks now include a per-night service charge in addition to the campground base rate. The service charges are as follows: online reservations, $4.56 per night; phone, $4.61 per night; on-site, $4.51 per night.

For information on private campgrounds in Maryland (including many not featured in this book), contact the Maryland Association of Campgrounds at 301-271-7012, or visit mdcamping.com.

:: TIPS FOR A HAPPY CAMPING TRIP

There is nothing worse than a bad camping trip, especially because it is so easy to have a great time. To assist with making your outing a happy one, here are some pointers:

■ Reserve your site ahead of time, especially if it’s a weekend or a holiday, or if the campground is wildly popular. Many prime campgrounds require significant lead time on reservations. Check before you go.

■ Pick your camping buddies wisely. A family trip is pretty straightforward, but you may want to reconsider including grumpy Uncle Fred, who doesn’t like bugs, sunshine, or marshmallows. After you know who’s going, be sure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations of difficulty (amenities or the lack thereof, physical exertion, and so on), sleeping arrangements, and food requirements.

■ Don’t duplicate equipment, such as cooking pots and lanterns, among campers in your party. Carry what you need to have a good time, but don’t turn the trip into a major moving experience.

■ Dress for the season. Educate yourself on the temperature highs and lows of the specific area you plan to visit. It may be warm at night in the summer in your backyard, but it will be quite chilly up in the mountains.

■ Pitch your tent on a level surface, preferably one covered with leaves, pine straw, or grass. Use a tarp or specially designed footprint to thwart ground moisture and to protect the tent floor. Do a little site maintenance, such as picking up the small rocks and sticks that can damage your tent floor and make sleep uncomfortable. If you have a separate tent rain fly but don’t think you’ll need it, keep it rolled up at the base of the tent in case it starts raining at midnight.

■ Take a sleeping pad. If you are not comfortable sleeping on the ground, invest in a sleeping pad that is full-length and thicker than you think you might need. This will not only keep your hips from aching on hard ground, but will also help keep you warm. A wide range of thin, light, inflatable pads is available at camping stores, and these are a much better choice than home air mattresses, which conduct heat away from the body and tend to deflate during the night.

■ Don’t skimp on food. If you’re not hiking into a primitive campsite, there is no real need to skimp on food due to weight. Plan tasty meals and bring everything you will need to prepare, cook, eat, and clean up.

■ If you tend to use the bathroom multiple times at night, plan ahead. Leaving a warm sleeping bag and stumbling around in the dark to find the restroom, whether it be a pit toilet, a fully plumbed comfort station, or just the woods, is not fun. Keep a flashlight and any other accoutrements you may need by the tent door and know exactly where to head in the dark.

■ Watch out for standing dead trees and storm-damaged living trees. These trees can pose a real hazard to tent campers, as they may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. When choosing a campsite or even just a spot to rest during a hike, look up.

:: CAMPING ETIQUETTE

Camping experiences can vary wildly depending on a variety of factors, such as weather, preparedness, fellow campers, and time of year. Here are a few tips on how to create good vibes with fellow campers and wildlife you encounter.

■ Obtain all permits and authorizations as required. Make sure you check in, pay your fee, and mark your site as directed. Don’t make the mistake of grabbing a seemingly empty site that looks more appealing than your site. It could be reserved. If you’re unhappy with the site you’ve selected, check with the campground host for other options.

■ Leave only footprints. Be sensitive to the ground beneath you. Be sure to place all garbage in designated receptacles or pack it out if none is available. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind.

■ Never spook animals. It’s common for animals to wander through campsites, where they may be accustomed to the presence of humans (and our food). An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise will startle most animals. A surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.

■ Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area where you are camping and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times; carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and to others.

■ Be courteous to other campers, hikers, bikers, and others you encounter. If you run into the owner of a large RV, don’t panic. Just wave, feign eye contact, and then walk away slowly.

■ Follow the campground’s rules regarding the building of fires. Never burn trash. Trash smoke smells horrible, and trash debris in a fire pit or grill is unsightly.

■ Everyone likes a fire, but bringing your own firewood from home is now frowned upon by most campground operators. Bringing in wood from out of the area could introduce pests that are harmful to the forest. Use deadfall found near your campsite or purchase wood at the camp store.

:: VENTURING AWAY FROM THE CAMPGROUND

If you go for a hike, bike, or other excursion into the wilderness, here are some tips:

■ Always carry food and water, whether you are planning to go overnight or not. Food will give you energy, help keep you warm, and sustain you in an emergency until help arrives. Bring potable water or treat water by boiling or filtering before drinking from a lake or stream.

■ Stay on designated trails. Most hikers get lost when they leave the trail. Even on clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps back to the point where you went awry. If you have absolutely no idea how to continue, return to the trailhead the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea of how to return to the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.

■ Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, go ahead and ford the stream instead. When fording a stream, use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life.

■ Be careful at overlooks. Although these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing: a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.

■ Know the symptoms of hypothermia. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this insidious killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer. Wearing cotton clothing puts you especially at risk, because cotton, when wet, wicks heat away from the body. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers using synthetic clothing for insulation, use a cap and gloves to reduce heat loss, and protect yourself with waterproof, breathable outerwear. If symptoms arise, get the victim to a shelter with a fire, hot liquids, and dry clothes or a dry sleeping bag.

■ Take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important piece of equipment you’ll ever need on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best recipe for a rewarding and relaxing hike.