Recreation – Camping
Potomac-Garrett State Forest offers year-round, primitive camping on 36 sites located in five separate areas of the State Forest: Piney Mountain, Snaggy Mountain, Wallman, Laurel Run and Lostland Run. Within each area are several primitive campsites offering a picnic table, lantern post and fire ring. A group site is available in all areas except Laurel Run. Wallman, Laurel Run and Snaggy Mountain each offer a rustic trail shelter. Vault toilets have been installed in each of the five areas to improve sanitary conditions for campers and forest visitors. Campsites and trail shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A self-registration kiosk is available at the entrance to each area. Group sites are available by reservation only and can be made by contacting the state forest headquarters at 301-334-2038.
Camping Areas
- Piney Mountain: North of Oakland along Piney Mountain Road (7 sites).
172 Piney Mountain Road, Friendsville, MD 21531
- Snaggy Mountain: Along Snaggy Mountain Road near Swallow Falls State Park (10 sites).
3739 Snaggy Mountain Road, Oakland, MD 21550
- Wallman/Laurel Run: South of Oakland, along Wallman and Laurel Run Roads leading to North Branch of Potomac River (14 sites).
15 Laurel Run Road, Oakland, MD 21550
- Lostland Run: Near headquarters area, along Lostland Run Road leading to the North Branch of Potomac River (5 sites).
1701 Potomac Camp Road, Oakland, MD 21550
Primitive Camping
Primitive camping (group sites, shelter sites, and roadside sites) is located along the forest roads. Group sites (up to 20 persons) must be reserved in advance for $20 per night. Shelter sites ($15 per night) and all other sites ($10 per night) are "first come, first served". Self-registration is located at the entrances of the camping areas for shelter and roadside sites. Please call the forest office at 301-334-2038 for group site reservations.
Backpack Camping
Backpack camping is also permitted throughout the forest. Backpackers must register at one of the four self-registration areas on the forest by filling out an envelope, enclosing the appropriate payment ($10/night) and including itinerary with names of all campers. Campers can also obtain a permit by mail. Campfires are permitted except during drought conditions. Leave No Trace guidelines apply to backpack camping as well. Camping is NOT allowed within 200 feet of any trail or stream.
