Why Go Camping?

Everyone has different reasons. For some, it’s about embracing long-standing traditions and building stronger bonds with friends and loved ones. For others, it’s about leaving behind a technology-filled everyday life to reconnect with nature. Some appreciate the physical and mental benefits of hiking long days and sleeping under the stars. Camping is a great teacher. It’s not just about learning to pitch a tent or build a sustainable fire. Spending time outdoors teaches us confidence and self-sufficiency while deepening our relationship with the natural world. No matter your reason, Maryland is a great place to go camping!

Camping is for everyone. Maryland’s state parks and private campgrounds offer a variety of camping amenities suitable for all levels of experience. This guide will walk you through some different options so that you can feel empowered to take the first step on your camping journey.

“The State of Maryland, our counties, towns, local communities, residents and small independent businesses all benefit greatly from the immense dollars spent on camping, RV’ing and other outdoor recreation in our beautiful state. Camping attracts people from all walks of life looking for a time to create memories, reduce stress and reconnect with nature. After all, camping just comes naturally in Maryland!”

The State of Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” for its vast range of landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. From mountains to shores to urban city centers, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation works to expand public access to nature and strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation economy.

We define outdoor recreation as “activities done in nature or outdoor settings (including both active and passive experiences) that support health, enjoyment, and connection with the natural world.” Spending time outdoors also benefits our communities and our economy. That’s why it’s important to recreate responsibly! This series is designed to share beginner tips, insider knowledge, and useful resources as you journey outdoors with the goal of transforming all Marylanders into stewards, or caretakers, of our shared lands and waters.

Planning Your Trip: The Different Kinds of Camping

There is no one right way to camp. There are different styles of camping fit for different people based on your experience and comfort level with the outdoors. Camping is whatever you make of it; you can even learn to pitch a tent or set up a hammock in your own backyard!

• Traditional Tent Camping: When you imagine going camping, you’re probably picturing a tent in the woods. Tent camping, where you pitch a tent and sleep in it at night, remains the “classic” camping experience! There are different levels of tent camping available to suit your needs. Maryland State Forests offer primitive or backcountry tent camping, where you camp in a remote outdoor area without modern services like electricity, running water, or bathrooms. At these campsites, you must be self-sufficient and pack in all the equipment you need with you. On the other hand, many state parks offer more comfortable campgrounds with level, dedicated tent camping pads and amenities like hot showers, electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and recreational activities nearby.
• Backpacking: Backpacking is an advanced kind of tent camping. Instead of driving right up to the campsite in a car, backpackers will hike into their primitive campsite carrying everything they need on their back. Backpackers pack only the most essential, lightweight gear. Outdoors adventurers will often level up to backpacking after they feel confident in their hiking and camping skills. Bikepacking and canoe camping are similar adventures where you travel via bicycle, kayak, or canoe with your gear before making camp for the night.
• Cabin Camping & Glamping: Small, rustic cabins offer visitors the option of enjoying the outdoors while sleeping under a roof on a real bed and closing a real door. Many Maryland State Parks cabins sleep four to six people and provide outdoor grills and restrooms nearby. Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” blends the fun of being out in nature with the modern comforts of home. Some campgrounds offer furnished, full-service cabins or cottages equipped with furniture, electricity, bathrooms, showers, fireplaces, and kitchens. You may also find other unique lodging options like yurts, domes, and treehouses for the ultimate Maryland vacation!
• RV Camping: RVs are a crucial part of the outdoor recreation industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, RVing brought in more than $232 million in value added to Maryland’s economy in 2024 alone! RV camping is a style of travel where you live and sleep inside a recreational vehicle (RV), like a motorhome, trailer, or pop-up camper while exploring the outdoors. RV parks and campgrounds will have developed sites with full hookups for electricity, water, and sewage. For many, RVing is a whole new way of life!

What kind of camping you choose will depend on your previous camping experience. How many people will you be camping with, and how comfortable are they with the outdoors? What kind of camping gear do you already own? How much are you willing to pay for a campsite? How far are you willing to travel to the campground? How long will your camping trip last? Are you searching for adventure or relaxation? These answers will help you decide what kind of amenities to search for in a campground.

Camping Gear Essentials

What should I bring with me on a camping trip? Your packing list will change depending on what kind of amenities are available at your campsite. If you’re backpacking, you’ll need to bring all your core gear with you. If you’re glamping, you won’t need to worry about whether your tent has all the stakes in it. Here are a few categories of gear you should plan to pack on a typical tent camping trip.

Tent & Sleeping Gear

• The Tent(s): There are many different tent sizes and styles on the market. Choose one that suits the elements and the number of people you have camping with you. Make sure the tent has all its pieces, like the poles, stakes, bug net, and rainfly. Consider bringing an extra tarp to set your tent on top of or in case of unexpected rain.
• A Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you’ll be camping in. Also consider sleeping pads or air mattresses to put underneath your sleeping bag for extra comfort. There are many self-inflating models that keep you from sleeping on rough ground or rocks. You may also want a camping pillow or blanket. If you have a hard time falling asleep, consider earplugs or an eye mask.
• Light: Bring a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries to find your way around the campsite at night. Choose one with a red light to preserve your night vision for stargazing. A lantern is another good option.
• Navigation Tools: These are especially important in primitive or backcountry camping. You will want a map of the campground, park, or forest (physical or digital), and perhaps a compass or GPS. Many campgrounds have maps available online or at the camp store.
• Firestarter: If you’re planning to make a fire, you’ll need waterproof firestarter like matches or a lighter. Bring a backup firestarting method. Always remember to buy your firewood locally. The campground or local stores often have wood and kindling bundles available for purchase.
• Tools and Repair Kit: When spending the night outdoors, you’ll want to be prepared for things that might go wrong. Camp tools might include a multi-tool, camp knife, duct tape, safety whistle, hammer or mallet for driving tent stakes into the ground, a small hatchet or saw for firewood, and trash bags for packing out garbage.
• First Aid Kit: You will want to bring along a well-stocked first aid kit, especially if you are camping in the backcountry far from help. First aid kits are only as useful as your knowledge of how to use them. Organizations like the American Red Cross provide basic and wilderness first aid courses to prepare you for emergencies.
• Hammocks, camp chairs, and camp tables are optional, but nice for having somewhere to sit around camp if there are no nearby picnic facilities at the campsite.

Camp Kitchen

If you’re planning to cook or prepare food while camping, you’ll need some supplies! Your packing list will depend on the cooking amenities available at the campsite, the duration of your camping trip, and how many people you have with you. Only bring what you need for the meals you plan on making and know how to use the tools you plan to bring.

• A portable cooking stove with fuel.
• Cookware like pots, pans, dutch ovens or aluminum foil pouches.
• Cooking utensils like spatulas, spoons, tongs, or can openers.
• A knife with a cutting board.
• Eating utensils like cutlery, plates, bowls, cups, and mugs.
• A cooler with ice to keep perishable foods and drinks cool.
• Water bottles and extra water or a water filtration method.
• Sponge, biodegradable soap, and wash bins for reusable dishes.
• Paper towels or rags for cleaning.
• Trash bags for packing out waste.

How much food should I bring? Your grocery list should reflect how much you and your crew typically eat over the length of your camping trip. Easy camp meals include eggs or pancakes, sandwiches, kabob skewers, baked potatoes, roasted hot dogs, chilis, stews, and soups. You can also do prep work like cutting up vegetables and portioning snacks at home before your trip to have an easy meal at the campsite. Don’t forget to bring the oils, condiments, and seasonings to flavor your meal. Outdoor activity can increase your appetite, so alter your list accordingly!

Clothing

You don’t always need specialized gear to go camping, but you will want to dress for the outdoors!

• Consider athletic or other fast-dry clothing. Keep temperature and humidity in mind, plus bug and sun protection.
• Bring sturdy shoes like sneakers for hiking and plenty of extra socks.
• Bring a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella to stay dry.
• If it’s cold, bring plenty of layers and gloves, mittens, hats, and other things to keep you warm at night.
• In the summer, consider sandals, a swimsuit, and a towel for frolicking in the water.

Hygiene and Toiletries

This will change depending on the restroom amenities available at your campsite. Will you have running water, flush toilets, and showers available? Plan ahead for how you will stay clean and dry.

• A toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer, hand soap, or wet wipes.
• A hairbrush or comb, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
• A quick dry towel.
• Prescription medications.
• Toilet paper. Most areas are outfitted with at least one bathroom building. If you’re out in the backcountry, you’ll have to bring your own.
• Sun protection: You’ll want sunscreen of at least SPF 30, reapplied regularly according to package instructions. Sunglasses and long sun hats help protect your eyes and skin.
• Insect Repellent: Choose an EPA-approved chemical option, like DEET or picaridin, or a natural alternative to keep bugs away. Other repellent devices can be stationed around camp to ward off insects.

Personal Items

• Government ID: Many campgrounds require proof of identity at check in.
• Cellphone: Many campgrounds have limited service, so consider downloading offline maps or your campsite reservation in advance. Bring a power bank for charging.
• Credit Card and/or Cash: Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash can come in handy when purchasing local goods like firewood or emergencies.
• Field gear for hiking, like binoculars, cameras, and field guides. Fishing gear and licenses are another great idea.
• Entertainment, like books, podcasts, music players with headphones, notebooks, pens, card games, and toys.

What NOT to Bring

• Glass bottles and jars: They break easily and add heavy weight. Bring metal, plastic, or silicone containers instead.
• Perfumes and strong scents: May attract insects or local wildlife. Bring neutral products instead.
• Expensive items or nice jewelry: They can easily get lost, muddy, or ruined. The same is true for sentimental pieces. If you’re worried about it, leave it at home!
• Outside firewood: Get your firewood locally near the campsite.
• Check the campground rules for what you are and are not allowed to bring to the site, like pets, alcohol, sound systems, fireworks, aerosols, drones, generators, or medication.

Bring things you will actually use! Overpacking is a common problem on camping trips. Once you have camped a few times, you will understand what works best for you and refine a great camp pack list.

Camping Safety

• Black Bear Country: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties in Maryland are all home to black bears. Recreating in these areas presents the possibility that visitors may see a black bear while camping. To help keep you and the bears safe and ensure that you have an enjoyable stay, there are a few simple reminders. Never keep food in your tent. Store food and garbage out of a bear’s reach by storing food securely in the trunk of your vehicle. Use airtight or bear-proof containers. Do not burn or bury food scraps. Remove your trash from your site every evening and place it in the campground dumpsters. Remember to secure your pet’s food also. If a bear comes into camp, don’t feed it! Scare it away by making noise. See a park employee to get more detailed information on how to camp in black bear country or visit bearwise.org to learn more about living with bears.
• Weather Exposure: When you’re camping, chances are you’ll be outside for a long time. Depending on the climate, this could mean you are exposed to either high or low temperatures or other weather conditions. For cold weather, know how to keep yourself warm and dry. Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia if camping in the winter. For warm weather, know how to keep yourself hydrated and protected from the sun and heat. Take breaks in the shade and recognize signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Communication: Let someone you trust know where you’re camping and when you plan to be back. Know when cell coverage is unreliable.
• Arrive Early: Know when your campsite check-in time is. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough time to check over the entire site and set up camp. The last thing you want is to get into an argument with your companion trying to put together a tent in the dark with only one flashlight or forget to put on your rainfly before the rain sets in.
• Watch Out For Insects: Bees, wasps, and mosquitoes can be a problem at campsites, especially in the summer. Avoid attracting insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. If insects approach, don’t wave or swat blindly. Instead, use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving and make sure the bug net is properly attached.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Make sure to wash or disinfect your hands, particularly after using the bathroom and before handling food, to prevent those in your group from getting ill.

Camping Responsibly

Maximize Your Experience — Minimize Your Impact!

As parks, green spaces, and recreation areas welcome more visitors and more support from Marylanders, there are also challenges posed by outdoor recreation and overuse. This is why responsible recreation is so important. An increase in visitors can result in challenges like litter, trail damage, parking issues, user conflicts, and other conservation impacts. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace give us a simple way to think about our environmental impact and how to reduce it. While camping, here are some things to practice:

1. Know Before You Go: Proper preparation helps ensure the safety of you and anyone you’re camping with. Before your camping visit, plan ahead for any special considerations that might restrict your activities in the campground. Check the website of the park you are visiting or the Maryland State Park Status Dashboard for up-to-the-minute information. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. You should also make sure you have the necessary skills and equipment to safely enjoy your time in the outdoors.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on the trail! A great deal of science and engineering goes into designing the safest and most sustainable trails on state lands. Stay on designated trails for your own safety and to protect trailside plants. Our campgrounds are also designed to accommodate a wide variety of campers and equipment while seeking to protect the surrounding vegetation and habitat. Campers should camp only on existing campsites. Keep your camping equipment on the provided camp pad. If backcountry camping, select a thoughtful campsite at least 200 feet from the water’s edge of lakes or streams.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Maryland State Parks and many other local campsites have removed trash receptacles and encourage visitors to “pack in, pack out,” or take their trash with them. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Burning trash is never recommended. Pack reusable metal or silicone materials to avoid single-use plastics. Portion and prep food at home into lightweight, reusable containers to save space and prevent food waste. Do not wash pots and pans directly in the water source, and dispose of grey soap and dish water at least 100 feet away from rivers or streams.
4. Leave What You Find: Maryland’s parks are full of beautiful natural wonders and significant historical resources. These natural and cultural resources should be protected for everyone to see and appreciate. Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them. Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking, or peeling plants and trees may open them up to infection or kill them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Be Careful With Fire: Who doesn’t love a good campfire when spending the night in a nice, quiet campground? While fire is a great part of the outdoor experience, it’s also potentially the most dangerous. Use a camp stove for cooking when possible. Stoves are easier to cook on and create less impact than a fire. If you want to have a campfire, be sure it’s permitted and safe to build a fire in the area you’re visiting. Call ahead or check online for fire restrictions in your area, and don’t build a campfire in hazardous, dry, or windy conditions. Use only the existing fire rings to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small. Trash and food waste should never be burned in a campfire, as the resulting scent can attract unwanted close encounters with wildlife in the campsite. Instead, secure your trash and pack it out. Burn all wood to ash and be sure the fire is completely out and cold before you leave.
6. Keep Wildlife Wild: Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed, or follow them. Control pets like dogs at all times while camping or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times like mating, nesting, or raising young. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. It’s important to always store food and trash so wildlife can’t get to it. Putting food in plastic storage tubs will deter common creatures like birds, squirrels, or bugs. In bear country, storing food and trash in a bear canister or locked vehicle is essential. Ask your local land manager or campground staff member if you have questions about food storage.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: With an ever-growing number of people seeking healthy outdoor activities, it becomes even more important that visitors respect each other and give each other space. Let nature’s sounds prevail by respecting quiet hours and avoiding loud voices. Keep pets leashed and under control. Be courteous and yield to other users if hiking on trails to or around your campsite.

Smokey Bear: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires

Abandoned or improperly extinguished campfires are a major cause of wildfires. It takes more than just a bit of water to fully put out a campfire. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on children and pets. To make sure your campfire is fully extinguished, follow the “drown, stir, drown, feel” method.

• Drown: Pour lots of water on the fire until the hissing sound stops, drowning all the embers.
• Stir: Use your shovel or other sturdy material to stir the water into the embers, dirt, and sand, mixing well. Scrape any sticks and logs until no embers are exposed or smoldering, not just the red ones.
• Drown: Continue adding water, dirt, and sand until all material is cool.
• Feel: Hover the back of your hand over the ashes to feel that the embers are cool. Don’t leave without making sure your fire is entirely out.

Local Firewood: Buy It Where You Burn It

Moving firewood long distances can accidentally bring dangerous pests and diseases to your favorite campgrounds. Help protect forests and trees! Due to the potential threat of the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive beetles, DNR prohibits bringing personal firewood into state parks, forests, and other DNR lands. Instead, purchase firewood directly from the state park or forest or from firewood vendors within a 50-mile radius of your campsite. If you find wood at the park, only use wood found on the ground. Never cut or harvest from live trees.

Campgrounds in Maryland

The Maryland Park Service offers more than 2,000 campsites, 120 full-service and camper cabins, and 100 picnic shelters to guests. Reservations for these facilities can be made online or over the phone at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). From campgrounds with electric, sewer, and water hookups with showers to primitive camping in state forests, there’s a Maryland camping experience for everyone!

Maryland Association of Campgrounds

The Maryland Association of Campgrounds (MAC) is the only trade association representing the private campground owners of Maryland. It is a non-profit, completely volunteer organization consisting of campground owners and operators, many of whom are managing campgrounds that have been passed down through the generations. These campgrounds offer excellent amenities from RV parks to resort-style camping amenities to special cabins and cottages. To explore and find a local campground near you, visit mdcamping.com!

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Business Directory

Whether you’d like to invest in new camping gear, find a local campground to spend the weekend, or find a local organization who can teach you everything you need to know about camping, the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Business Directory can help you find the right business. Use the “Cabins / Other Lodging,” “Camping (RVing),” and “Camping (Tent)” recreation filters to find camping destinations near you!

Dark Skies

Camping under a star-filled sky is a magical experience, especially for those who are passionate about preserving the natural night and reducing light pollution like astrophotographers, stargazers, and birders. The darkest skies are often found in rural locations far away from the sky glow of cities, which makes overnight camping the perfect opportunity to plan ahead and enjoy the night sky. Here are a few tips to prepare for the perfect stargazing journey.

• Scout Your Location: You’ll need to find a place to camp with minimal light pollution. Some of the places we recommend with both campsites and excellent nighttime views are Point Lookout State Park in Southern Maryland, Tuckahoe State Park on the Eastern Shore, Wolf Den Run State Park, and Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland!
• Check The Weather: Clear skies are essential for stargazing. Monitor the weather forecast and plan a camping trip during a period of clear skies. Timing is everything; the best stargazing conditions occur during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon. The best stargazing is often in the middle of the night, so set an alarm to make sure you don’t miss it!
• Pack Essential Gear: A good pair of binoculars can be very effective for stargazing, while telescopes can offer a closer look at celestial objects. You might also bring star maps, astronomical charts, or star-finding smartphone apps to identify constellations in your area. You can also research celestial events like meteor showers, eclipses, planet visibility, and other exciting times to camp.
• Minimize Light Pollution: Set up camp away from other groups when possible to avoid their lights interfering with your view. Consider using a red headlamp or flashlight to preserve your night vision, and turn off other lights when not needed to get a better view of the night sky!

Other Camping Resources