Best Camping in and near Swallow Falls State Park

100% (6 reviews)

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

Waterfalls and whitewater rapids lie along the wild Youghiogheny River in this Maryland park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Swallow Falls State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Swallow Falls State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Swallow Falls State Park

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Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Camp

36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Parsons, WV

Welcome to the enchanting Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, a pristine natural paradise nestled nearby the Monongahela National Forest and graced by the stunning Dry Fork River. Since our grand opening in July 2022, we've been welcoming guests year-round to explore and enjoy our 35 acres of unspoiled wilderness forest, complete with winding trails and a captivating 2100 feet of riverfront. Our diverse accommodations cater to all outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from 15 camping sites, each equipped with fire pits and slabwood benches amidst ample parking. For those seeking a rustic retreat, our 5 primitive shelter cabin sites feature cozy 10x12 lofted barn cabins, securely lockable with your padlock. RV adventurers are welcome too, with 10 picturesque near riverside spots (best suited for towed RVs up to 32 feet or drivable up to 35 feet). Four of these provide full electric and water hook-ups, while the other six offer a serene boon-docking experience. We have also recently added 2 deluxe furnished cabins, 3 large group riverfront campsites, and a bohemian bus shelter site that sleeps 8. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nearly 4 miles of wilderness riverfront, situated on a breathtaking road leading to the charming town of Parsons, WV - the heart of Tucker County and gateway to Thomas, Davis, and Canaan Valley. Your adventure starts here: kayak down the merging Dry Fork and Black Fork Rivers, stroll over to the nearby Hendricks via a charming cable suspension bridge, or explore the Fernow Experimental Forest, just a mile downstream. The surrounding Monongahela National Forest awaits with its vast, unlogged forests. Thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike will find no shortage of activities. From waterfall explorations, creek adventures, and fishing to kayaking, tubing, and hiking, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to bring your bikes, kayaks, tubes, roller blades, snorkels, goggles, and river shoes for an unforgettable outdoor experience! Our camp provides spring water spigots for general use, an office cabin with electric charging access, and clean porta-potties. Wi-Fi is available near the office cabin (password: campground19). The lovely town of Parsons, with all its conveniences, is just a 4-mile drive away. For a seamless experience, we offer online booking and self-check-in, with check-in starting at noon and designated parking spots for each campsite. Join us at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground for a stay that promises tranquility, adventure, and a connection with nature like no other.

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Bear Run Farms

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Mount Storm, WV

We recently received a 2024 GLAMPY Award and we're ranked 3rd Best camping and glamping destination in the USA!! Our property features a pristine private blue water lake with a glamping cabin available lakeside, overlooking the water as well as many forested and lakeside tent and RV sites available as well. There is an abundance of local hiking trails, some with waterfalls, scenic train rides, 3 large lakes within 40 min for boating and fishing, horseback riding nearby, or just take in the relaxing natural beauty of our sites and immerse yourself in nature! Farm fresh eggs available! Fresh linens and towels provided in cabins!

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EarthSky Private Camp & Retreat

6 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Philippi, WV

Hello Campers & Glampers! Our property is 16.5 acres, two of which are along the Tygart Valley River and the rest are within forest canopy on the mountainside. We are in the low foothills of the Appalachia. We have 4 riverfront sites and we are continually changing our space around This year we will be adding a tiny house on site 4 and a sweatlodge with soaking pool on Site 1 additional camping spots along the property near outhouse Each site is equipped with a steel fire pit/grill and a picnic table. We have been busy building hiking trails and more primitive campsites on the 14.5 acres on the hillside across the road from the riverfront for all to enjoy. Step outside your tent and enjoy natures bounty —outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching are all at your fingertips and much more. There are 300+ acres of public land less than one mile away with miles of ATV and hiking trails and stocked ponds. If you're a fan of waterfalls just 4 miles down river is Arden Falls, one of our areas best kept secrets. The Tygart Valley River is one of the top kayaking rivers in the country. Audra State Park is less than 20 minutes away with lush forest trails with caves to explore. Well known hiking trails such as Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and the Dolly Sods are all within an hour drive. Go to Nelson Rocks for the ultimate climbing experience on the Via Ferrata. We are the perfect place to come to explore the wild beauty of West Virginia without the crowds. A hidden gem!

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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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Abrams Creek Campground/Retreat

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Mt. Storm, WV

Abrams Creek is like camping in a nature preserve, rather than in a commercial campground. On our campground, there are no generators, loud electronics, or other things that would distract from appreciating the sights and sounds of this pristine natural environment. And this is always a great place to beat the heat! We have a mountain climate; the peak temperature most days in the summer is in the high 70's or very low 80's, and at night, temperatures go down to about 60. You'll be breathing cool, clean, fresh mountain air all day long! Hot showers are included, and all sanitary facilities are *sterilized* between guests. We have taken every measure to safeguard your health! We are located in the mountainous Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia. Our vision is an environmentally conscious, eco-friendly campground developed in harmony with nature. We are not only a business, but also serve as an anchor for others who want to live more simply and close to the earth. The concept of rural revitalization means reinventing rural life so that it is economically sound, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally satisfying. Ask any of our staff if you would like to learn more about this!

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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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Rocky Hollow Paradise LLC

8 sites · Lodging, Tents223 acres · Petersburg, WV

Unplug from the world and recharge your body and mind. The rustic cabin has no electric but has solar lights inside and one outside. No running water, we will have two 5 gallon jugs of water at cabin. Sleeps up to 5 people. Has a full bed with linens provided in the bedroom. Also a full mattress, and a cot size mattress in the loft. (Bring sleeping bags or linens for these beds.) Pillows are provided. The loft is not suitable for young children. Has a battery powered shower inside and also one outside in the summer. Bathroom uses disposable compost 100% degradable bags, Should HAVE A ALL WHEEL DRIVE or 4 X 4 VEHICLE, or a front wheel drive car with high clearance, or could hike up to the cabin. The rode is steep in places. Behind a locked gate. We will meet and take you to cabin. You will be given a key to use. Cabin is .8 of a mile off of Jordan Run Rd. and is around 5 miles to the entrance of forest rd 75 and 2 1/2 miles to entrance of forest rd 19. Has beautiful mountain views from above cabin (see pictures). Can see the top of dolly sods from cabin. Has a propane wall heater and wood stove for chilly nights. Fire wood is provided. You can hike or bike on roads on the property. In the winter if there was snow you could bring snowshoes and hike up to cabin and if you had skis you could ski back off to your vehicle or could cross country ski on one of the roads on the property. Cabin is 15 to 20 minutes from Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole caverns is 8 to 10 minutes, Canaan and Timberline ski resorts are 45 to 55 minutes away. Local streams are stocked with trout. No pets, no smoking in or near the cabin. No drugs or parties allowed. There is a smoke detector, a carbon dioxide detector, and a fire extinguisher. There is bears and other animals around. Don't leave your trash or food out at nights. We are open all year (weather permitting) except November 19th through December 5th. Check out our Facebook page Rocky Hollow Paradise LLC . Learn more about this land: Unplug from the world and recharge your body and mind. The rustic cabin has no electric but has solar lights inside and one outside. No running water, we will have two 5 gallon jugs of water at cabin. Sleeps up to 5 people. Has a full bed with linens provided in the bedroom. Also a full air mattress, and a cot size mattress in the loft. (Bring sleeping bags or linens for these beds.) Pillows are provided. The loft is not suitable for young children. Has a solar bag shower outside in season. Compost bucket in the bathroom. MUST HAVE A ALL WHEEL DRIVE or 4 X 4 VEHICLE, or could hike up to the cabin. The rode is steep in places. Behind a locked gate. We will meet and take you to cabin. You will be given a key to use. Cabin is .8 of a mile off of Jordan Run Rd. and is around 5 miles to the entrance of forest rd 75 and 2 1/2 miles to entrance of forest rd 19. Has beautiful mountain views from above cabin (see pictures). Can see the top of dolly sods from cabin. Has a propane wall heater and wood stove for chilly nights. Fire wood is provided. You can hike or bike on roads on the property. In the winter if there was snow you could bring snowshoes and hike up to cabin and if you had skis you could ski back off to your vehicle or could cross country ski on one of the roads on the property. Cabin is 15 to 20 minutes from Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole caverns is 8 to 10 minutes, Canaan and Timberline ski resorts are 45 to 55 minutes away. Local streams are stocked with trout. No pets, no smoking in or near the cabin. No drugs or parties allowed. There is a smoke detector, a carbon dioxide detector, and a fire extinguisher. There is bears and other animals around. Don't leave your trash or food out at nights. We are open all year (weather permitting) except November 19th through December 5th. Check out our Facebook page Rocky Hollow Paradise LLC . Learn more about this land: Unplug from the world and recharge your body and mind. The rustic cabin has no electric but has solar lights inside and one outside. No running water, we will have two 5 gallon jugs of water at cabin. Sleeps up to 5 people. Has a full bed with linens provided in the bedroom. Also a full air mattress, and a cot size mattress in the loft. (Bring sleeping bags or linens for these beds.) Pillows are provided. The loft is not suitable for young children. Has a solar bag shower outside in season. Compost bucket in the bathroom. MUST HAVE A ALL WHEEL DRIVE or 4 X 4 VEHICLE, or could hike up to the cabin. The rode is steep in places. Behind a locked gate. We will meet and take you to cabin. You will be given a key to use. Cabin is .8 of a mile off of Jordan Run Rd. and is around 5 miles to the entrance of forest rd 75 and 2 1/2 miles to entrance of forest rd 19. Has beautiful mountain views from above cabin (see pictures). Can see the top of dolly sods from cabin. Has a propane wall heater and wood stove for chilly nights. Fire wood is provided. You can hike or bike on roads on the property. In the winter if there was snow you could bring snowshoes and hike up to cabin and if you had skis you could ski back off to your vehicle or could cross country ski on one of the roads on the property. Cabin is 15 to 20 minutes from Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole caverns is 8 to 10 minutes, Canaan and Timberline ski resorts are 45 to 55 minutes away. Local streams are stocked with trout. No pets, no smoking in or near the cabin. No drugs or parties allowed. There is a smoke detector, a carbon dioxide detector, and a fire extinguisher. There is bears and other animals around. Don't leave your trash or food out at nights. We are open all year (weather permitting) except November 19th through December 5th. Check out our Facebook page Rocky Hollow Paradise LLC .

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Olde Tyme Cabins & Yurts

2 sites · Lodging120 acres · Buckhannon, WV

This beautiful 20 foot tent sits on a 24x20 platform giving you a 4foot porch to sit and listen to the sounds of nature. This tent is fully off the grid with a generator on site for back up power if you need it. We have power banks available to charge electronics. Queens size air mattress with two additional sleeping bags. T-Mobile has the best service. AT&T and US Cellular 50-80% coverage. You must bring charging cords. We offer 5 gallon solar heated shower bags for the outdoor shower. Firewood bundles are stacked under the deck with roasting sticks. All lights are solar with a few battery operated ones. Extra batteries are on site. There is a grill and propane tank on site with grilling utensils, cutting board, and spices. Plates and silverware provided. We offer a cooler just bring your own ice! If you forget your shower accessories, don’t worry we have you covered. You will also find a 4 cup French press and water kettle. Bug spray and hand sanitizer on site! A propane heater is available upon request. Find us on social media @ OldeTymeCabins There is plenty of space to lay down some sleeping bags for the kids! We are less than a 1/4 mile from Maniac Mountain Haunted House, so you will hear the chainsaws, gun shots, and screams during the Sept-Nov time. We have 160 acres of wilderness you can explore. Be cautious of wildlife and look for WARNING signs. We have a private shooting range in the bottom fields of the property so you may hear gun shots April- September. The range is for our junior marksmanship program to practice for Nationals and local matches. For winter months Oct-April water supply will be limited. A propane buddy heater can be requested as well.

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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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Cooper's Whitewater Hideout

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Bruceton Mills, WV

This special and hidden place is the perfect hideaway along the West Virginia border with Maryland, just 15 minutes from Morgantown. It is perfect for anyone looking to fish, paddle, ski, hike, hunt, etc. . . and just get away from it all! This land has been developed for easy access and insulated serenity. The property is within a gated development with plentiful waterfront access along Laurel Run and Big Sandy Creek (multiple community parks exist including a waterfall hike to Wonder Falls). The strong 5G cell coverage here is great for hot-spotting. There are more than 20,000 acres of public lands within minutes of this campsite, come check this place out and enjoy a campfire away from it all! For River Runners: This site is within 5 minutes to the Lower Big Sandy, 30 minutes to the Cheat, 30 minutes to the Upper Yough, and 45 minutes to the Lower Yough. Also check out Highwater Hobbies in Bruceton Mills for all your gear needs: https://www.highwaterhobbies.com/ For Hikers: the gates of this development are located along the Allegheny Trail for more information see https://www.hikethealleghenytrail.org/

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Riverside camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Smithton, PA

Private riverside camp good for fishing, kayaking, camping. Large mostly open lot with a trail leading down to the youghiogheny river. Nice view of the river. Good for tenting, pop ups, smaller rv’s and travel trailers. There are used train tracks close by. Currently there are no restrooms on site. Electric is available Basically one large camp site

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Cheat View Outpost

4 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Masontown, WV

On the edge of Cheat CanyonLearn more about this land:Several romote tent sites to choose from close to stream and trails Room for campers in meadow

The best camping near Swallow Falls State Park guide

Overview

About

Visitors to Swallow Falls State Park make a beeline for its three waterfalls, and it’s not hard to see why. The 54-foot Muddy Creek Falls is a thundering explosion of water that makes for impressive views—and photos—while the Upper and Lower Swallow Falls cascade over scenic rocky ridges, framed by tall hemlocks. Daredevils can get their adrenaline fix whitewater rafting along the Youghiogheny River, but there are lower-octane activities to enjoy too. Hike or mountain bike along several miles of forest trails, enjoy catch-and-release trout fishing, then overnight at a tree-shaded campsite or camper cabin at Swallow Falls State Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve 65 campsites and three cabins via the Maryland State Parks website. A minimum 2-night stay applies on weekends (three nights over holiday weekends).
Sites can only be reserved from the Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend until the Tuesday after Labor Day. Outside of these times, they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for the three full hookup sites (40, 42, and 42A) which must always be reserved in advance.
Campsite reservations open 365 days in advance.
Campsites can book up fast, especially for holiday weekends; aim to book at least three months in advance, or at least six months for cabins and full hookup sites.

When to go

Swallow Falls State Park is open year-round, but activities are seasonal. Whitewater rafting season typically runs from April through October, while the state campground is open from mid-April through mid-December (although bookable periods vary; see above). Peak season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, when an early arrival is recommended to secure parking and picnic spots.

Know before you go

Swallow Falls State Park is about a one-hour drive from Morgantown.
Day-use fees apply for all Maryland State Parks, as do campsite booking fees. Fees are per-person from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and per-vehicle the rest of the year.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and bike rentals. Cell phone service is unreliable throughout the park.
Black bears are present at Swallow Falls State Park, so keep food and garbage secure in camping and day-use areas, and follow the park’s bear safety guidelines.