RV CAMPING AT DEEP CREEK LAKE, MD
Deep Creek Lake sits in Garrett County, surrounded by mountains, forests, and over 70,000 acres of outdoor recreation.
RV campers love the area for:
- Easy access to boating, fishing, and swimming
- Nearby hiking and biking trails
- Cooler mountain temperatures (great in summer!)
- Year-round activities, including fall foliage and winter sports
BEST TIME TO GO
🌸 Spring (April–May): Quiet, blooming landscapes
☀️ Summer (June–August): Best for lake activities
🍁 Fall (September–October): Stunning foliage
❄️ Winter: Limited RV camping (most campgrounds close)
RV CAMPING TIPS
Planning ahead makes all the difference when RV camping in this area. Here are a few key tips to keep your trip smooth and stress-free:
🗓️ Reserve early: Campsites, especially electric hookups, fill quickly during summer and fall. Reserve your campsite here for Maryland State Parks
🔌 Check hookups: Many sites offer electric only, so plan for water and dumping needs.
🚐 Know your RV size: Some sites have length limits, so double-check before booking.
🌦️ Pack for changing weather: Mountain conditions can shift fast, even in warmer months.
🪵 Bring essentials: Firewood (or buy locally), leveling blocks, and extension cords come in handy.
🐻 Secure food & trash: Wildlife is common, so store everything properly to avoid visits.
Be aware of black bears while enjoying the outdoors around Deep Creek Lake and take simple precautions to stay safe. For helpful tips and more information, visit the Deep Creek Lake Bear Awareness Guide.
STATE PARKS FOR RV CAMPING
RV & Trailer Rental Policy:
The Maryland Park Service allows third-party rental units including vans, coaches, caravans, trailers, towables, campers, motor homes, RV, or other recreational vehicles (“third-party rental units”), which provide Park visitors with the opportunity to camp in our many state park campgrounds.
To use a third-party rental unit for your stay at one of our state parks, you must read and agree to the terms and conditions here for such usage as well as all applicable individual park policies.
Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground
Location: 898 State Park Road, Swanton, MD
Distance to Lake: On-site access
Overview:
Deep Creek Lake State Park is the most popular RV camping destination in the area, offering direct access to the lake along with a swimming beach, boat launch, and nature center. The Meadow Mountain campground provides a well-equipped and convenient base for campers who want easy access to both outdoor activities and essential amenities.
RV Details:
- 82 basic sites and 23 electric sites
- Max RV length around 40 feet
- Dump station and freshwater fill available
Amenities:
- Heated bathhouses
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Boat launch and swimming beach
- Free boat trailer overnight parking registration
- Overnight dock slip use
Good to Know:
- Meadow Mountain Campground is open April 15 through December 15
- Delphia Brant loop is pet-free
- Sites are more developed and closer together than other parks
- Reservations fill quickly in peak season
New Germany State Park Campground
CLOSURE NOTICE (UPDATED):
New Germany State Park will be upgrading its water system and wastewater treatment plant in 2026-2027. This project will require cabins, campsites, and pavilions to be closed at various times during construction. Site closures are subject to change as the project moves forward. If you would like to be notified when a site reopens, you can create an alert at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov/. From there, search for your desired stay and then select “Notify me” on the results page. You will receive an email when a site matching your criteria becomes available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Location: 349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, MD
Distance to Lake: About 20 minutes
Overview:
New Germany State Park offers a shaded, safe, and peaceful setting that’s especially great for families. Surrounded by forest and centered around a small lake, it provides a quieter camping experience while still being close to Deep Creek Lake. The campground is well-maintained with a central bathhouse, and the overall atmosphere is calm and relaxing.
RV Details:
- Some sites can accommodate motorhomes
- Only one site offers electric hookups (Campsite #34)
- RV dump station available
Amenities:
- Central bathhouse with restrooms and hot showers
- Purified water available throughout the campground
- Heated bathhouse in White Oak Loop (open year-round)
- Hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling access
Good to Know:
- White Oak Loop is open year-round; Pines Loop is open April 1 through October 31
- Winter conditions are not plowed, so be prepared to walk in from the day-use area
- Overnight parking permits are required in winter
- Advance reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome
- Check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 1:00 PM
Swallow Falls State Park Campground
Location: 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland, MD
Distance to Lake: About 10 minutes
Overview:
Swallow Falls State Park is best known for its scenic waterfalls, including Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest in Maryland. The park offers a peaceful, wooded setting with easy access to hiking trails and some of the area’s most photographed natural features, making it a favorite for campers who enjoy nature and quiet surroundings.
RV Details:
- Campsites available for smaller RVs
- Limited hookups and tighter spaces
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Access to waterfall trails
Good to Know:
- Best suited for smaller rigs due to tighter campground layout
- More rustic camping experience compared to other parks nearby
- Close proximity to Deep Creek Lake makes it easy to visit both in one trip
- Please DO NOT rely on cell phones for communication while in the park. Many phones and carriers do not get service.
