From Chesapeake shores to quiet forests — here’s where to park, camp, and explore in the Free State
While Maryland might be small in size, it packs a surprising punch for car campers and van lifers. With beaches, mountains, forests, and rivers all within a few hours of each other, Maryland offers a diverse range of overnight options, scenic drives, and hidden camping gems.
Here are 10 of the best van life and car camping spots to explore across the state — whether you're looking for saltwater breezes or Appalachian serenity.
🌊 1. Assateague Island National Seashore
Location: Eastern Shore
Cost: ~$30/night (no hookups)
Camp right on the beach beside wild ponies. Assateague is a dream for coastal camping lovers.
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🐴 Wild horses roam freely
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🌅 Epic sunrises over the Atlantic
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🚿 Cold outdoor showers & restrooms available
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⛔ Reservations highly recommended in summer
💡 Pro Tip: Sand can be rough on tires — be cautious when pulling off the main roads.
🌲 2. Green Ridge State Forest
Location: Western Maryland, near Cumberland
Cost: ~$10/night (primitive)
Maryland’s largest state forest is a remote, peaceful wonderland for dispersed camping.
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🏕️ 100+ primitive designated campsites
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🌌 Great for stargazing and solitude
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🚗 Some roads require AWD or high clearance
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🥾 Loads of trails, ridge hikes, and river spots
💡 Pick up a map at the ranger station to locate campsites.
🏞️ 3. Catoctin Mountain Park / Cunningham Falls State Park
Location: Northern Maryland
Cost: ~$25–$35/night
Nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, these neighboring parks offer forests, waterfalls, and family-friendly campgrounds.
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💧 Swim or fish at Cunningham Falls Lake
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🔥 Well-maintained campgrounds with fire rings
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🌲 Shaded sites perfect for summer van life
🌅 4. Point Lookout State Park
Location: Southern tip of Maryland
Cost: ~$30/night
This unique park is surrounded by the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay — a peaceful place to catch a breeze and unwind.
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🦀 Ideal for crabbing or fishing
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🌄 Stunning sunsets over the bay
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👻 Local lore includes Civil War ghost stories
🛶 5. Deep Creek Lake State Park
Location: Garrett County, Western MD
Cost: ~$25–$40/night
Perfect for those who love lakeside camping, kayaking, or hiking through the Appalachian foothills.
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🛶 Rent kayaks or paddleboards nearby
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🔌 Sites available with or without hookups
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❄️ Beautiful year-round, including snowy winters
🛤️ 6. Patapsco Valley State Park
Location: Near Baltimore
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
A quick escape from city life, this park is great for weekend warriors or van dwellers passing through Baltimore/DC.
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🚿 Bathrooms, showers, and firewood
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🚴 Biking, hiking, and river walks
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🛻 Easy access from I-95
🏕️ 7. Tuckahoe State Park
Location: Eastern Shore
Cost: ~$20–$30/night
Quiet, woodsy, and perfect for a peaceful night — not far from the beach or small-town charm.
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🐦 Great for bird watching and kayaking
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🔥 Clean, well-spaced campgrounds
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🌿 Trails loop through quiet forest
🦅 8. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Cambridge, MD
Cost: FREE dispersed (on nearby public lands)
While camping inside the refuge isn’t allowed, there are nearby public lands, boat ramps, and primitive spots great for stealth camping.
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🦆 Incredible for bird photography
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🛶 Peaceful paddling in tidal marshes
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🚐 Look for pull-offs and rest areas near Route 335
🚗 9. Rest Stops & Walmarts (Overnight Options)
Location: Throughout the state
Cost: FREE (ask permission where required)
While not scenic, these are solid overnight spots if you’re passing through or need a break.
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✅ Confirm signage and ask for permission
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📍 Walmarts in Hagerstown, Salisbury, or Waldorf
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⛽ Combine with gas stops or fast food for convenience
🌄 10. Savage River State Forest
Location: Western Maryland
Cost: FREE to $10/night
This rugged forest is less developed but loaded with quiet pull-offs and primitive campsites.
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🚫 No cell service in most areas
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🏞️ Ideal for self-contained rigs
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💧 Bring your own water & supplies
🧭 Bonus Van Life Tips for Maryland
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Best Season: Spring to fall (some parks are snow-covered in winter)
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Showers: State parks, gyms, and rec centers
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Stealth Tips: Look for park-and-rides, truck stops, or small-town municipal lots
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Apps to Use: Campendium, iOverlander, FreeRoam, Gaia GPS
Final Thoughts
Maryland may be overlooked by van lifers chasing the West, but it’s full of underrated, beautiful camping experiences. From wild ponies on the beach to misty mountain trails and riverside serenity, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Whether you're staying for a weekend or weaving it into an East Coast road trip, Maryland welcomes van lifers with surprising diversity and charm.
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