Green Ridge State Forest

Other than a few cars on the gravel road either entering or leaving the park, did not see another individual in three days and two nights. Stayed the first night in an undesignated site. Tall grass but nothing to complain about. Second night was in campsite 52. Had a fire ring and picnic table. Some Verizon signal at 52 but not strong. Very few bugs at either campsite. No mosquito bites or ticks found. Never saw a live snake or a bear. Roads are well-maintained but some could require 4 x 4 following rains. One would have trouble accessing either campsite with anything larger than a class B. But the roads would probably keep larger rigs out. Perfect for car or a van camping. Some broken glass around 52 but generally clean. Campsites appear to be separated by at least 1/2 mile and usually more. Very quiet. Only complaint was the check in. There wasn’t one due to COVID-19. Just a clip board with scribble on it from previous campers registering, but no reliable indication what sites were open. Basically paid for each night and then drove around for a few hours looking for an empty site. Very confusing.

We spent 4 nights in Green Ridge State Forest, site 18, over the July 4th weekend (2020). This is a beautiful place to dry camp; the sites are dirt, have a picnic table and rock fire pit, but there are no other amenities so it is not recommended unless you bring your own water and toilet.

Sites are first come, first served, and cost $10/night. The State Forest Headquarters is located just south of Interstate 68 at exit 64; you are supposed to register before selecting a site, which is really impractical if you are far from HQ, since there is no reliable way to know if a site is occupied. There is also dispersed camping, but cost is the same. The sites are widely scattered, so there is plenty of privacy. However, some of the ones south of the Interstate are on very rough roads (don't try to drive Dughill Road with a trailer!). See https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Documents/GRSF-Driving-Tour.pdf
for locations, and don't trust your GPS other than to find HQ.

There are hunting areas and shooting ranges nearby (we could hear distant shots), but otherwise it was very peaceful, with no noise from the nearby Interstate and very little traffic on Big Ridge Road. Our site was fairly level, requiring only minimum use of leveling blocks. Collecting firewood is permitted, but you may have to drive a litte to collect it.

We had 9 Mbps down and 8 up on our Verizon phones, and 30 Mbps down and 15 up using our cellular router and roof antenna.

If you want a great, out-in-the-woods experience, Green Ridge has a lot to offer.