Best Free Camping in Maryland

Free Camping in Maryland

By Nathan Swartz

With the nation's capital and bustling Baltimore – and the endless sea of suburbs between them – dominating much of the state's acreage, it's no wonder that the Old Line State has little in the way of free camping.

Especially when compared to its wilder and larger neighbors, camping can seem downright sparse. If your boondocking dreams circle around wide-open beaches, hiking trails around a lake, and secluded mountains, you will no doubt be disappointed. On the other hand, you won't likely need to break out the bug spray.

Free Camping in Western Maryland

Thanks to the hospitality of some local businesses, namely a Cracker Barrel and a Walmart in Hagerstown, MD, you can score a free night or two of quiet, respectful camping in these parking lots. Cracker Barrel even has two actual, designated spots, while Walmart's bigger lot will work better for those with large RVs or pulling a toad.

Don't expect a picnic table or fire ring, and these types of free camping areas are not for setting up your tent. They are simply basic RV-sized spots in a parking lot, a place to rest after exploring the local area.

Free Camping Near Baltimore, MD

The last place of note is the Maryland Welcome Center, home to a free dump station. While technically you are not allowed to camp here overnight, doing so is at times permitted with the permission of local staff or the state police. You can call the phone number on the Campendium listing to get a better sense of whether this will be permitted during your stay before making the commitment to drive into the metropolis that is Baltimore.