Camping near Cunningham Falls State Park

Maple forests blanket the southern foothills of the Catoctin Mountains at Cunningham Falls State Park. Most day visitors make a beeline for the William Houck Area, home to the park’s namesake 78-foot waterfall. After hiking to the falls, head down to William Houck Lake to swim, rent a paddleboat, or relax on the sandy beach. Hikers can challenge themselves to some tough, mountainous trails throughout the park, or seek out a quiet spot to fish along the creeks. To the south, highlights of the Manor Area include the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and an aviary, where you can spot hawks and bald eagles.

• Best for RVs: The main William Houck Campground has tent and trailer campsites, 33 with electric hookups, plus eight camper cabins, hot showers, and flush toilets. 
• Best for winter campers: The smaller Manor Area Campground has 21 basic sites and just 10 electric sites. It stays open through early December, but off-season campers have portable restrooms only–bathhouses and dump stations close in winter.

1. You can reserve 170 campsites and eight cabins via the Maryland Parks Reservations website. 
2. Campsite reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
3. Campsites can book up fast, especially for peak season (June through September) and holiday weekends. Aim to book more than six months in advance for these times and even earlier for cabins and electric hookup sites.

As one of Maryland’s most popular state parks, Cunningham Falls draws huge crowds, especially over summer weekends and during its annual Maple Syrup Festival (March). Plan an early arrival if visiting at this time, especially over the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday weekends, when the park is likely to reach capacity and close the gates. Camping season runs from early April through the end of October—the Manor Area stays open through early December.

• Cunningham Falls State Park is 69 miles northwest of Baltimore or about a 75-minute drive away. The main entry points are the William Houck Area, on Route 77, and the Manor Area, off Route 15. Per-vehicle fees to enter the park, as do campsite booking fees.
• Picnic tables and grills are at both the Manor and William Houck areas, available on a first-come, first-served basis. A reservable picnic shelter can be found at Manor Area. 
• Leashed pets are permitted in the day-use areas, campgrounds, and along trails.
• Cell phone service is patchy throughout the park, and many carriers do not have service in the Catoctin Mountains.
• Black bears are present at Cunningham Falls State Park, so keep food and garbage secure in camping and day-use areas. 
• There are ADA-accessible campsites, a bathhouse, and a fishing pier at the William Houck Area.