Rock Run Campground

For Marylanders seeking a serene and well-maintained camping experience, Rock Run Campground in Frederick, MD, offers an inviting escape into nature. Nestled within the scenic Gambrill State Park, this campground provides a range of options from traditional tent sites to convenient camper cabins, all designed to ensure a comfortable and peaceful outdoor adventure. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to unwind, explore nearby trails, or use it as a tranquil base to discover the rich history and attractions of Frederick County.

Rock Run Campground is celebrated for its quiet atmosphere and commitment to cleanliness, particularly its well-maintained bathhouses. Many campers appreciate the convenience of heated bathrooms and consistently hot water in the showers, a welcome amenity that truly enhances the camping experience, especially during cooler seasons. The regular patrols by Park Rangers also contribute to a sense of security and ensure that assistance is readily available if needed, allowing visitors to relax and fully enjoy their surroundings.

What sets Rock Run apart is its balanced offering: a tranquil setting for relaxation combined with accessibility to both natural activities and regional attractions. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual sightseer, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to spend a few nights under the stars, Rock Run provides the perfect backdrop. The variety of sites available means that whether you prefer a rustic tent-only spot or the convenience of an electrical hookup or even a cabin, there's a suitable option for your specific camping style.

This campground genuinely caters to a family-friendly atmosphere while maintaining a calm environment, making it a favorite for those who value a quiet retreat without sacrificing essential amenities. It embodies the best of Maryland's state park camping, providing a genuine connection to the outdoors with thoughtful comforts.

Rock Run Campground is perfectly situated at 8002 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA. This address places it squarely within Gambrill State Park, which is located on Catoctin Mountain, just northwest of the city of Frederick. For many Marylanders, especially those in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, Frederick offers a convenient and relatively short drive (approximately 50-60 miles from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.). This makes Rock Run an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without extensive travel.

Gambrill State Park is part of a larger chain of protected lands along Catoctin Mountain, including the Frederick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park. This extensive network provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation immediately surrounding the campground. The park is easily accessible via Gambrill Park Road, which traverses Catoctin Mountain and provides direct access to the campground, trailheads, and other park amenities.

The elevation of Gambrill State Park provides a more temperate climate than the lower-lying areas of Maryland, particularly during the warmer months, making for a more comfortable camping experience. The campground itself is noted for being well-shaded, further enhancing comfort. Its location near Frederick means campers have the best of both worlds: a peaceful natural retreat coupled with easy access to the historical sites, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions of downtown Frederick. This makes Rock Run Campground an ideal base for exploring the rich offerings of Frederick County.

• Varied Campsite Options: The campground offers 13 basic sites, nine tent-only sites, and six sites with electrical hookups, catering to diverse camping preferences.
• Camper Cabins with Electricity: Four camper cabins are available, each with a double bed and bunk beds (sleeping four), a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Pets are permitted in Cabin 18.
• Picnic Table, Fire Ring, and Lantern Post at Each Site: Standard amenities provided for convenience and traditional camping enjoyment.
• Heated Bathhouse: Features flush toilets and hot showers, which are consistently praised for their cleanliness and hot water, a significant comfort, especially in cooler weather.
• Dump Station: Available for sewage and potable water for RV and trailer campers.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased on-site at the bathhouse to help prevent the spread of forest pests.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the campground (and in Cabin 18), but must be kept on a leash and attended at all times.
• Park Ranger Patrols: Rangers frequently stroll through the campground, providing a sense of security and readily available assistance.
• Reservations Required: Reservations are now required throughout the entire season (open annually from the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October). Campers check in at the bathhouse.

• Exceptional Bathroom Facilities: A standout feature, the bathrooms are consistently reviewed as "clean and ready to use," with "heated" interiors and water that "gets HOT." This comfort station significantly enhances the camping experience, particularly during less temperate weather.
• Diverse Site Selection: Offers a good variety of sites, including "basic," "tent-only," and "electrical hookup" options, allowing campers to choose the level of amenity that best suits their needs. Reviewers appreciate the "plenty of different varieties" of spots.
• Cozy Camper Cabins: Four cabins provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping, offering electricity, beds, and basic outdoor amenities, making them popular and often booked well in advance. Cabin 18 is specifically pet-friendly.
• Peaceful and Quiet Environment: Described as a "nice quiet campground," it provides a serene escape for those looking to relax and unwind without excessive noise.
• Well-Shaded Campground: Located within Gambrill State Park, the campground is well-shaded, offering natural protection from the sun, which is a valuable asset during warmer months.
• Active Ranger Presence: "Park Rangers stroll through frequently if needed," providing both security and readily available assistance, contributing to a sense of safety and support for campers.
• Access to Gambrill State Park Amenities: Campers have direct access to the park's 16+ miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, picnic areas, and a small pond for fishing, allowing for ample outdoor recreation.
• Proximity to Frederick Area Attractions: Serves as an excellent "location to sleep and see things in the area," being close to the historic city of Frederick, offering easy access to cultural sites, dining, and shopping.

Address: 8002 Gambrill Park Rd, Frederick, MD 21702, USA

Phone: (301) 293-4170 (This is the primary contact number for Gambrill State Park, which manages Rock Run Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 301-293-4170

Website: For reservations and the most up-to-date information on availability, site details, fees, and park policies (including seasonal opening/closing dates), it is highly recommended to visit the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for Gambrill State Park. Reservations are required throughout the season and can typically be made via the Maryland State Parks reservation system.

It is advisable to book well in advance, especially for electrical sites and camper cabins, as these are popular and can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons.

Rock Run Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing camping destination for Marylanders, offering a perfect blend of tranquility, essential comforts, and convenient access to diverse attractions. For locals, its prime location in Gambrill State Park, just a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., means less travel time and more time to enjoy the outdoors. This accessibility makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways or planned longer vacations within their home state.

The campground's commitment to providing a comfortable experience is a significant draw. The consistently clean, heated bathhouses with hot showers are a luxury in the camping world, ensuring a refreshing and pleasant stay regardless of the weather. This attention to essential amenities elevates Rock Run above many other campgrounds and is particularly appreciated by families or those new to camping who desire more comfort.

With a variety of site types—from basic tent spots nestled in the woods to sites with electrical hookups for RVs, and even cozy camper cabins—Rock Run caters to diverse preferences and camping styles. This flexibility ensures that whether a family needs power for medical devices, a couple seeks a rustic tent experience, or a group wants a cabin, there’s a suitable option available. The ample space at sites and the overall quiet atmosphere provide a genuine sense of escape and relaxation.

Furthermore, Rock Run's location within Gambrill State Park offers immediate access to a wealth of outdoor activities, including over 16 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, picnicking areas, and a small fishing pond. Beyond the park, the historic city of Frederick is just a stone's throw away, providing opportunities for exploring cultural sites, dining, and shopping. This combination of natural immersion and urban convenience makes Rock Run Campground an incredibly versatile and rewarding choice for Marylanders looking for their next outdoor adventure. It truly offers a serene retreat that feels miles away, yet is comfortably close to home.