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Mid-Atlantic Camping

C & O Canal National Historic Park (DC)
185 miles of protected canal and river bank from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The old towpath connects Washington by footpath to the Appalachian and Tuscarora trails.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.nps.gov/choh/Recreation/Camping.html
Telephone: 301-739-4200
Assateague National Seashore (MD)
Visitors to the Maryland district of Assateague Island may enjoy a variety of camping opportunities. The National Park Service provides year round camping in oceanside and bayside campgrounds. These campgrounds are first-come, first-served from October 16 through April 14. Reservations are recommended April 15 through October 15. For backcountry camping enthusiasts, two oceanside and four bayside sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors who wish to backpack or paddle the island.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.nps.gov/asis/camping.htm
Telephone: 410-641-2120
Catoctin Mountain National Park (MD)
With 25 miles of hiking trails winding through both Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park a variety of experiences are available ranging from easy to strenuous, many leading to outstanding scenic vistas. The roads of Catoctin Mountain Park offer scenic driving all year; but, portions of Park Central Road and Manahan Road are closed in winter. Camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fly-fishing, cross country skiing are all available at Catoctin Mountain Park.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.nps.gov/cato/recr/occg.htm
Telephone: 301-663-9388
Green Ridge State Forest, (MD)
A largely overlooked and enormous wilderness just west of Hancock. Hiking and Camping; canoeing on Sideling Hill Creek and Potomac River. Green Ridge offers 100 designated primitive campsites located throughout 44,000 acres. Group sites as well as sites located along the Potomac River and along the off-road vehicle trail are available. Pets are permitted in the forest on a leash
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/greenridge.html
Telephone: 301-478-3124
Savage River State Forest (MD)
Most of Garrett County in western Maryland is patched with this forest. The Big Savage Trail is noteworthy. Savage River State Forest, at over 54,000 acres, is the largest facility in the state forest and park system. It preserves a strategic watershed in Garrett County. Trail maps are available at the park office, for all trails, including the 10 miles of cross country ski trails. The forest is classified as a northern hardwood forest. More than 12,000 acres of the forest has been designated as Wildlands.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/savageriver.html
Telephone: 301-895-5759
Swallow Falls State Park, Oakland (MD)
This park contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the parks border, passing through rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. A spectacular 63 foot crashing waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls is Maryland’s largest waterfall.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/swallowfalls.html
Telephone: 301-387-6938
Allegheny National Forest (PA)
The vast expanse of the Hickory Creek Wilderness (8663 acres) and the unique Allegheny Islands Wilderness (368 acres) offer great opportunities for primitive recreation, including camping, hiking, hunting, canoeing, fishing and watching wildlife. These areas were designated in 1984. Also designated in 1984, the 23,100 acres of the Allegheny National Recreation Area are preserved and protected under the Pennsylvania Wilderness Act. This designation ensures the integrity of natural scenic, historic and other values within the area, as well as providing recreation opportunities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/camping/
Telephone: 814-723-5150
Michaux State Forest (PA)
There are many miles of trout waters and numerous lakes and reservoirs to support warm water fishing. Primitive camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and snowmobiling are but a few of many recreational pursuits that are available. In addition, 130 miles of state forest roads are maintained for pleasure driving and sightseeing. Picnicking and day-use activities can be enjoyed at the Old Forge State Forest Picnic Area. Three State Parks - Caledonia, Pine Grove Furnace and Mont Alto - are located within Michaux State Forest boundaries. Many fine circuit hikes from Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/michauxactivities.aspx
Telephone: 717-352-2211
Ohiopyle State Park (PA)
This dynamic park offers hiking trails, cross country skiing, bicycle trails, and whitewater boating on the Youghiogheny River. The Laurel Highlands Trail begins in the park. Located primarily in Fayette County, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses about 19,052 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Mountains. The focal point of the area is the more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-gay-nee] River Gorge that passes through the heart of the park.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ohiopyle.aspx#staythenight
Telephone: 724-329-8591
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest (VA)
Crabtree Falls - Highest waterfall in Virginia. Near Priest Mountain.
Massanutten - Just west of Front Royal, there are many fine circuit hikes to the high knobs.
Ramsey’s Draft - A primitive forest treasure worth many visits.
Reddish Knob - High ridge hiking along VA/WV border.
Wolf Gap - Many circuit hikes that connect with the Big Blue Trail and Big Schloss.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/recreation/camping/index.shtml
Telephone: 540-265-5100
Shenandoah National Park (VA)
This 100 mile long park stretches southward from Front Royal, Virginia along the Blue Ridge. Over 500 miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, lead to the ridges, valleys, sparkling streams and waterfalls. The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the length of the park. Elevations over 4000’ provide spectacular views.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.nps.gov/shen/1b1.htm
Telephone: 540-999-3500
Monongahela National Forest (WV)
Cranberry Backcountry - A sanctuary for black bears with trout streams, high bogs and over 150 miles of trails. Be sure to go to the Cranberry Botanical Area and the Falls of Hills Creek.

Dolly (Dahle) Sods Wilderness - 10,000 Acres of high plateau Canadian climate area. Weather can be severe.

Otter Creek Wilderness - 20,000 Acres of solemn isolation with a dense forest and stream valley. The weather can be severe.

Seneca Rocks - Eastern rock climbing mecca.

Shaver’s Fork Wilderness - An expansive but lesser known area of Monongahela. Elevations of 4,800’ rim the watershed. You can ride the Cass Railroad up to this backcountry.

Spruce Knob - Highest point in West Virginia (4,865’).
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/rec/rec_index.shtml
Telephone: 304-636-1800