By:
Submission
Primitive Camping
There are 100 designated primitive campsites dispersed throughout Green Ridge State Forest that are available to visitors throughout the year by permit. Campers must register for the campsite at the Green Ridge Headquarters prior to occupying the site. There is a $10 per night permit fee for camping. There are also 6 group sites available for groups of 20 or more that are available by reservation. Details on group site camping are available at the Green Ridge State Forest headquarters.
Primitive camping has become a rare opportunity as most public and private campgrounds have adopted a more improved and consolidated approach to managing camping facilities. Camping at Green Ridge is a primitive experience in that the sites have a picnic table and a fire ring and no other amenities or plumbing. We urge our visitors to practice the "Leave no Trace" ethic as they enjoy a primitive and remote camping experience. Back Country backpack camping is also permitted within the forest.
Backpack Camping
Backpack camping is also permitted throughout the forest. Backpackers must register at the Green Ridge Headquarters prior to embarking on backpacking adventure by payment ($10/night) and including itinerary with names of all campers. Campfires are permitted except during drought conditions. Leave No Trace guidelines apply to backpack camping as well.
Firewood use on Green Ridge State Forest
Firewood for camping must be purchased from local vendors or gathered on site. Please DO NOT bring personal firewood into the State Forest. A wide variety of forest insect pests are accidentally transported and introduced to new areas by transporting personal firewood between distinct geographic locations. Please keep our forests safe!
From Washington, D.C./Baltimore: (Travel time approximately 2 hours.) Take I-70 west to I-68 west. Take exit #64 (M.V. Smith Road). Make a right onto M.V. Smith Road. The Headquarters Drive is on the right after crossing I-68. From Pittsburgh: (Travel time approximately 3 1/2 hours.) Take I-79 to I-68 east. Take exit #64 (M.V. Smith Road). Take a right onto M.V. Smith Road. The Headquarters Drive is immediately on the right.
Finally got out to green ridge state forest to experience the primitive camping sites and it did not disappoint ! The fall colors were spectacular and the solitude of the forest was a great reprieve. Get there early Fri morning or Thurs afternoon/evening for more choices of "scenic sites", as it's first come first serve – we arrived Fri afternoon and it was slim pickins. We were, however, still thrilled with the camp site we got, it was in dense woods and we couldn't hear anyone else (the campsites are spread out). Make sure you bring enough water for cooking, washing hands, etc as the sites do not have any amenities with the exception of a fire ring and picnic table.
Came from Greensboro, MD to hopefully experience the legendary site 65. We were lucky enough to get it. Trails were very mild and could have been done in a 2wd truck probably. There was a large tree in our way on the way to the site but luckily we had an electric chainsaw. The site was absolutely beautiful. Just fyi, no cellphone service in the lower parts, spotty at best even at site 65. Amazing experience.
An absolutely amazing place. Spacious campsites and each are spaced apart so far, you can't hear another camper. Yet, there are 100 sites! No animal problems at all. It's kinda creepy actually. I don't even see a squirrel, let alone a raccoon, opossum, deer or bear. It's almost surreal how quite that aspect of it is. Yet, there are many birds including the very vocal Whippoorwill. You'll know when they're around. They sing their name! Enjoy your stay. It's a treasure!
I was on my way to Hagerstown and decided to stop in. I had read that it is the largest adjoining block of public land in Maryland. There is a driving tour of 44 miles that can take up to 3 hours. I went to the Overlook to at least enjoy and appreciate the view.
Stopped in to see the overlook. Free to get into the park. Then a 10 minute walk. It's handicap accessible. Great place to see the colorful leafs this fall. The bathroom was clean. There's a pamphlet about the different trees as you are walking.
