About
Swallow Falls State Park Campground is the wooded campground inside Swallow Falls State Park, about nine miles north of Oakland at 2470 Maple Glade Rd. With 65 sites, three camper cabins and three youth group sites under tall hemlocks along the Youghiogheny River, it's a classic base for families who want to wake up close to Muddy Creek Falls and the park's trails.
Sites and Cabins
Every site has a fire ring, picnic table and lantern post on a stabilized pad, and modern bathhouses with hot and cold water are nearby. A few options to know about:
- Tent-only sites: 8, 10, 12, 33, 46, 49 and 50
- Full hookups (electric, water, sewer): sites 40, 42 and 42A
- Electric and water: sites 19, 21 and 23
- Camper cabins (sites 54, 56, 58): electric heat, a microwave, a mini fridge, a small table and chairs, one double bed and a bunk bed
- Youth group sites: three sites for organized youth groups holding a valid Maryland DNR Youth Group Pass
Firewood is sold at the park, and fires must stay in the fire ring. Pets are welcome on a leash, but during the summer season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) they are not allowed in the day-use area or on the trails.
What's Nearby in the Park
Muddy Creek Falls drops 53 feet, the Youghiogheny River runs through rocky gorges and rapids along the park's edge, and a trail of about a mile and a quarter leads to scenic overlooks. The park also protects a stand of hemlocks, some more than 300 years old. In July 1921 Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone camped here on one of their "vagabond" trips. A trail of about 5.5 miles connects to Herrington Manor State Park.
Before You Go
The Garrett Loop is open from the first weekend in April through the first weekend in December, and the Tolliver Loop from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Reservations are made through parkreservations.maryland.gov or 1-888-432-2267 and are strongly recommended in summer. Cell service is unreliable, so share your plans before you head in.
Address
2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550