Cunningham Falls State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Cunningham Falls State Park is a scenic natural area located in Northern Maryland and surrounded by the ridges of the mighty Catoctin Mountain. The park's most impressive feature is its namesake waterfall, which is the highest cascading waterfall in all of Maryland at 78 feet. The beautiful area also boasts serene woodlands and trails, a tranquil lake, and diverse wildlife species.
Cunningham Falls State Park typically experiences occasional rain throughout the year and very snowy winters. The summer temperatures rarely rise above the mid-80s, but the weather can get relatively humid. Every year in March, the park hosts the Annual Maple Syrup Festival.
Nearby Cities:
Frederick, MD
Baltimore, MD
Washington, D.C.
Hagerstown, MD
Spring 38-76 F
Summer 66-85 F
Fall 37-70 F
Winter 25-48 FF
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cunningham Falls State Park
Campground Accommodations
Cunningham Falls State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 30 feet
Other amenities: Camp store, dump station, playground, picnic area, boat ramp, BBQ grills, boat rentals, campground host, drinking water, fire rings, flush toilets, showers
Cunningham Falls State Park Campground
There are two sections of the Cunningham Falls State Park campground. In the William Houck Area campground, there are 33 electric sites and 106 basic sites. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. A centrally located bathhouse features hot showers and flush toilets. You can also use the dump station for sewage and potable water. The Manor Area campground offers electric sites and basic sites. This section includes the same amenities as the Houck area.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Secluded location
Ole Mink Farm Recreational Resort
Ole Mink Farm Recreational Resort has a little bit of everything. There are plenty of spots to park your RV. These seasonal sites feature 30-amp electric, water, and sewage hookups. All the sites are in a wooded area for additional privacy. You will want to enjoy these resort-style amenities. There are even planned activities throughout the season. You can also get a little solitude on the hiking trails. This community is a pet-friendly campground, and there are plenty of spots for your four-legged friend to explore.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Clubhouse, gift shop, swimming pool, and game room
Owens Creek Campground
If you want something more primitive, then you may want to check out Owens Creek Campground. At this spot, you can set up your RV in a wooded setting. There are 50 sites, but the spots can only accommodate trailers up to 22 feet in length. At each site, there is a fire ring and picnic table. This location includes two comfort stations with hot showers. You can also purchase firewood for a fee.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Hiking trails and trash collection
What to Do at
Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park is one of Maryland's most popular destinations for outdoor recreation. If you enjoy water-based recreation, you can spend your day boating on Hunting Creek Lake, which features a boat ramp for launching private watercraft. If you visit during the summer, you could also go for a refreshing swim in the lake to cool off. For visitors who would rather stay dry, the park boasts a network of scenic hiking trails to explore. Cunningham Falls State Park is also an excellent place to have a relaxing picnic by the water.
Cunningham Falls State Park is a wonderful place to enjoy an outdoor adventure. The area offers peaceful nature trails to explore and a beautiful reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Inside Cunningham Falls State Park
For those outdoor enthusiasts, you will love to spend time in Cunningham Falls State Park. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, hiking, boating, and hunting. If you are ready to explore, you can check out the remnants of the historic Catoctin Furnace. In addition to that, the state park is home to the Scales and Tales Aviary. At this spot, you can see and pet some of the animals that live in the park.
Fishing
Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park is an excellent fishing destination. During the summer, the lake is known as a great place to catch largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. If you visit during winter, you can go ice fishing for trout and panfish.
Geocaching
Visitors can enjoy geocaching around Cunningham Falls State Park. There are plenty of top-notch spots for caches around the falls.
Nature Watching
While exploring the forests of Cunningham Falls State Park, you may spot mammals like black bears, bobcats, and North American porcupines. Birdwatching enthusiasts will enjoy observing the park's bird species, of which there are over 120. Some of the birds to watch for include migrating hawks, common ravens, and Baltimore orioles.
Stargazing
When the weather is clear, Cunningham Falls State Park can be a top-tier stargazing destination. Occasionally, special solar and stargazing events will be held in the area.
Flora and Fauna
The Catoctin Forest, which occupies a significant amount of Cunningham Falls State Park, is home to a diverse collection of trees, including red maples, black birch, American beech, and eastern hemlock.
Hiking
Cunningham Falls State Park is a fantastic hiking destination featuring a network of scenic nature trails. The park's hiking routes take visitors through lush woodlands and offer beautiful views of the nearby lake. The trails in the area vary quite a bit in difficulty and length, offering something for hikers of all ability levels.
Boating
Hunting Creek Lake features a boat ramp for launching private watercraft, making it very convenient to spend the day out on the water. There is a small fee required to use the boat launch. Boat rentals are available at the park during the summer, and only electric motors are permitted.
Swimming
Between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, swimming is permitted at Cunningham Falls State Park. There are specific areas in Hunting Creek Lake where visitors can take a dip, but there typically aren't lifeguards on duty.
Biking
Unfortunately, biking is not permitted on the trails at Cunningham Falls State Park.
How to Get to
Cunningham Falls State Park
To reach the park from Frederick, MD, travel north on US-15 and follow it until you come to Pryor Rd. Take a left, then take another left when you reach MD-77 W. Next, turn left onto Cactocin Hollow Rd, then take a right onto William Houck Dr. Take another right onto N Beach Cir; the parking lot for the falls will be on your right, and the entrance to the state park will be on your left.
Entering Cunningham Falls State Park
On weekdays, it costs residents of Maryland $3 and out-of-state residents $5 to enter the park. On holidays and weekends, these fees rise to $5 and $7, respectively. There are easily accessible parking lots for both the state park and the nearby falls.
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Cunningham Falls State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cunningham Falls State Park
The summer is usually a wonderful time to visit Cunningham Falls State Park. If you visit between June and September, you'll likely experience warm weather and avoid the rain. In July and August, the weather is perfect for enjoying a refreshing swim in the lake.
Cunningham Falls State Park is known as a top-tier birdwatching destination, with over 120 avian species inhabiting the area. During your visit, you'll want to watch the skies for Baltimore orioles, Kentucky warblers, and scarlet tanagers.
Yes, the park's campground features two areas with a total of 43 designated RV campsites. The park's RV sites are equipped with electrical hookups, and there's also an on-site RV dump station.
To ensure that you snag a camping spot at Cunningham Falls State Park, you can make a reservation online or over the phone.
Visitors are more than welcome to bring their pets to Cunningham Falls State Park, but they need to remain leashed at all times. Pets are not welcome in the designated swimming areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but they're allowed at all other times of the year. It's also important that you keep an eye on your pet and clean up after them during your visit.