We've stayed a couple more times and have noticed that in the summer, the dampness after a rain can remain for 3 days. We bought firewood and just having it on the cabin porch allowed it to soak in the humidity during the day, making it unusable for that night's camp fire. We use a wood burning stove and rely on being able to pick up small pieces of wood. Not always possible in this park in the summer In the fall, the dampness doesn't remain and even within an hour after raining, you can use firewood and wood you pick up. We've taken advantage of visiting the Tales and Scales rehab center on subsequent visits. Also we've hiked a couple of the trails. I noticed that we could handle even the trails marked difficult as long as we were careful. read more

We love this place. It's a great campground and state park that we'll return to year after year (we've been two years running). Campers get included access to the state park beach, trails, etc. The campsites are reasonably spacious (and there are many of them) and the campground has full facilities, despite gross showers (c'est la vie). The lake is lovely with two beach areas (the north one is quieter) and a big field for playing soccer and the like. There's even a great playground at the south beach. The hike to the waterfall is lovely (we prefer the rugged rail out and the flat trail back) and climbing the waterfall is a fun adventure, too. Yes, it gets crowded, but it's easy to see why. read more

loved the experience - beautiful park!! special shout out to rangers Alexis and Jeremiah for their help and wonderful support when dealing with a car emergency. incredible staff -- well trained, professional and kind too -- thank you so much!!! read more

Complete and utter rip off . They charge out of state residents $7 per person regardless of age .

The beach and playground our nice. However we came to play in the water and there were signs posted that the water was unsafe to swim in.

It's been some time since we visited this park, but I really do enjoy it. This time it was during Spring Break, but it's 80+ degrees today so I figured it was a place we could get wet and enjoy it - even in April. Out of season there is an honor system for payment and honestly I didn't even see how much they wanted us to pay, so I stuck a bill in there and shrugged. We enjoyed some lunch/snacks upon arrival. You could not rent boats because it's out of season. There are bathrooms (at the South Beach anyway) with running water. I saw port-a-potties too... maybe in the winter the bathrooms are closed?? Otherwise, I can't imagine why there would be port-a-potties. I did see some vending machines, but the snack bar was closed as was the visitor center. Good thing we brought out own stuff! One thing of interest, this is a "trash free park" - there are NO trash cans (not even in the bathrooms). So bring a bag to keep your trash in! Although signs discourage swimming out of season because of the lack of lifeguards and regular water testing, the sandy beach was still enjoyable. The water was (IMO) too cold for swimming, though we saw a few people doing it. We just waded in with our two big furry mountain dogs, who thoroughly enjoyed it. Then we hiked up the short trail to the falls. People are still climbing those falls and it scares the heck out of me. I want to do it, but it looks unsafe, so I don't. If others didn't do it (if the rule was enforced), it would be far less tempting - not just to me but to my kids too who had a pouting fit because I wouldn't let them climb it. Sigh. Overall, it was a great day. I brought an 11 yr old and a 13 yr old, and 2 mountain dogs - one is older and fatter (and on a new exercise program) - I am not sure if he had fun, the other one had a BLAST! read more

A couple of friends and I came here to camp and hang out for the weekend. The actual sites are nice, flat spaces to pitch tents on. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. The campground areas have bathhouses with showers and flush toilets. There were dumpsters for trash a short walk away and water hydrants close to the campsites. It was all very nice, clean and well maintained. The falls are a decent hike away over some pretty boulder-strewn trails. I thought it was a fun walk, but others might find it harder to handle. The only thing that keeps this from being a 5 star review is the staff and their enforcement of the park rules. Five 30 year old lawyers going camping probably isn't going to be a sunday school meeting, but neither is it a biker rally. From the very beginning we were subject to a good deal of scrutiny and friendly "visits" from park rangers and campsite hosts. First, while we were very obviously unloading and setting up camp in the dark we were forced to stop what we were doing and move our third car to the overflow parking lot by an overly curt host. While we're only allowed two at the site, there's really no harm done in allowing us that extra subcompact for twenty minutes. Later, another hostess came by especially to inform us that it was now "quiet hours," and to make regular patrols past our campsite. The following day saw yet another ranger drive up, get out and order us to move one of our cars further off of the road. The car was a good six feet from the road. I didn't see too many other groups get this much attention, and I suspect it was because we were one of the few groups in the area without kids. My experience was definitely marred by the busybody staff and their insistence on treating us like five year olds. It didn't make me feel welcome and I probably won't choose to return. read more

I came here to hike with my husband this past Memorial Day weekend. I had to admit this was 110% worth the drive. The park and trails are beautiful and ample at that. We decided to take the lower trail which was less rocky to make our way to the waterfall. The hike itself didn't require much work, and with there being so many other trails to choose from both difficult and easy -- we opted to let the adventure begin when we got the waterfall itself. We climbed the waterfall as far as we could take it. In some parts it was pretty slick with not much placing to grip, but with a little extra care in watching your step the difficulty level isn't that high. The waterfall cascades down about 100 feet. It is a slower trickling waterfall than a mass of water coming down at once like you would find at Great Falls in Virginia. Aside from the waterfall itself, the park also offers a man-made lake where people can go swimming, kayaking, paddle boating, and can picnic around the lake. It is a bit expensive to use one of the kayaks or paddles boats -- you're looking at $15 per 30 minutes. There is no charge per person -- just per boating and kayak. Camping grounds are also available at the lake. There were tons of tents around from where people had stayed the night before. Also here, there is a concession stand that offers your basic camp fare -- hot dogs, corn dogs, and so forth. They're fairly cheap. I got a corn dog for $3... a far cry from the kayak charge. Parking is free, but there is a vehicle charge and they charge per person. For state of Maryland residents it costs $5 per person. For out of state it costs $7 per person. They accept cash and credit card. This park is on the way to Gettysburg... within a 20 minutes ride to there. If you're into history: my advice is to make a day at Gettysburg and enjoy the weekend camping. Make time for both if you're able! It's worth the drive and a nice getaway from DC. read more

Why does it deserve four stars? Nicer bathrooms and showers than most campsites, hot water, a camp host who welcomes you and keeps you informed of what's going on in the part, etc. Most importantly, mosquitos were not much of a problem. The falls themselves weren't terribly impressive to me, but we visited the park after several days of no rain in the peak of summer. I suspect early spring or after a rain, they are likely much more impressive. Although the lake had multiple large swimming areas, they were pretty full. We opted for a canoe rental instead. It was so pleasant out on the lake. There weren't really any negatives that come to mind. I'm not a fan of gravel camp sites, and would have preferred a grassy site to pitch our tent, but it was only a minor annoyance. I'm sure I'll be back (its only about an hour's drive north of DC). read more

Some pertinent info: *$5 per person to get in, kids in car/booster seats get in for free. *Hike to waterfall is still easy. *If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful escape in the summer, this is probably not the place. Tons of families with little kids. Other times of year are definitely more peaceful. *Beaches on the lake are pretty nice. *Still a great day trip from the DC area. read more

My boyfriend and I spent two nights in a Mini-Cabin in the William Houck Area. After much debate, we decided to stay in a cabin as I usually do not spend too much time in the "great outdoors" (he, on the other hand, was an Eagle Scout in high school). Here's what I will say about the mini-cabins: they're nice for a little extra privacy, but other than that, we would have honestly been better in a tent. Air mattresses or sleeping bags would have been more comfortable than the mattress they give you. For a city girl like me, while four walls were nice, it really wasn't any different. We had a GREAT time in the park, though. The hikes are wonderful as are the staff. And curling up next to a fire every night? Can't beat that. We definitely will be back before the summer is out, in a tent, but with an air mattress. Again, I'm a city girl. read more

Camping in the Manor Area born - This was our second camping trip here and the layout of the sites deserves five stars. They pads are roomy and well-spaced. The campground is what I call mature, meaning there are a lot of trees between the pads to give each one a private feel. We go with a group of fellow campers and the park staff, while they really ain't joking about no partying, are very tolerant of a bunch of adults bwa-ha-haing all the time. A stream runs behind the campground and there's a little nature center down there. The camp host was very nice and thorough. She came to our campsite to check us in (and explain the rules). At some sites you have to track down the host. Just by way of comparison, we drove through the William Houck Area and I don't think we'd camp there. While it isn't one of those nightmare campgrounds where you wind up in the wrong tent if you inhale too deeply, it is a lot more crowded and there are some sites out in the open along the power line cut. No thanks. However, they do have newer bath-houses up there. My only complaint is there was no hot water for every day save the last day of our visit. I gathered there was some confusion about whether or not it had been fixed and the maintenance crew was swamped. However, it made me wonder how clean the bathrooms were getting and I think the park could have done a better job of communicating this to people before they arrived and either offering a discount or at least directing people to the Houck area's bath house. read more

This park has a lot to offer, depending on your interests. There are miles of trails, campsites and more secluded areas, but this review is based solely on the beach areas and the trails leading to the falls. I grew up in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, so admittedly, I am spoiled when it comes to the great outdoors. I was blown away by the sheer volume of people at this park. The wait to get into the park on a Sunday afternoon was long (25 minutes. There has to be a better system...) and not five minutes after we got through the toll gate, there was an announcement that the park was at capacity and no one else could enter. I could only imagine the reaction of the people in the line-as-far-as-the-eye-could-see of cars behind us. The entrance fee is $7 per person, but military discounts are available with ID. The main parking lot has ample spots and the beach areas looked clean and fairly spacious, but because there were so many people, they seemed a tad cramped. I was pleasantly surprised that people were respectful, no loud music and very little trash strewn around. Bathrooms weren't sparkling, but they weren't bad for a state park either. Announcements are made over a loudspeaker often. We bypassed the larger south side beach, where most of the action is (and I believe a concession stand and playground) and headed over to the north side. We tried to drive there, but the road was blocked off so we parked and walked the maybe 1/4 of a mile. Which would have been fine, had it not been for the scorching heat and the fact that the north side parking lot had many empty spaces. This beach was smaller, but had far fewer people, so there was plenty of space to spread out. The swimming area was roped off and not very big. The fiance refused to go into the water, suspecting it to be contaminated by all the little kids in diapers. Sure enough, within a few minutes, everyone was instructed to get out so water testing could be performed. (This happened at least twice while we were at the park, so clearly it was a concern.) We decided to head up to the falls, the hike to which is short, scenic and very easy, but again, crowded. The falls had dozens of people climbing on and swimming in them them (despite signs prohibiting it due to damage to the ecosystem.) We only stayed a few minutes, then took the "more difficult trail" back to the main area. This trail is not really difficult either, but it is not like the main trail which can accommodate a stroller and is fairly flat. The upper trail goes through the woods and is rocky in spots. But it is very quiet as few people go this way. I think this park is great for hiking, great for camping and great for families with children. But if you are looking for quiet nature, this section of the park isn't it. read more

A fun place to hang out by the lake. Plenty of grills if you want to make a one day event of it... Lifeguards on duty, boats to rent, fishing allowed as well. Bathrooms are well kept and there's an outside spray shower to rinse off any sand. There is a snack stand open during the summer months if you choose to go without food. $5 for in state (per person) or $7 out of state. read more

My husband and I spent a hot and sunny Fri-Sun in June at Cunningham Falls, a 1.5 hour drive from DC, to go off the grid for a couple of days and relax. We camped at the William Houck Campground, specifically site 94 at the Deer Spring Branch Loop, a good spot for those who like to be relatively close to the bathrooms (but not right next to it) and the water pump. Every campsite was full (we booked online about three weeks earlier, and most of the sites were filled) and mostly occupied by families with children (and there seemed to be no limit to how many people could occupy one campsite), so if you're looking for more solitude, you should camp elsewhere. The park offers access to some interesting, short (3 miles or less) hikes. Cat Rock Trail is particularly strenuous for newbies, but worthwhile after climbing the rock pile (watch out for snakes) and checking out the view from the top. The hike to Cunningham Falls is less than a mile and very easy. But the best part of the park is the lake beach; it's obviously very popular on a hot Saturday, but we managed to find space in the early afternoon, the water was nice and cold, and there's a concession stand (open 11a-5p, but may only be open on Saturdays and Sundays; it was closed on Friday) offering all the classics: burgers, hot dogs, sodas, ice cream. A camp store provides everything you may have forgotten, from half-gallons of milk to marshmallows to camp blankets. Catoctin Mountain Park, a national park, is a 10-min drive away for even more hiking (and a much better Visitor's Center). Overall, a great place for a family camping trip. (Tip: Buy firewood from the main camp office where you check-in, not the camp store, if you prefer your firewood to burn faster. Cost is $15 for three bundles, but you're likely to use more over the course of three days if you're cooking at every meal or enjoy cozying up to a late-night fire.) read more

My boyfriend and I visited this park this past Sunday to do some hiking. We had seen some trails listed online and thought we would try to do 5 miles. The park and waterfall is very beautiful and well maintained and I have no complaints there. We did have a lot of trouble figuring out where to go though. We've never visited this park before and I expected to find a pamphlet with trail maps or at least some sort of directional signage. The large maps they had near the parking area were faded and had no trail info. I did speak to someone at the boating area and he was very helpful in pointing out the waterfall trail. On our way back from the short waterfall trail, there were some men working on the trail ahead of us and it was completely blocked. They didn't move or stop what they were doing so we stepped off the trail for 15 seconds to go around them, so as not to interrupt. We were then harshly scolded and told never to leave the trail. I thought it was extremely rude, especially because there was no alternate way to pass them, other than to leave the trail. All in all, we ended up leaving after only doing a mile because there were no trail maps. We probably should've just skipped the falls and gone to Canoctin. read more

Great camp sites and clean facilities. Camp grounds are level and have a picnic table with a fire ring. Definitely want to go back with my wife/kids and stay longer and take in some of the hikes. read more

Cunningham Falls State Park - Campgrounds Near Me - Thurmont, Maryland

See all

I come to this park from time to time for photoshoots. It's just as beautiful in the fall as the surrounding area, but maybe a little less enjoyable than Catoctin Mountain Park. This place is much better for families; easily navigated terrain, pretty waterfalls, even a beach. But if you're looking for a peaceful nature adventure, I'd stick with the other park. Because it's more family-friendly, it gets WAY more crowded. There aren't highly elevated or difficult trails, but there are plenty of easy trails that are good for children. I can't comment on the camping portion of it because I haven't camped here, but otherwise, it's decent for a day in the outdoors with the kids. read more

We just camped Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon and absolutely loved it. Our daughter had been before, and we visited her while out riding our motorcycles and liked it a lot. So, we decided to get 2 sites, and spend a couple days. The "pad" seems small when you arrive, but once you set up a tent, you realize it is very big. we have a 14x8 tent and could easily put a second on it. We had a 10x10 canopy setup away from the tent, as well as bringing our own smoker. Definitely room for 2 cars. The site was ready when we got there, completely cleaned of any trash and the fire pit was clean. The bathrooms/showers are in a building, and very clean as well. We were surprised at that but it was a huge plus. next time we go I will bring my 18v sawzall and get my own wood as the store is kind of pricey for the wood bundles. read more

I'm a sucker for waterfalls of any kind, so when I found out one of the largest was only an hour away, I was all about it. It was $5 to get in, which wasn't a big deal. Preserving trails is a cause I can stand behind. It was about half a mile to the trail itself and then an additional half mile to the falls. There was large rocky area at the bottom where people were hiking as well. It's not too difficult to climb up the rocks to get a better view, so we decided that was worthwhile. Given that it's January, I was surprised to see how many other people also made the trip. I bet this place is insane in the summer months. After an hour or so of climbing all over everything in my line of sight, we headed back toward the very much frozen over lake to take a few photos. If you're looking for an easy hike with the family, this should definitely be a go-to. read more

So beautiful!!!! Very fun - kinda crowded, even on a Monday. the water was nice & cold. I thought it was a little pricey for a state park (that only had swimming and a trail to the Falls - theres a way to the falls without even paying to get in) but Greenbrier was closed for the summer. read more

We love this park! We take day trips to spend the time in the William Houck area beach and hiking the falls. The beach area is clean and beautiful. The bathrooms with showers are a nice plus because after the day we shower and change into fresh clothes for our long drive home. It's a wonderful place to take your family and it's one of the places my family looks forward to going too every summer. read more

Beautiful park... Many families at this park..I went with a close friend and felt that we shouldve brought our family lol.. Anyhow the rentals is kinda pricey $15 for only 30 min.. This park has plenty of grills and restrooms.. Oh and the beach area was nice as well.. Had a good time overall! read more

See all

This is a beautiful park. The hike to the falls is very nice. Once at the falls the scenery gets even better. There wasnt a soul when I went and I absolutely loved it. read more

Great view and lovely atmosphere. The park is always kept fairly clean and the trails are up to date read more

Cunningham Falls State Park - Campgrounds Near Me - Thurmont, Maryland

I absolutely love Cunningham Falls. Whether you want to go on a pretty hike or visit the lake and go kayaking, this park is a great place to visit. In the fall the lake is very low because they drain it, and the boat ramp is closed. However, you are silly able to launch your kayak for a nice little journey. We saw lots of fish and turtles. Also, it is really cool to see the submerged Christmas trees that are being used for fish habitats. read more

Cunningham Falls State Park - Campgrounds Near Me - Thurmont, Maryland

See all

I gave it 3 stars due to their bathrooms in the William Houck North Area. From what I read of the reviews the bathrooms should have been clean but their were not. All three toilets were unflushed and it smelled awful. Other then that it was nice. We rented a paddle boat, grilled and walked the trail to the falls. The falls seem a bit dryed, not enough rain I suppose but still enjoyed climbing the rocks and dipping my feet in the cool water. Oh and before I forget the state troopers walk around to inspect and we didn't consider our music being loud but we're asked to turn down. read more

Cunningham Falls State Park - waterfall - Campgrounds Near Me - Thurmont, Maryland

Lifeguards are severely rude. Nobiday was on the beach but they kicked us out because they didn't want to deal with kids. Told us a fictional story about a drowning a month ago (looked it up never happened). Never going back and management couldn't be found. They sent a teenage park ranger to make sure we left. read more

If you are looking to enjoy wilderness and get away from nosy neighbors, don't camp here. For one, the camp sites are gravel, and another they strictly enforce all RULES, (and there are a lot of them). We went with 5 people total. We are all mid-late 20's and clearly not looking to make any sort of trouble other than relax and cook hot dogs. The first night we had our camp circle 'host' come by to remind us of the rules THREE times. We felt very unwelcome and like we'd never be left alone. We broke none of the rules while in the park, for the record. The second night, we asked to switch to a cabin, as the weather had been really cold the night before in our tent. They moved us to a new circle where we had a new host couple. They did come by to greet us, again, when I'm camping, I honestly just want to be left alone, but oh well. They were friendly enough and at least made us feel welcome, only offering to let them know if we needed anything. Then we had the Ranger, drive his truck up to our site, walk up to our fire and say he was just checking to make sure if was in the ring, which was clearly obvious on the road... I think it was a little fishy and I assumed he was just checking to make sure we weren't drinking. I don't know what kind of people they typically get in this park, but it's ridiculous the amount of times we had to deal with the rangers and hosts in this park. I will never ever camp here again. It was really annoying and an unwelcoming experience. Go to Shenandoah, or good old Harper's Ferry and save yourself the headache. read more

Drove 2 hours from DC to come here to hike with our dogs. We made sure to check their website prior to leaving home to ensure pets were allowed. Quoting directly from their website, "Pets are allowed year round on all trails except the Lower Falls Trail." Upon arriving at the park, we were denied entrance and told that pets were not allowed anywhere in the park during the summer. They offered no explanation for why their website says otherwise. We turned around and drove down the road to Catoctin Mountain Park where we were welcomed with our dogs. read more

I hate camping and tents. I can get a cabin here, charge my ipod and use my laptop. Is this camping? For me it is. Look - others can tell you how great it is for the camper. They are right - I'm telling you it ain't that bad for the non-camper either. If I've gotta go - I'm going here. read more

Here on Labor Day Sunday and have to say that the lifeguarding seems excessively rigid. To the point that they eliminate any fun at all. Maybe 100s of people have drowned here...I don't know. But their constant chiding and arrogant condescending announcements are uncalled for. There was a 16 year old trying to learn how to paddlebaord right outside the swim ropes where it's 4 feet deep and they announced to the whole beach on massive speakers "to the gentleman on the paddleboard: if you can't stay standing up on the board you need to GET OUT OF THE WATER.". Obnoxious. And the bathrooms are scandalously filthy. read more

I loved it here. Went hiking (in the snow) a couple days ago. We did a very short hike, but did see some (frozen) falls. They were still beautiful...the outside was frozen, but we could see water trickling behind where the water had frozen. Being from California, I was totally unprepared. I wore running shoes. My feet were definitely wet at the end, but I still had a good time! I'm hoping to go back in the Spring...I bet it's beautiful then. It was pretty cool to see the lake frozen, too. I know, I know, California girl marveling at the cold. Bring hiking boots :-) read more

I've gone to park for years. Mostly on day trips from the DC area. I've camped a few times there. I like the facilities at the lake. The picnic tables, trails, restrooms are excellent. We had peace and quiet mostly. The entrance fee was on $3 for the car. The signage has improved over the years. It used to be much harder to navigate. I know my cell phone lost coverage up in the holler. I didn't try the GPS - didn't need it. read more

golferinfr's Full Review: Cunningham Falls State Park Coming out of the Greater Washington D.C. area and you make your way up 270 North about 35 minutes you will bleed into Route 15 North and then your just 15 miles away from Thurmont Maryland. As you pass the Route 806 exit you want to get in your left hand lane and just a half mile more you will see the entrance to Catoctin State Park Manor Area. This is just one of a couple entrances to the different park areas that are free to the public. On this side of the park you can bring your family and have a nice quiet picnic and kick back and let the world pass you by. Along with this side of the park there a some nice trails you can walk and climb for those who are adventurous. Just a simple note though, there are rattle snakes and water moccasins that roam the same areas when you go off the trails. There is a beautiful creek that feeds off of Cunningham Falls that there has been spotted a few nicely sized Rainbow Trout in having the times of their lives in the fresh waters. I let my dog Brutus jump in the summer to cool himself, he simply loves it there. If you look directly across Route 15 you will see the Catoction Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, a great place to spend the afternoon with the children. Sprawled on 26 acres this wildlife preserve is like no other. For times and prices the number is 301-271-3180 or 301-271-4922. If you decide you want to see more of the area and park inlets, go back on Route 15 North and 2 miles up the road you will come to Route 77. Once you're on the ramp you'll come to a Stop Sign and you want to make a right here. You will go underneath the Route 15 Bridge and less than a mile on your right you will come to Bentz's Pond. Get your fishing poles out and bait for Rainbow Trout because the Maryland Gaming Commission stocks this pond twice a year. It gets a little crowded the day of the stockings and a few days after, but even in the late Spring and Summer you can catch a good healthy Trout that will look good in your frying pans tossed in with onions and salty butter. Even though Thurmont has built a development in that area, It still is nice and peaceful as you toss in your hook at the crack of dawn. If you go West on Route 77 for another mile and a half on your right you will come to the Park Ranger Station and Information Center. This is where you go if you need any help and get information about the campgrounds. On the left you will come to Cunningham Falls, this is where if you have a canoe or electric power engine row boat you can unload here and just park your car or truck across the street. The campground is open from May 1st 2011 to October 30th 2011 and at the bottom of this review I will leave the web site just in case you're interested in planning a stay. Services & Amenities: Within Facility(From Web site) Bath House, Biking Boat, Launch Ramp, Boating, Campstore, Concession, Dump Station, Fire Rings, Fishing, Gift/Souvenir Shop, Hiking, Historic Sites, Hot Showers, Hunting, Information Center, Interpretive Walks, Self Parking, Picnic Tables, Playground, Potable Water, Public Boat Ramp With Accessible Fishing Pier, Restrooms, Swimming, and Vending Machines. You can catch from small mouth bass to even bigger and nicer Rainbow Trout here because the water is deeper, and to throw a small secret out it's best to fish with a bobber than a line with a weight on it. On the bottom of the lake it is very rocky. I've probably lost the weight of a car in fishing weights down under and found top water fishing to be the best in the early morning. The campground sits on 43 acres so you don't get that jammed in feeling like you do at other parks. You also have dozens of trails here some for the timid and a few that you better have hiking boots on. If you get a area map you can also go to the Emmittsburg Water Shed which is very peaceful and they stock it twice a year with Rainbow Trout. Now for the Fly Fisherman, you have to get back on Route 15 North and go to the last Thurmont exit which is Route 550. When you get to the stop sign you need to make a left on Route 550 North. You will pass Catoctin High School and about a mile up the road you will see a creek on your left side, pull in anywhere you see where others are parked and a new fly fishing experience is about to happen. Best for Spring and early Fall when the Gaming commission stocks all the ponds, lakes and creeks. Just remember 5 is the limit and make sure your license is up to date. Along with the great fishing comes great fines for those who do not buy the proper licenses. This area is a beautiful all year round and the people here in Thurmont are truly good hearted people, I moved here in 1985 and there's no other place I'd rater be. Getting There: Cunningham Falls State Park 14039 CATOCTIN HOLLOW ROAD Thurmont MD 21788 Phone Park for More Information: Information:(301)271-7574 http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us/ read more

What a beautiful place to visit! Cookout areas for a nice lunch. Large clean restrooms. Swimming area a bit crowded but nice view. Get there early to get a good spot. read more

This review is for the Manor Area campgrounds of Cunningham Falls. I do not recommend anyone stay here. It is far too close to Rt 15. You will literally *feel* the rumble and freight-train like roar of mack truck engines all night long. It's so loud it drowns out any nature sounds even during the day, but at night it's unbearable unless maybe you're in a soundproof RV. Staying here was a colossal mistake and I wish we had visited first. I don't remember other campgrounds at this park having the same issue, but the Manor Area should be avoided by anyone who enjoys a peaceful, nature-filled experience away from road noise. I would actually recommend you pull into a highway rest stop and pitch a tent over paying money for this place. It would be exactly the same experience. read more

Had a wonderful time visiting the with my sister and dad 2 years ago. the trail that climbs the hillside next to the visitors center and safe and well maintained and blazed. Theoverlok was well markd. Unfortunately You cannot park at the parking area for the falls since they reserved it for other people who are mobility inpaired. read more

Just north of Frederick, Cunningham Falls was a mini-adventure that my husband, dog, and I visited in the fall. It was beautiful, the trails were well-maintained, and the restrooms were adequate. The kids loved climbing on the rocks to reach the falls, whereas the adults felt considerably more cautious. I did climb the rocks to the falls and was glad that I was wearing my hiking boots, although hiking boots were not the norm. Got some great pictures of the falls and had a fun picnic over by the beach. read more

So the falls are great, right? They would have to be. The "Falls" are in the name. But that's where it ends, I think. Not impressed with the beach and the self-important life guards are almost laughable. Can you say obnoxious insecurity?? You better not, or you will get screamed at!!!! Maybe I'm just really mad at myself. I went camping in July. read more