RV Parks In Oakland, Maryland
39.4079° N, 79.4067° W
Quick Overview
Oakland is the seat of Garrett County in Maryland’s high Allegheny Mountains, and it is the gateway to Deep Creek Lake, the largest lake in the state and one of the mid-Atlantic’s favorite four-season playgrounds. Up here at elevation you get mild mountain summers, brilliant fall color, and real ski-country winters, and the camping is built around the lake and the surrounding state parks. The public options are outstanding. Deep Creek Lake State Park offers 112 lakeside sites, 26 of them with electric, big enough for rigs up to 40 feet, open from mid-April to mid-December, and reservable up to a year ahead. Ten minutes west, Swallow Falls State Park has 65 wooded sites, some with full hookups and some with water and electric, set beside Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Maryland.
The private parks fill in the full-hookup demand. Double G RV Park sits a half mile from Deep Creek Lake with full hookups, cable, and Wi-Fi, and Bumble Bee Campground offers 35 pull-through electric sites long enough for a 50-foot rig, positioned between the two state parks. Herrington Manor State Park nearby adds cabins and glamping for a change of pace, though it has no RV hookups.
Access comes off Interstate 68 at Keysers Ridge, then south on US-219, with some mountain grades along the way, so mind your brakes on the descents. This is a mid-April-through-early-December season: summer is prime lake time, October is a color spectacle, and winter turns the area over to skiers at nearby Wisp Resort while the campgrounds close. Book the limited electric and full-hookup sites early, because Deep Creek is popular across the whole region. Within a two-to-three-hour drive of Pittsburgh, Washington, and Baltimore, this is the mountain escape those cities fill on every warm weekend, so the good sites go fast.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Oakland
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Gear for Your Trip to Oakland
All Dump Stations Near Oakland
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swallow Falls Campground | 6.3 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Family Camping | 8.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Blackberry Acres Deep Creek | 9.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Deep Creek Lake State Park | 9.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Double G RV Park | 10.9 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| The Wildflower On Abrams Creek | 11.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Abram’s Creek Retreat & Campground | 12.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Bumble Bee RV Park & Campground | 12.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Abrams Creek Center Inc | 13.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cheat Canyon Campground | 14.4 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
Swallow Falls Campground
6.3 miFamily Camping
8.6 miBlackberry Acres Deep Creek
9.1 miDeep Creek Lake State Park
9.2 miDouble G RV Park
10.9 miThe Wildflower On Abrams Creek
11.5 miAbram’s Creek Retreat & Campground
12.2 miBumble Bee RV Park & Campground
12.6 miAbrams Creek Center Inc
13.6 miCheat Canyon Campground
14.4 miTraveling to Oakland by RV
Oakland and Deep Creek Lake sit in the far western corner of Maryland, reached most easily from Interstate 68. Take Exit 14 at Keysers Ridge and head south on US-219, the main road through the Deep Creek Lake area and into Oakland; it handles any size rig but climbs and descends real mountain grades, so use lower gears and mind your brakes on a loaded rig. MD-135 connects Oakland to the south and east. The state parks and private campgrounds are well signed off US-219 around the lake. Fuel, propane, groceries, and RV service are available in Oakland and the McHenry area at the north end of the lake. Reserve Maryland state-park sites through the Maryland State Parks system, up to a year in advance. The nearest larger city with full services is Cumberland, about an hour northeast, and Pittsburgh is roughly two hours for the closest major airport.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Oakland, Maryland, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Oakland
Deep Creek Lake camping runs a moderate range for a popular mountain-lake resort area. Maryland state-park sites at Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls are the value, generally in the $25 to $45 range depending on whether you get a basic, electric, or full-hookup site, plus a small reservation transaction fee. Private full-hookup parks like Double G run higher, often $45 to $70 or more a night in peak season, for the convenience of full hookups near the lake. Demand and rates peak in summer and again on October color weekends, when the limited hookup sites sell out. The season is bounded by the mountain climate, roughly mid-April to mid-December, so there is little deep off-season camping; instead, target the shoulder weeks of spring and late fall for better rates and availability.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Oakland
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Best Time to Visit Oakland by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
20F - 34F
Crowds: Low
Cold, snowy ski country; campgrounds closed, Wisp Resort skiing instead.
Spring
Mar - May
38F - 58F
Crowds: Low
Cool with early mud season; parks open mid-April as the season begins.
Summer
Jun - Aug
58F - 80F
Crowds: High
Mild mountain summers; peak lake season, book limited hookup sites a year ahead.
Fall
Sep - Oct
42F - 62F
Crowds: High
Spectacular October color; reserve weekends early, parks close by mid-December.
Explore the Oakland Area
Here is our take on camping Deep Creek Lake. The single most important tip is to book early for the limited hookup sites: Deep Creek Lake State Park has only 26 electric sites among its 112, and they open a full year ahead and vanish for summer weekends, so reserve the day your window opens. Swallow Falls State Park is the move if you want a full-hookup state-park site plus the bonus of Maryland’s tallest waterfall and old-growth hemlocks right at your campground. For guaranteed full hookups near the lake, Double G RV Park is the reliable private pick. Remember you are at elevation, so pack for cool nights even in summer, and expect an early, cold fall. October color here is exceptional and busy; reserve those weekends ahead too. Use Oakland and McHenry for supplies before settling in, since the lakeside campgrounds are a drive from the nearest full grocery and the mountain roads slow you down.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Oakland
What are the best RV parks at Deep Creek Lake near Oakland?
For public camping, Deep Creek Lake State Park is the centerpiece, with 112 lakeside sites, 26 of them electric, open mid-April to mid-December. Swallow Falls State Park nearby offers 65 wooded sites, some with full hookups, beside Maryland’s tallest waterfall. For private full hookups, Double G RV Park sits a half mile from the lake with cable and Wi-Fi, and Bumble Bee Campground has 35 pull-through electric sites for big rigs. Herrington Manor State Park adds cabins and glamping. Choose a state park for the lakeside or waterfall setting, or a private park like Double G if you want guaranteed full hookups close to Deep Creek Lake.
Do Deep Creek Lake campgrounds have full hookups?
Yes, at a few spots. Double G RV Park offers full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi a half mile from the lake, and Swallow Falls State Park has some full-hookup sites among its loops, which is unusual for a state park. Deep Creek Lake State Park provides electric at 26 of its 112 sites plus a dump station, but no sewer at the site, and Bumble Bee Campground offers electric pull-through sites. Herrington Manor has cabins but no RV hookups. So full hookups are available at Double G and select Swallow Falls sites; if those are full, the electric state-park sites plus a dump station are the next best option, so book the limited hookup sites early.
How much does RV camping cost at Deep Creek Lake?
Costs are moderate for a popular mountain-lake area. Maryland state-park sites at Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls generally run $25 to $45 depending on whether you get a basic, electric, or full-hookup site, plus a small reservation transaction fee. Private full-hookup parks like Double G run higher, often $45 to $70 or more per night in peak season. Demand and rates peak in summer and on October color weekends, when the limited hookup sites sell out. The mountain climate bounds the season to roughly mid-April through mid-December, so there is little deep off-season camping. Target the spring and late-fall shoulder weeks for the best combination of price and availability.
How far ahead should I reserve at Deep Creek Lake?
As far ahead as possible for hookup sites. Deep Creek Lake State Park has only 26 electric sites among its 112, and Maryland opens reservations up to a full year in advance, so those electric sites vanish quickly for summer weekends. Book the day your window opens if you want power. Swallow Falls State Park’s full-hookup and water-electric sites are similarly popular. October color weekends also book up fast, so reserve those early too. The private parks like Double G fill their peak-season dates months out. Midweek and the spring and late-fall shoulder weeks are far easier. For any summer or fall weekend with hookups, plan well ahead rather than hoping for a walk-up.
Is Oakland a good base for Deep Creek Lake and the state parks?
Yes, it is the natural base. Oakland is the Garrett County seat, just south of Deep Creek Lake, and puts you within a short drive of the lake, Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park with its waterfalls, and Wisp Resort. It has the grocery, fuel, propane, and services you need, plus a historic small-town downtown. From here you can boat and swim on the lake, hike to Muddy Creek Falls, and explore the state forests, then return to a campground in the evening. For RVers touring western Maryland’s mountains, Oakland and the Deep Creek area make a scenic, well-equipped home base with excellent public camping nearby.
Can big rigs camp at Deep Creek Lake?
Yes, with attention to the mountain roads. US-219 off Interstate 68 handles any size rig but climbs and descends real grades, so use lower gears and mind your brakes on the descents into the Deep Creek area. Deep Creek Lake State Park accommodates rigs up to 40 feet, and Bumble Bee Campground offers pull-through sites long enough for 50-foot rigs, so big rigs are well served. Double G RV Park also handles larger rigs with full hookups. Swallow Falls has more varied, wooded sites, so check dimensions when you reserve. Overall the campgrounds accommodate big rigs, but the approach involves mountain driving, so take the grades carefully and plan your route in advance.
When is the best time to camp at Deep Creek Lake?
The season runs mid-April through mid-December, and it has two peaks. Summer offers mild mountain weather, warm lake water for boating and swimming, and everything open, making it the busiest window. Fall, especially October, brings spectacular Appalachian color that draws crowds and fills the campgrounds. Spring is cool with an early mud season as parks open in April, and the high elevation means cool nights well into summer. Winter closes the campgrounds and turns the area over to skiing at Wisp Resort. For lake activities aim for summer; for scenery and cooler air, target the October color season, and book either well ahead for hookup sites.
Are there waterfalls and hiking near the campgrounds?
Yes, and they are a major draw. Swallow Falls State Park, which also offers camping, is home to Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Maryland at 53 feet, along with a loop trail through old-growth hemlocks past several falls on the Youghiogheny River. Herrington Manor State Park nearby adds a lake, trails, and cabins. Deep Creek Lake State Park has its own hiking and a discovery center. The surrounding Savage River and other state forests offer extensive trails and dispersed recreation. For RVers who like to hike, the Oakland and Deep Creek area is one of the best in the mid-Atlantic, combining lake time with genuine waterfall-and-forest hiking right from the campgrounds.
Are there public or state park campgrounds here?
Yes, and they are the highlight. Deep Creek Lake State Park offers 112 lakeside sites, 26 with electric, and a dump station, open mid-April to mid-December. Swallow Falls State Park has 65 wooded sites, some full-hookup and some water-electric, beside Maryland’s tallest waterfall. Herrington Manor State Park provides cabins and a lake, though no RV hookups. All reserve through the Maryland State Parks system up to a year ahead. Beyond the parks, the Savage River State Forest offers dispersed camping for self-contained rigs. These public lands make the Deep Creek area a standout public-camping destination, with lakeside and waterfall settings that the private parks cannot match.
Do the campgrounds stay open in winter?
No. Deep Creek Lake is high-elevation ski country, and the campgrounds, including Deep Creek Lake State Park and Swallow Falls, operate seasonally from roughly mid-April to mid-December, closing for the cold, snowy winter. The private parks generally follow a similar schedule. In winter the area shifts to skiing and snow sports at Wisp Resort rather than camping. If you are planning a shoulder-season trip, confirm exact opening and closing dates, since the mountain weather can shift them. For winter visitors, this is not an RV camping destination; plan to camp here from mid-spring through the fall color season, and enjoy the winter activities from a cabin or lodge instead.
Where can I dump tanks and get supplies near Oakland?
Dump stations are available at Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, and the private parks, and full-hookup sites at Double G and select Swallow Falls sites let you empty tanks at your site. Fuel, propane, groceries, and RV service are available in Oakland and the McHenry area at the north end of the lake. Staying a while and need to empty your tanks between stops? See our guide to RV dump stations in Oakland for current locations. Stock up in Oakland or McHenry before settling in, and remember that services thin out in the surrounding mountains and state forests, so top off fuel and supplies while you are in town.
Is Deep Creek Lake good for families?
Absolutely. Deep Creek Lake is a classic family destination, with swimming beaches, boat and watercraft rentals, and fishing across Maryland’s largest lake. Deep Creek Lake State Park has a swimming area and a discovery center, and the waterfalls and easy trails at Swallow Falls State Park are a hit with kids. Wisp Resort offers a mountain coaster, adventure course, and other summer activities, plus skiing and tubing in winter. The private parks like Double G provide family amenities and full hookups near the lake. Between the water, the waterfalls, the resort activities, and the mountain scenery, the Oakland and Deep Creek area is a well-rounded, four-season family destination.
What are the best RV parks at Deep Creek Lake near Oakland?
For public camping, Deep Creek Lake State Park is the centerpiece, with 112 lakeside sites, 26 of them electric, open mid-April to mid-December. Swallow Falls State Park nearby offers 65 wooded sites, some with full hookups, beside Maryland’s tallest waterfall. For private full hookups, Double G RV Park sits a half mile from the lake with cable and Wi-Fi, and Bumble Bee Campground has 35 pull-through electric sites for big rigs. Herrington Manor State Park adds cabins and glamping. Choose a state park for the lakeside or waterfall setting, or a private park like Double G if you want guaranteed full hookups close to Deep Creek Lake.
Do Deep Creek Lake campgrounds have full hookups?
Yes, at a few spots. Double G RV Park offers full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi a half mile from the lake, and Swallow Falls State Park has some full-hookup sites among its loops, which is unusual for a state park. Deep Creek Lake State Park provides electric at 26 of its 112 sites plus a dump station, but no sewer at the site, and Bumble Bee Campground offers electric pull-through sites. Herrington Manor has cabins but no RV hookups. So full hookups are available at Double G and select Swallow Falls sites; if those are full, the electric state-park sites plus a dump station are the next best option, so book the limited hookup sites early.
How much does RV camping cost at Deep Creek Lake?
Costs are moderate for a popular mountain-lake area. Maryland state-park sites at Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls generally run $25 to $45 depending on whether you get a basic, electric, or full-hookup site, plus a small reservation transaction fee. Private full-hookup parks like Double G run higher, often $45 to $70 or more per night in peak season. Demand and rates peak in summer and on October color weekends, when the limited hookup sites sell out. The mountain climate bounds the season to roughly mid-April through mid-December, so there is little deep off-season camping. Target the spring and late-fall shoulder weeks for the best combination of price and availability.
How far ahead should I reserve at Deep Creek Lake?
As far ahead as possible for hookup sites. Deep Creek Lake State Park has only 26 electric sites among its 112, and Maryland opens reservations up to a full year in advance, so those electric sites vanish quickly for summer weekends. Book the day your window opens if you want power. Swallow Falls State Park’s full-hookup and water-electric sites are similarly popular. October color weekends also book up fast, so reserve those early too. The private parks like Double G fill their peak-season dates months out. Midweek and the spring and late-fall shoulder weeks are far easier. For any summer or fall weekend with hookups, plan well ahead rather than hoping for a walk-up.
Is Oakland a good base for Deep Creek Lake and the state parks?
Yes, it is the natural base. Oakland is the Garrett County seat, just south of Deep Creek Lake, and puts you within a short drive of the lake, Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park with its waterfalls, and Wisp Resort. It has the grocery, fuel, propane, and services you need, plus a historic small-town downtown. From here you can boat and swim on the lake, hike to Muddy Creek Falls, and explore the state forests, then return to a campground in the evening. For RVers touring western Maryland’s mountains, Oakland and the Deep Creek area make a scenic, well-equipped home base with excellent public camping nearby.
Can big rigs camp at Deep Creek Lake?
Yes, with attention to the mountain roads. US-219 off Interstate 68 handles any size rig but climbs and descends real grades, so use lower gears and mind your brakes on the descents into the Deep Creek area. Deep Creek Lake State Park accommodates rigs up to 40 feet, and Bumble Bee Campground offers pull-through sites long enough for 50-foot rigs, so big rigs are well served. Double G RV Park also handles larger rigs with full hookups. Swallow Falls has more varied, wooded sites, so check dimensions when you reserve. Overall the campgrounds accommodate big rigs, but the approach involves mountain driving, so take the grades carefully and plan your route in advance.
When is the best time to camp at Deep Creek Lake?
The season runs mid-April through mid-December, and it has two peaks. Summer offers mild mountain weather, warm lake water for boating and swimming, and everything open, making it the busiest window. Fall, especially October, brings spectacular Appalachian color that draws crowds and fills the campgrounds. Spring is cool with an early mud season as parks open in April, and the high elevation means cool nights well into summer. Winter closes the campgrounds and turns the area over to skiing at Wisp Resort. For lake activities aim for summer; for scenery and cooler air, target the October color season, and book either well ahead for hookup sites.
Are there waterfalls and hiking near the campgrounds?
Yes, and they are a major draw. Swallow Falls State Park, which also offers camping, is home to Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Maryland at 53 feet, along with a loop trail through old-growth hemlocks past several falls on the Youghiogheny River. Herrington Manor State Park nearby adds a lake, trails, and cabins. Deep Creek Lake State Park has its own hiking and a discovery center. The surrounding Savage River and other state forests offer extensive trails and dispersed recreation. For RVers who like to hike, the Oakland and Deep Creek area is one of the best in the mid-Atlantic, combining lake time with genuine waterfall-and-forest hiking right from the campgrounds.
Are there public or state park campgrounds here?
Yes, and they are the highlight. Deep Creek Lake State Park offers 112 lakeside sites, 26 with electric, and a dump station, open mid-April to mid-December. Swallow Falls State Park has 65 wooded sites, some full-hookup and some water-electric, beside Maryland’s tallest waterfall. Herrington Manor State Park provides cabins and a lake, though no RV hookups. All reserve through the Maryland State Parks system up to a year ahead. Beyond the parks, the Savage River State Forest offers dispersed camping for self-contained rigs. These public lands make the Deep Creek area a standout public-camping destination, with lakeside and waterfall settings that the private parks cannot match.
Do the campgrounds stay open in winter?
No. Deep Creek Lake is high-elevation ski country, and the campgrounds, including Deep Creek Lake State Park and Swallow Falls, operate seasonally from roughly mid-April to mid-December, closing for the cold, snowy winter. The private parks generally follow a similar schedule. In winter the area shifts to skiing and snow sports at Wisp Resort rather than camping. If you are planning a shoulder-season trip, confirm exact opening and closing dates, since the mountain weather can shift them. For winter visitors, this is not an RV camping destination; plan to camp here from mid-spring through the fall color season, and enjoy the winter activities from a cabin or lodge instead.
Where can I dump tanks and get supplies near Oakland?
Dump stations are available at Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, and the private parks, and full-hookup sites at Double G and select Swallow Falls sites let you empty tanks at your site. Fuel, propane, groceries, and RV service are available in Oakland and the McHenry area at the north end of the lake. Staying a while and need to empty your tanks between stops? See our guide to RV dump stations in Oakland for current locations. Stock up in Oakland or McHenry before settling in, and remember that services thin out in the surrounding mountains and state forests, so top off fuel and supplies while you are in town.
Is Deep Creek Lake good for families?
Absolutely. Deep Creek Lake is a classic family destination, with swimming beaches, boat and watercraft rentals, and fishing across Maryland’s largest lake. Deep Creek Lake State Park has a swimming area and a discovery center, and the waterfalls and easy trails at Swallow Falls State Park are a hit with kids. Wisp Resort offers a mountain coaster, adventure course, and other summer activities, plus skiing and tubing in winter. The private parks like Double G provide family amenities and full hookups near the lake. Between the water, the waterfalls, the resort activities, and the mountain scenery, the Oakland and Deep Creek area is a well-rounded, four-season family destination.
Are there free dump stations in Oakland?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Oakland.








