Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Swallow Falls
Overview
Swallow Falls State Park offers a rugged and refreshing escape into the mountains of Western Maryland. Known for its ancient hemlock forests and some of the most stunning waterfalls in the region, this park provides a true wilderness experience for RVers. While it leans toward a rustic natural setting, the sense of tranquility found under the towering canopy makes it a standout destination for those looking to disconnect. The park is home to Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery, making it a premier destination for hikers and outdoor photographers alike.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of Oakland, MD, the park is nestled within the Garrett County highlands. The landscape is defined by the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River and Muddy Creek. Visitors are surrounded by old-growth forests that have remained largely untouched for hundreds of years. The climate here is noticeably cooler than the Maryland lowlands, offering a crisp, pine-scented atmosphere that is perfect for summer escapes or vibrant autumn foliage tours through the Appalachian mountains.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Swallow Falls caters to RVers who prioritize scenery over resort-style luxuries. Many sites offer electric hookups, though travelers should be prepared for a more traditional camping experience. The park provides essential facilities including modern bathhouses with hot showers and a conveniently located dump station for self-contained rigs. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, allowing for classic campfire evenings. While very large rigs may find some turns tight, the well-spaced sites offer significant privacy and shade.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the canyon trail that leads to Muddy Creek Falls, a spectacular 53-foot drop that is the highest in Maryland. Beyond the falls, the nearby Deep Creek Lake offers boating, fishing, and dining options just a short drive away. For those seeking more hiking or lake swimming, Herrington Manor State Park is connected via a scenic 5.5-mile multi-use trail, providing ample opportunities for mountain biking and bird watching through the dense Maryland woods.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature enthusiasts who want direct access to Maryland's most beautiful water features. It is a perfect fit for smaller RV or camper van travelers who enjoy a peaceful, forest-immersion experience rather than a high-activity resort vibe. Families who love hiking and exploring riverbanks will find endless entertainment here, provided they are comfortable with a more self-contained camping style in a breathtaking, authentic mountain environment.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Christina McManis (Chrissy)
Beautiful place for sure. Just wish it had more water. So glad I finally got to visit. A good 5 hours from home but well worth the trip! So serene, calm, quiet, and peaceful. Well managed. ❤️
Abby Jones
The trail I mostly easy. Not crowded. The beginning and end are especially easy. I actually was a fan of it. Typically I'm not big on hikes because of my asthma and weak legs which I'm working on. But this was pretty nice. Relaxing too! I would actually do this trail again.
Sydney Repasky
Loved it here at Swallow Falls. We tent camped in the Garrett Loop. The site was quiet and there was easy access to the clean bathroom, water, and firewood. The trail was fun to hike, although it was definitely a physical challenge to get to the smaller waterfalls. Relatively short drive to deep creek state park. Would 100% stay here again.
Hiking Momma
This park offers 4 waterfalls. Although this is listed as ADA, only the muddy falls trail is ADA accessible. The trail leading to the other falls starts off very deceivingly flat. You are then greeted to stairs leading down to the first waterfall. Unfortunately we the little one in a stroller so we couldn’t go down to see it. We then thought we would proceed down the trail to the second waterfall only for the trail to become steeper and full of roots. Being optimistic, we continued down the bumpy path until we were stopped by large rocks. We pushed the stroller back up and walked the road back. We then found the muddy waterfall trail which was ADA accessible to view the top of the falls. However, if you wanted a nice photo at the bottom, you would need to take the steps down. So for the $10 parking fee, we were able to see the top of 1 waterfall. Might try the trail again once our little one can walk
Maria Keifer-Diehl (Maria KD)
One of my most favorite places to capture weddings and elopements. The trails are nicely marked and they have options for both a more scenic challenging hike as well as an easy trail option with handicap parking that puts you super close to Muddy Creek Falls. The staircase of various waterfalls here make for a full day of fun for sure. Just be mindful you are in nature, remember to leave no trace and that yes there are snakes and bugs, and larger fuzzy forests guests as well. Also if visiting make sure to wear the appropriate footwear, the rocks are slippery and the scenic trail has many rocks and tree roots and places where mud is a thing depending on time of year and rainfall. They offer the most lovely stone pavilion with dual fireplaces as well that is most perfect for smaller events, there is even a water pump nearby the pavilion, as well as restrooms. The restrooms are well, park restrooms and could always use some assistance in cleanliness but they aren't the worst I have seen either. Just remember it is a State Park, so it does close once darkness hits. They are mostly dog friendly, Memorial Day weekend they are not. That is something to keep in mind if you plan on visiting. Memorial Day weekend is usually super busy and packed and while parking is usually plentiful, that weekend.... not so much. Also to keep in mind, once the first week of October passes it is often chilly here. Pack some coats and wear warmer layering clothes. Deep Creek is also known for random snow even in late spring or early fall. So have options packed just in case and check the weather. Cell phone service in the park also isn't the best. Especially if you are visiting from outside the area and have Verizon as your cell phone carrier, make sure to pre download your google maps so you don't get lost.