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Cunningham Falls/Manor Area
Overview
Tucked away in the Catoctin Mountains, the Manor Area of Cunningham Falls State Park offers a serene escape just south of the Pennsylvania border. While smaller than the William Houck Area, it provides a more tranquil atmosphere for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Maryland's natural beauty. This section of the park serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the rugged terrain and lush forests that define the central Maryland region.
Location & Surroundings
Situated conveniently off Route 15 in Thurmont, the Manor Area is characterized by its wooded landscapes and immediate proximity to the Catoctin Mountain Park. The site is framed by rolling hills and dense canopies, providing ample shade and privacy for campers. Its location makes it particularly accessible for those traveling the corridor between Frederick and Gettysburg, offering a quick transition from the highway to a peaceful mountain setting.
Amenities & Park Features
The Manor Area features camping loops that accommodate RVs with electric hookups available at select sites. Visitors have access to a central bathhouse with hot showers and a convenient on-site dump station for self-contained rigs. A unique feature of this area is the Scales and Tales Aviary, where visitors can see rescued birds of prey and reptiles. There are also designated picnic areas and a playground, ensuring a comfortable stay for those traveling with children.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with the namesake Cunningham Falls, Maryland's highest cascading waterfall, located just a short drive or hike north. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend the day at Hunting Creek Lake for swimming, boating, and trout fishing. For those interested in local history and wildlife, the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and the historic Catoctin Furnace are nearby landmarks that highlight the cultural and natural heritage of the Thurmont area.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for RVers who prefer a rustic state park vibe over a commercial resort experience. It is perfect for nature photographers and hikers who want direct access to mountain trails without the larger crowds often found at the main lake entrance. If you value a quiet night under the stars with easy highway access for your rig, the Manor Area is a fantastic choice for your next Maryland stopover.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Matthew Austin
Campsites are nice although you'll hear the nearby highway. Great trails through the forest and along the river. Isabella's Rock is pretty cool
Alex M
I've been to a lot of campgrounds in the state, and I have to say this one takes the cake. The sites were VERY well maintained, even raked. The camp hosts were extremely friendly fun and helpful, the best I have ever experienced. The facilities were very clean and organized. The people that maintain it care, and it really shows. Highly recommend camping here.
Mary Schaeffer
It’s a well kept campground, but the highway noise is constant. If you’re sensitive to sounds, I would not recommend.
Hobgoblin Hollow
Great parking area to visit over at Catoctin Furnace on a hike. A pedestrian bridge over Rt 15 is exciting enough, but the bridge over Little Hunting Creek always takes at least an hour of my time admiring this rolling mountain stream. To me it is worth wandering around the old furnace ruins reading historical markers and learning the process of iron works. A nice hybrid self tour / hike.
G. Elder
Only basic camping facilities in the winter, but it’s open 12 months, clean, & safe. DNR staff here are typically pleasant and professional. This part of Cunningham Falls SP is situated right along busy RT 15, so there’s some road noise.
Erik Boettcher
Beautiful location this time of the year. Clean restrooms. Completed a grueling 11 mile trail run at this location...almost died but the park is great.
Cindy N
I love this place, it’s sad to see how little space the raptors are given though. Also, watch your step, rattlesnakes in the area. They mind their own business but if you step on it, another story. I was walking with my dog from the water to the parking lot and luckily I saw the rattlesnake before she sniffed it. But it was calm and just slithered away. Very beautiful but deadly. Leave them alone and they leave you alone.
Gerald Falo
Walked the Catoctin Trail to Bob's Hill Overlooks. Moderate hike, uphill all the way to the overlook. Nice little visitors center and aviary. Plenty of parking, restrooms, and, a playground. And, a short hike to Catoctin Furnace.
Gary Sencindiver (Chip)
Nice spacious gravel site. M31. Nice picnic table and fire ring. Beautiful scenery! Dog friendly. Some road noise from Rt. 15 but not too bad.
Karolyn Morgan
This is a cute little campground - but be aware it is just off the Highway. You will hear traffic noise like you are sleeping next to the rd because you are basically sleeping next to the road. Other than that the sites were clean and relatively private. We have a 26 ft trailer and it was a bit tight getting in the site between the trees - so if you have a longer trailer you may want to take that into consider that. We will stay here again. There is lots of hiking at Cunningham Falls state park and being right in town the campground is very convenient to restaurants etc. One star off only for the road noise