May 14, 2020|Camping
As soon as Governor Hogan announced we could start camping, I was ready! I wanted to find a spot that would be isolated so that we could continue safe social distancing, but somewhere that still had good cell service so we could complete distance learning. Fort Frederick turned out to be the perfect spot!
Fort Frederick is located in Big Pool, MD. It is located less then 50 minutes from Frederick with easy access right off Rt. 70. This campground is open year round for self-contained units (RV’s) and from April thru October for tent camping. It is a pretty primitive campground. There are no flush toilets at the campground (only spot-a-pots), no water (must go about .5 mile to the spigot), and no electricity. Each site has a picnic pad, fire ring, picnic table and lantern post with a small countertop. There are 29 sites and a youth campground.
There are 17 sites that abut the Potomac River. Out of those sites, only sites #2 and #8 have stairs leading to the water. The sites are fairly close together, but I have been here twice and it was not packed. What is nice though, is that there are trees on the sites, so you are able to hang hammocks.
The Park Rangers were very nice. During the COVID pandemic, campers report to the visitor center to fill out paperwork. The ranger meets you outside and takes everything inside to process it. Site are $15/night for Maryland residents and $16 for out of state. There is also a $6.50 processing fee. Once you are registered, they give you the code to the padlock. The campground gate is kept closed and locked to prevent non-campers from entering.
From the campground, you can easily walk or ride to the C&O Canal. There is also a short hike along a beaver pond, and a trail to the Potomac River. Of course there is also Fort Frederick! The fort is currently open for self-exploration. It looks like they will not be able to have interpreted guides this season. The Western Rail Trail is only a mile or so from the park entrance.
I really like this campground. The birds are very chatty and there is very little background noise to disrupt them. The rangers are nice and helpful. The campground (and the spot-a-pots) are clean. I would definitely recommend Fort Frederick Campground!