Ash Campground

For Maryland locals seeking a refreshing escape into nature with the convenience of modern amenities, Ash Campground, nestled within the picturesque Greenbrier State Park in Boonsboro, MD, is an ideal destination. This popular camping loop offers direct access to the beautiful Greenbrier Lake and a host of recreational activities, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to reconnect with the outdoors.

Ash Campground is a designated camping loop located within the larger Greenbrier State Park, a multi-use park situated in the scenic Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland. The park is renowned for its 42-acre man-made freshwater lake, which serves as the centerpiece for many of its recreational offerings. Ash Campground specifically provides campers with a comfortable and well-equipped base from which to explore the park's diverse activities and natural beauty.

Unlike some primitive campgrounds, Ash Campground offers amenities that enhance the camping experience, making it appealing to a broad range of visitors, including those who prefer a few more comforts during their outdoor adventures. Campers can expect conveniences such as bathhouses with hot showers, a significant upgrade from more rustic sites. The campground is part of a larger network of 165 campsites within Greenbrier State Park, with some sites offering electric hookups, catering to both tent campers and those with RVs or trailers.

Reviews from actual campers consistently highlight the "great location to the lake/beach" and "decent bathrooms and showers," affirming its suitability for those who value both natural immersion and practical facilities. The overall environment within Greenbrier State Park is designed for recreation, offering everything from swimming and boating on the lake to an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forests. Ash Campground thus represents a perfect blend of accessible outdoor adventure and comfortable amenities for Maryland locals.

Ash Campground is strategically located within Greenbrier State Park at Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA. This placement in Western Maryland offers a tranquil setting amidst the Appalachian Mountains, yet remains highly accessible for residents throughout Maryland and neighboring states.

Greenbrier State Park is conveniently situated off of Interstate 70, a major east-west highway, making it straightforward to reach from major metropolitan areas such as Baltimore and Washington D.C., as well as cities like Frederick and Hagerstown in Maryland. The park's entrance is well-marked, and once inside, signage typically guides visitors to the various camping loops, including Ash Campground. While the exact distance from the park entrance to Ash Campground may vary, it is generally within easy reach, allowing campers to quickly settle in upon arrival.

The park's location also provides excellent access to a wealth of nearby attractions and natural wonders. Its proximity to the Appalachian Trail (which passes through the eastern edge of the park) and other historic sites in the region, such as Antietam National Battlefield, offers expanded opportunities for exploration beyond the campground itself. The internal road system within Greenbrier State Park, leading to Ash Campground, is designed to accommodate various vehicle types, including cars, RVs, and trailers, making it a "drive-in" campground. However, it's worth noting that during peak summer weekends and holidays, the park can reach capacity, and a day-use reservation system is in place to manage crowds. While this system primarily applies to day visitors, campers with reservations generally have guaranteed entry. This combination of scenic beauty and easy access from major roadways makes Ash Campground a highly convenient and appealing destination for Maryland locals seeking an outdoor getaway.

Ash Campground, as part of Greenbrier State Park, provides a comprehensive set of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors. These services cater to both tent campers and those with RVs, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience.

• Campsites: The park offers a total of 165 campsites, which are distributed across various loops, including Ash Campground. Each campsite typically includes:
  • A picnic table.
  • A fire ring.
  • A designated parking area.
• Electric Hookups: While not all 165 sites have electric hookups, approximately 40 sites within Greenbrier State Park offer this amenity, catering to RVs and those needing power for their camping equipment. It's advisable to specify this requirement when making a reservation.
• Bathhouses with Hot Showers: Campers have access to conveniently located bathhouses that provide flushing toilets and hot showers, a significant comfort for refreshing after a day of outdoor activities. These are frequently praised in reviews for being "decent."
• Dump Station: A dump station is available within the park for RVers to properly dispose of wastewater.
• Potable Water: Access to potable (drinking) water is available at various points within the campground loops.
• Youth Group Camping: Greenbrier State Park also offers designated areas for youth group camping, available with reservations.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for sale at the park office or camp store, ensuring campers can enjoy campfires responsibly within the provided fire rings.
• Camp Host Program: Hosts are often present to assist campers, provide information, and ensure park rules are followed.

While individual site specifics may vary slightly within Ash Campground, these core services ensure that campers have essential facilities for a pleasant and convenient stay at Greenbrier State Park.

Ash Campground, situated within Greenbrier State Park, boasts a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Maryland locals seeking an engaging outdoor experience.

• Lakeside Access: A standout feature is its "great location to the lake/beach." The 42-acre man-made Greenbrier Lake is a central attraction, offering a sandy beach for swimming (with lifeguards on duty Memorial Day to Labor Day), and opportunities for boating (electric trolling motors only) and fishing.
• Modern Bathhouses: The presence of "decent bathrooms and showers" with hot water is a significant highlight, providing a level of comfort not always found in state park campgrounds.
• Extensive Trail System: Greenbrier State Park offers nearly 11 miles of hiking trails that meander through diverse wildlife habitats, with varying levels of difficulty. A portion of the famous Appalachian Trail also passes through the park's eastern edge via a connector trail, appealing to avid hikers.
• Water-Based Recreation: Beyond swimming, the lake is stocked with trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill, making it a popular spot for fishing (Maryland Angler's License required). Rowboat and paddleboat rentals are typically available during the summer months.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The park offers picnic areas with tables and grills, playgrounds, and a visitor center that provides interpretive exhibits on the local wildlife, history, and geology of South Mountain.
• Scenic Appalachian Mountain Setting: The campground is nestled amidst the rugged hills and forests of the Appalachian Mountains, providing a beautiful backdrop for camping and outdoor activities, with stunning fall foliage.
• Accessibility Features: The park strives for accessibility, with accessible restrooms, some campsites, and a beach wheelchair available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Proximity to Historic Sites: Its location near the Appalachian Trail and historic battlefields like Antietam offers additional opportunities for exploration and education.

These features combine to make Ash Campground within Greenbrier State Park a versatile and attractive destination for a memorable Maryland outdoor adventure.

As a campground operating within a Maryland State Park, Ash Campground (part of Greenbrier State Park) adheres to the fee structure and policies set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Therefore, it doesn't typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private business might. However, there are established benefits and potential discounts to be aware of:

• Standard Camping Fees: Campsite rates are generally standardized for Maryland State Parks. For Greenbrier, a regular campsite is $21.50 per night, and a site with electric hookups is $27.50 per night for Maryland residents. Non-residents typically pay a slightly higher fee (e.g., $27 per night for a regular site).
• Senior Citizen Discount: Maryland senior citizens with a valid Golden Age Pass often receive a half-price discount on camping when staying Sunday through Thursday. This is a significant benefit for eligible Marylanders.
• Youth Group Camping: Greenbrier State Park offers specific youth group campsites that can be reserved with a Maryland Park Service youth group pass at no charge (beyond a reservation service fee).
• Reservation System: While not a "promotion," the ability to make reservations up to one calendar year in advance via parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267 is a valuable service that guarantees a spot, especially during peak season. There is a non-refundable reservation transaction fee ($6.25 per reservation).
• Seasonal Day-Use Fees: It's important to note the park's day-use entrance fees, which vary by season and residency. For campers with reservations, the day-use fee is typically included with their camping fee, ensuring seamless entry. However, during peak summer weekends and holidays, Greenbrier State Park now requires advance day-use reservations to manage capacity, even for campers, it's wise to double-check.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, reservation policies, and any specific discounts, Maryland locals should always consult the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources website (dnr.maryland.gov) and the parkreservations.maryland.gov portal.

For Maryland locals interested in planning a visit to Ash Campground within Greenbrier State Park, inquiries should be directed to the main park office or the state park reservation system. There isn't a direct phone number specifically for the Ash Campground loop itself.

Address: Greenbrier State Park (where Ash Campground is located), Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA

For Reservations:

• Online: parkreservations.maryland.gov (recommended for 24/7 access)
• Phone: 1-888-432-CAMP (2267)

For General Park Information (Greenbrier State Park Office):

Phone: (301) 791-4767 (weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

It is highly advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend and peak-season stays, as Greenbrier State Park is a popular destination and campsites can fill up quickly. For late arrivals (after sunset when the park entrance gate closes), contacting the park office directly for instructions is essential. Always check the official Maryland DNR website for Greenbrier State Park for the most current information, alerts, and detailed maps.

For Maryland locals, Ash Campground within Greenbrier State Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for an enriching outdoor experience. Its prime location in Western Maryland, combined with a wealth of amenities and recreational opportunities, makes it an accessible and fulfilling escape from everyday life.

One of the most compelling reasons for locals to choose Ash Campground is its direct access to the beautiful Greenbrier Lake. This offers immediate opportunities for swimming on a sandy beach, boating (with electric trolling motors), and fishing, providing a diverse range of activities that cater to all ages and interests. The convenience of modern bathhouses with hot showers, a feature highly valued by campers, elevates the experience beyond typical primitive sites, ensuring a comfortable stay even while immersed in nature.

Furthermore, Greenbrier State Park's extensive network of hiking trails, including a connection to the Appalachian Trail, provides ample opportunities for adventure and exploration for hikers of all skill levels. This means locals can experience the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains right in their own state. The park's drive-in accessibility and the ability to make reservations in advance also simplify trip planning, reducing stress and allowing for more spontaneous getaways. For Marylanders seeking a well-rounded camping experience that combines natural beauty, active recreation, comfortable facilities, and a sense of community, Ash Campground at Greenbrier State Park stands out as an ideal choice for creating lasting outdoor memories close to home.