Camp Wood

Hello, Maryland outdoor enthusiasts! If you're seeking a true "woodsy" camping experience away from the hustle and bustle, or if you're part of an organized group looking for a natural retreat, Camp Wood in Parkton, Maryland, might be exactly what you're looking for. Nestled within the vast and scenic Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park, Camp Wood offers a more primitive and immersive camping experience, specifically designed for groups who appreciate getting back to basics amidst a beautiful forest setting.

Unlike commercial campgrounds with extensive amenities, Camp Wood provides a focused environment for outdoor activities and group bonding. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the sense of being truly "in the woods" is palpable. For Boy Scout troops, youth groups, or other organized gatherings that prioritize rustic charm and connection with the natural world, Camp Wood offers an ideal backdrop for adventures, learning, and making lasting memories right here in Northern Maryland.

Camp Wood is located in Parkton, MD 21120, USA. It is important to note that Camp Wood does not have a physical street address in the traditional sense, as it is a designated youth group camping area within the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Its GPS coordinates are approximately 39.608909, -76.671649.

Accessing Camp Wood involves specific directions that highlight its secluded, natural setting. From I-83 North, you would take Exit 27 and turn right onto Mt. Carmel Road. At the traffic light, turn left onto York Road. After passing Hereford High School, turn left onto Bunker Hill Road. Continue on Bunker Hill Road to a large asphalt parking lot, which serves as the primary parking area. From this parking lot, there is a short hike down a paved path to reach Camp Wood. The road conditions down to the parking lot can be rough and narrow, so caution is advised. This location in northern Baltimore County within the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park means it's part of a 3,620-acre section known for its scenic wilderness. It offers excellent access to the Big Gunpowder Falls and over 20 miles of wooded trails, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil and natural environment.

Camp Wood, as a group camping area within a state park, offers essential services designed to support a rustic yet comfortable outdoor experience for organized groups. These services focus on providing fundamental needs for camping in a natural setting.

• Tent Sites under Mature Forest: The primary offering is designated tent sites situated beneath a mature forest canopy, providing a classic "woodsy" camping atmosphere and natural shade.
• Fire Rings: Each site or communal area is equipped with fire rings, allowing for safe campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Grills: Grills are typically available at the sites, complementing the fire rings for cooking needs.
• Comfort Station: A comfort station is provided, which generally includes restrooms. While specific details on showers are not always guaranteed for primitive group sites, clean bathrooms are usually a feature in Maryland State Park facilities. Sources indicate that water and restrooms are available near the Bunker Hill trailhead, close to Camp Wood.
• Amphitheater for Programs: An amphitheater is available, making it suitable for group programs, educational sessions, campfires with storytelling, or outdoor presentations.
• Potable Water Access: While individual site hookups are not typical for this type of primitive group camping, potable water sources are available within the vicinity of Camp Wood.
• Access to Trails: Campers have direct access to the extensive trail system within the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park, ideal for hiking and nature exploration.

It is important to note that this is a primitive group camping area, meaning it does not typically offer amenities such as RV hookups, individual picnic tables for every tent, or extensive recreational facilities beyond what nature provides.

• "Nice Woodsy Area for Camping": The most significant highlight, directly from visitor feedback, is its genuinely "woodsy area." This signifies a natural, forested environment that provides shade, a sense of seclusion, and an immersive outdoor experience, appealing to those who prefer rustic camping over developed RV parks.
• Located within Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hereford Area): Camp Wood benefits immensely from its location within Gunpowder Falls State Park. The Hereford Area, specifically, is a 3,620-acre wilderness setting. This provides access to a nationally renowned special trout management area in the Big Gunpowder Falls, offering excellent opportunities for anglers.
• Ideal for Group Camping: Camp Wood is particularly well-suited for organized groups, such as Boy Scouts. It offers a dedicated space that supports group activities, outdoor education, and team-building in a natural setting. The presence of an amphitheater further enhances its utility for group programs.
• Extensive Trail Access: Campers have access to over 20 miles of wooded trails within the Hereford Area, perfect for hiking and horseback riding. This allows groups to explore diverse natural landscapes and enjoy active outdoor adventures.
• Focus on Primitive Camping: For those who appreciate traditional, less developed camping, Camp Wood's primitive tent sites with fire rings and grills provide the essential elements for an authentic outdoor experience. While basic, amenities like a comfort station (restrooms) are available nearby.
• Tranquil Natural Environment: The secluded nature of Camp Wood, nestled deep within the state park, offers a peaceful escape from urban noise and light pollution, making it an ideal spot for nature appreciation, stargazing, and quiet reflection.

As a designated group camping area within a Maryland State Park, Camp Wood does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. Its pricing and availability are managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the state park reservation system.

Access for youth groups, such as Boy Scout troops, often falls under the Maryland Park Service Youth Group Pass program, which can provide free or reduced-rate access to designated youth group areas. However, this usually requires an official affiliation and pre-approved pass.

For specific rates, reservation requirements, and any current policies, organized groups interested in using Camp Wood should contact the Maryland State Park reservation service directly at 1-888-432-CAMP (2267) or visit the Maryland DNR website for Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hereford Area camping information. They can provide details on booking procedures, capacity limits, and any applicable fees for group use.

Since Camp Wood does not have a physical street address for general mail or direct public inquiries, all contact for reservations and information should be directed through the Maryland State Park system.

• Address (for general area reference, not direct mail): Parkton, MD 21120, USA (within Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hereford Area)
• For Reservations and General Information: 1-888-432-CAMP (2267)
• Gunpowder Falls State Park Headquarters (for general park inquiries): (410) 592-2897 (Note: this is a general park number, direct Camp Wood inquiries are best through the reservation line).

When making inquiries or reservations, be sure to specify "Camp Wood" in the "Hereford Area" of Gunpowder Falls State Park, as this park has multiple sections and camping areas. Utilizing the Maryland State Parks online reservation portal is also an option for checking availability and making bookings for group sites.

For Maryland locals, Camp Wood in Parkton offers a truly authentic and accessible woodland camping experience, particularly for organized groups. Its location within the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park means it's conveniently situated in Northern Maryland, making it a manageable drive for groups from Baltimore and surrounding counties. This accessibility allows local youth organizations, Scout troops, and other community groups to easily plan impactful outdoor adventures without extensive travel.

The "nice woodsy area" provides a genuine immersion in nature, ideal for teaching outdoor skills, fostering environmental appreciation, and building strong group bonds. It’s a place where basic amenities encourage self-reliance, and the natural surroundings provide the entertainment – from hiking on extensive trails to enjoying a quiet campfire under the stars. For Marylanders dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor experiences for their groups, Camp Wood offers a valuable resource right in our own beautiful state park system, allowing for the creation of cherished memories and the development of essential outdoor skills close to home.

Camp Wood

Parkton, MD 21120, USA