RE: Rocky Gap State Park in May

[DavidP]

 
I ve always wanted to go to Rocky Gap State Park, and I m thinking about making it our first camping trip of the year in early May.  Has anyone ever been there and can you tell me more about it?  My concern is this: I have a 5 year old and an almost 2 year old.  We are used to camping at a place that has a pool and lots of kids activities so there is always lots of entertainment.  Is there anything at Rocky Gap that would appeal to kids?  I m thinking of a flat area for biking riding, easy walking trails, playground, nature center.....?  Also, where would be the best site to camp that is central/close to any of those things.
 Appreciate your input.
 Andrea

[MDCamper]

 DavidP
We ve been to Rocky Gap and it s wonderful.  They have a large lake with canoes for rent - we had a great time paddling around with the kids and saw lots of fish and wildlife (baby ducklings, snakes, eagles, fish, etc.).  No swimming pool but you can swim at the lake in the summertime - May would probably be too cold.  They also have some nice hiking trails.  The setting is beautiful, and one loop allows pets.  Highly recommend it.

[LoveOurBayside]

 DavidP
We went to Rocky Gap last June so I am not sure what ammenities are available during May.  But they do have a very nice nature center.  The kids can still have a lot of fun playing in the sand, tossing stuff into the water, etc.  My boys and a neighbor played for hours with Tonka trucks in the gravel at the campsite!  
 
 We camped on the Understanding the Understory loop.  No water or electric but it s close to the beach and the office/nature center, etc.  This loop would have been hard for little ones to bike on - mine were complaining about the walk to and from the beach.  
 
 They had a nice playground by the beach.  The camp store was minimal.  They had a few planned activities but not like the KOAs and Jellystones seem to have.  
 
 My two boys are 9 and 5 and they still say it was their favorite campground last year even though it was the longest drive.
 
 Have you been to the website?  If you start to make a reservation you can see the listing of the available sites and descriptions.  I put in a date I thought would be least crowded then I printed this out along with the map and made notes of what I liked and didn t like while I was there.  We stayed on 131 and our friends stayed on 130 and we would love to have those sites again.  Keeping in mind that we have a big trailer (Coleman Bayside), these are the sites that appealed to me on the UU loop: 115, 124, 125, 129, 130. 131, 133, 143.  115 is closest to the " ammenities" .  We didn t stay on the electric loop but the following appealed to me when I walked the path.  I must warn you that I was looking for tree cover as well because we don t have air conditioning and it was summer.  1,2,3,4,5,6,8,18,20,28.  Overall, most of the campsites are level and spacious - you just have to look at what is important to you - close to the bathroom? away from the main paths? etc.  
 

[Tim5055]

 DavidP
I love Rocky Gap!  I just wish it were a little closer.
 
 While there are " hills"  to the roads, bike riding is ot out of the question.  The beach is very nice for swimming.  Lots of hiking available.
 
 I say go for it and have a great time.

[got woody?]

 DavidP
I was curious when I saw such good reviews so I wanted to check things out myself.  For those of you who may not know where this park is, it s in the " panhandle"  part of Western Maryland, near West Virginia.  
 
 Here is a link to a website with more info.
 http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/rockygap.html
 
 Andrea (David P), have you picked a date in May yet?  My kids are close in age to yours, who knows, maybe we could meet up there?