Designated campsites

[Brushy Sage]

While I was a volunteer with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club we converted an overused area into a managed campsite. Annapolis Rock, 2.2 miles north of the foot bridge over I-70 in Maryland, now has designated tentpads (dirt), with good privacy, a great spring, no campfires allowed. The tent (or hammock) sites are first come first served, no fee. There is a full-time caretaker on site from April through October. This is a nice place to spend the night, and there's a good view of the Cumberland Valley from the rock cliffs.

[Streamweaver]

Time to give it a rest: The Annapolis Rocks area in Maryland has been closed to allow it to recover from overuse. (Posted 7-15-03)

Has Annapolis Rocks been reopened yet?? I havnt heard anything since this was posted on ALDHA. Streamweaver

[Brushy Sage]

Time to give it a rest: The Annapolis Rocks area in Maryland has been closed to allow it to recover from overuse. (Posted 7-15-03)

Has Annapolis Rocks been reopened yet?? I havnt heard anything since this was posted on ALDHA. Streamweaver

Yes, the campsite has been reopened. The overused area was fenced off for regeneration, which is amazing to see -- the recuperative ability of the forest. New tent sites have been established back up the hillside amongst the trees, and a new access trail to them. As I say, there is now a caretaker on site from April to Oct, and there are two composting privies. I wondered if any of this would get into this years guidebooks. I worked on the project, so am telling you from first hand knowledge.

[Streamweaver]

Yes, the campsite has been reopened. The overused area was fenced off for regeneration, which is amazing to see -- the recuperative ability of the forest. New tent sites have been established back up the hillside amongst the trees, and a new access trail to them. As I say, there is now a caretaker on site from April to Oct, and there are two composting privies. I wondered if any of this would get into this years guidebooks. I worked on the project, so am telling you from first hand knowledge.

Coolish!! Im not far from Annapolis rocks so Im gonna have to check it out soon! Thanks for the update. Streamweaver

[Mini-Mosey]

I went hiking..for the first time in over a year..last Saturday; so good to get out again!! Just a very short one...rt. 40 to Annapolis Rocks, then back. Despite the bitter cold, I ran into quite a few people. I checked out Annapolis Rocks; I haven't been on this part of the trail for a quite a long time. Very, very nice work!! As BrushySage(hope I have the name right, I'm sorry if I don't), two privies, regeneration areas, etc. Great work, what a positive change!!

[Brushy Sage]

I went hiking..for the first time in over a year..last Saturday; so good to get out again!! Just a very short one...rt. 40 to Annapolis Rocks, then back. Despite the bitter cold, I ran into quite a few people. I checked out Annapolis Rocks; I haven't been on this part of the trail for a quite a long time. Very, very nice work!! As BrushySage(hope I have the name right, I'm sorry if I don't), two privies, regeneration areas, etc. Great work, what a positive change!!

Thanks for the report. I have forwarded your comments to Maryland. This was a joint project involving the ATC regional office, the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

[Kozmic Zian]

Yea, The PATC does a real nice job. Membership is high and projects long. Good to see you guys out and enjoying it. Hope to see you all on Da Trail.....KZ@

[Brushy Sage]

Word from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources today (June 9, 2004) that "Annapolis Rock Backcountry Campground (and associated trail) were designated a National Recreation Trail this week by the Department of Interior." This is really something, in light of the fact that just three years ago the campground was regarded by Virginia Tech specialists as the WORST campground along the AT!

[Big Oak]

I try to stay away from designated campsites if they're near a road. They tend to draw partyers and have lots of trash around, which also attracts racoons and bears. Further from the trailhead, designated sites are usually pretty good.

[littledragon]

I was in Md. a few weeks ago- since we got a late afternoon start on our hike, we did not make it to Annapolis Rocks for the night. We did stop there the next day for a little snack and the view, though. It really is a nice place. There are some good sites that do offer privacy and good privies, too. There was no one staying there when I went through. Some other backpackers were taking a break there, though.