Article by Samantha Hauf & Matt Tennyson | Owl Staff
The newly designed and custom-built “Hobbit House” was inspired by The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Maple Tree Campground may seem like an unusual vacation spot, but for many vacationers, sleeping in a tree house surrounded by nature is just the getaway they need. Only an hour and forty-five-minute drive west of Bel Air, the campground is located in a rural part of Washington County, Maryland.
Founded in 1971 by Phyllis Soroko, Maple Tree Campground has grown into their niche. The campground offers a variety of camping arrangements including tree houses, tree cottages, tent sites, and even a “Hobbit House.”
“In addition to local hayrides, there are several local farms, vineyards, and orchards nearby where there are opportunities to pick blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and more.”
As you venture into the natural realm at Maple Tree, you’ll find a variety of exciting and adventurous activities. Whether it’s hosting your own music jam, organizing your own sporting activity, or just exploring the wilderness, there’s always an adventure waiting to be discovered.
Campground amenities include indoor and outdoor showers, a dumpster, and a camp shop that sells firewood, food, water, ice, and camping supplies. Prices range from $22 a night to $149 a night depending on the amount of people and the accommodations.
There are also a number of venturesome locations nearby, such as the Appalachian Trail, Harper’s Ferry, Antietam Battlefield, and Crystal Grotto Caverns. If that isn’t enough to fuel your desire for excitement, there are also opportunities for white water rafting, tubing, horseback riding, fishing and more, all within 10 minutes of the campsite.
Lauren Pinckney, an HCC student majoring in psychology, says she “loves going to Maple Tree. When I went in the fall, they had many events going on such as haunted hayrides; it was awesome!”
In addition to local hayrides, there are several local farms, vineyards, and orchards nearby where there are opportunities to pick blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and more.
Maple Tree is also a renowned location for scenic and memorable weddings. Louise Soroko, daughter of Phyllis Soroko and current owner of Maple Tree, says, “we’ve had some really magical events and weddings, you know, the ones where the sun shines at just the right moment.”
Soroko adds, “Every weekend is different. There is almost always a peaceful and loving atmosphere at Maple Tree.”
Maple Tree Campground is not just a summer getaway spot; it’s also the bedrock of magical memories for people year-round.
Staying at Maple Tree is unique, fun, and relaxing all at the same time. If you are on a budget this summer and want to do something that is out of the ordinary, take the short trip to Maple Tree Campground and “let the forest be with you.”