Green Ridge State Forest — Attraction in Mann Township

“…Yesterday, I posted about finding your happy place for the weekend. My happy place at that moment was camping with my dog. Sadly, that all changed at about 10:40 p.m. last night. That was when, after a lovely day spent enjoying the outdoors and gorgeous weather, and falling asleep after stargazing, Juniper alerted me that something was wrong. I woke up to hear a very loud truck coming into my campsite area, in a remote part of Green Ridge State Park. I heard someone yelling, and I heard the truck driving erratically, and revving its engine repeatedly. There is no possible way they would have been confused about the campsite having been occupied since my car was parked right in the entry to the site. After a few minutes, they drove off, but I continued to hear them repeatedly gunning their engine and driving in what sounded to me like a very bizarre and crazy manner, especially given the late hour, for another 15-20 minutes. I could hear them on the roads, which are all very poorly maintained dirt roads that no normal (or sober) person would be casually cruising late at night, while I clutched my bear spray canister in one hand and my Swiss army knife in the other. Juniper was extremely upset and agitated, just like me. After listening to this truck drive around for a while, I finally called 911 (so thankful I was in a spot that had cell phone signal). They transferred me to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which apparently has jurisdiction over state forests. The person who answered the phone took my report and said that somebody in the area would call me back. A few minutes later I received a voicemail and called back the person who had called me. I don't know if perhaps they had received incorrect information in the original dispatch, but they initiated the discussion with letting me know that, as it was a state forest, there weren't really any quiet hours so there was not much they could do, apparently alluding to what they believed was a noise complaint. At that point, I let them know that it was not a noise complaint, but rather more of an "I fear for my life because people are driving around crazy and pulling up into my campsite in the middle of the night in a remote area and I am alone" complaint. He then advised that it was the country and a lot of people had noisy trucks, but by that time I had already gathered my belongings into my bag, thrown it in the car along with Juniper and was preparing to drive home in the middle of the night. I got home around 1:00 a.m., managed to get a few hours of sleep, and then ended up driving back this morning to pick up all of my camping gear. It's true that I may have wildly overreacted, but I would rather be guilty of overreacting then to become a statistic. And there was no chance I'd have slept if I had stayed. As they say, better to be safe than sorry. The lack of comprehension and general dismissal on the part of the MD DNR official I spoke with was most disappointing. I was voicing a very serious concern about extremely bizarre, disturbing, and terrifying behavior that made me feel unsafe and afraid, and the response I got was there are no quiet hours in the state forest and lots of people in the area drive big, noisy trucks. I was able to get all my camping gear this morning and even managed a good hike before heading home this afternoon. But I will always remember the absolute fear I felt last night, not knowing what was happening or what those people were doing. I am thankful for my dog waking me up, and believe I made the right decision to leave, given the uncertainty of...

If you want to get away and go somewhere where there are trees and nature and not many people, Green Ridge State Forest offers 100 campsites. Each campsite is spread far apart, so you don't see your neighbor unless someone is driving by. If you have an SUV or jeep, it will be better since some of the dirt roads have good size ruts and puddles, but we have made it in a Honda Accord. The farther you go down the mountain, more ruts and steep inclined roads.

It was $10 for a campsite per night. If the visitor center is closed, you can sign up on the bulletin board for a site and put your money in an envelope to slip in the brown metal post slot.

Green Ridge State forest is on several mountains. You can hike on the dirt roads or trails. The roads, since they are on mountains, are very challenging even to very in-shape bicyclists.

Tips: Print a map of the campsite locations and roads before you leave if you are not sure if you will get to the visitor center before they close.

You need to bring your own containers for water - filled. There is no water available and the bathrooms at the visitor center were locked when we went in June.

Bring your own shovel, bags or toilet. There are no bathrooms at your campsites. I bought a tent for privacy (Leader Accessories Pop Up Shower Tent Dressing Changing Tent Pod Toilet Tent on Amazon). Not many people will drive past your campsite, but it seemed they did when I was taking care of business.

Bring bug spray. In June, I had about 13 bites on each arm and leg.

Each site has a picnic table and camping ring but no grill. No post for a lantern.

We had to stay in the overflow camping field one year with many other campers. No bathroom facilities and the trees were thin and sparse.

The Paw Paw tunnel is a hike you can do. It will take about 30-45 minutes to...

Absolutely FABULOUS!!! That is how I describe my time in Green Ridge State Forest, Flintstone, MD.! All necessities are AVAILABLE !! Whether TRUELY Camping like pioneers with tents and fires, or "Glamping" with children in Cabins or in some really awesome Hotel for the cool nights, Green Ridge S.F. REALLY does have it ALL! Cayaking, Canoeing, Hiking, Fishing, Camping, Cook outs, exploring Ruins, paths, caves, and tunnels!! The roads are a little bit rough!!! Trucks definitely help with the driving. Also, if going deep into the woods for the more secluded experience you will need a high clearance vehicle. But, if you go SLOWLY not a problem for SUV and such. My Honda Accord worked for me cuz I did not want to camp TOO DEEP into the woods, however I hiked deeper each day and pitched my tent in a very good flat area with 4 or 5 other sites around. Safety in numbers cuz there is definitely a LARGE POPULATION of animals of ALL kinds (mostly Deer) that are quite Friendly and VERY comfortable being around people!! I HIGHLY recommend this spot for families, children, or groups of...