One of the things I noticed when I fished the North Branch from Laurel Run up to Wallman was the camping available in the Potomac State Forest. The Park has many clean, well-maintained sites. In Fact, there are 16 sites split between the Wallman and Laurel Run roads and 6 over by the Lostland Run.
According to the website, if you camp in a group, there is one group site per area, and it will run $20 a night (2006). There are also shelter areas for $15, with the remaining being first come, first served at $10 a night.
To reserve the group or shelter sites, call the Forest Office at 301 334-2038. The other sites use the honor system
The above is a bit different from the instructions posted at the sites – they lead you to believe that everything is first come first served.
The website may have been updated since I was there in early September. So, if you want a shelter, give the Forest Service a call just to be sure.
Sign marking the Laurel/Wallman split in the road and the honor camping depository. Head left to go to Laurel Run, right for Wallman. Put your camping fee in the big brown thing in the foreground.
Example shelter site – small shelter, picnic table and plenty of space to spread out
Example other site – picnic table and plenty of space
Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore