Camping Near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Camping Near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
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Historic Harpers Ferry, W. Va. is located just miles from the borders of Virginia and Maryland and is also the site where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers converge. Harpers Ferry is known historically as the site where abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the federal armory and helped to hasten the onslaught of the Civil War. Harpers Ferry is also well-known for its abundance of water sports, including canoeing, tubing and swimming.

Near Harpers Ferry National Park

Harpers Ferry's Civil War Battlefields KOA has camping experiences to suit any preference or budget. The KOA campground is in close proximity to the site of John Brown's raid, Antietam National Battlefield and historic downtown Harpers Ferry. This large campground has 280 sites as well as 42 cabins and lodges, with the tent sites next to a Civil War trench. In addition to campsites and lodges, the campground has an indoor basketball court, a game room with pool tables, a large heated pool and a new "jumping pillow." The Civil War Battlefields KOA is located near the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and campers may enjoy tubing, rafting or swimming.

On the Potomac

Water lovers will enjoy these primitive campsites that rest along a section of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County. The Harpers Ferry Campground welcomes watercraft of all types. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, water skis and tubes can navigate the four-mile section of deep water along the campground. Campers may choose to sleep in a tent or bring an RV along but the campground does not have RV hook-ups. Each campsite can accommodate as many as four people but, if you call ahead, you may be able to get adjoining sites for larger groups.

Rohrersville

Maple Tree Campground in Rohrersville, Md. is just 10 minutes from Harpers Ferry and is nestled in a secluded section along the Appalachian trail, perfect for hiking. Campers may choose from eight tree cottages that come equipped with beds, indoor table and chairs and a wood stove for heating and cooking. There are also 10 tree houses available: six houses are designed to accommodate families, while the other four are large enough for groups. These tree houses are screened in but do not come equipped with a wood stove for cold-weather camping. Those who prefer tent camping may choose from 12 forest tent sites. There are also open field sites for tent camping; these sites boast a view of the valley and can accommodate as many as 60 campers. The campground has bathroom facilities and two hot showers available to campers. Swimming, tubing, rafting and canoeing are just ten minutes away.

Brunswick

The Brunswick Family Campground is located just 15 minutes from Harpers Ferry, across the Shenandoah River in Brunswick, Md. Operated by the City of Brunswick, it lies on the Potomac and the C&O Canal. The campground opens for guests the first weekend in April and closes the last weekend in November. The on-site facilities of this large campground include 65 RV and 300 tent sites, boat ramp, pavilions and picnic tables, 30 amp electric service, water hookups, RV dumping station and a hot-water bathhouse. Popular activities include boating, fishing, walking and biking on the canal towpath. The Appalachian Trail is three miles away.

Knoxville

Harpers Ferry Hostel in Knoxville, Md. is located just two miles from Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. The hostel offers camping as well as dormitory lodging. Camping reservations are recommended as space is limited. Campsites offer fire pits and grills for cooking, potable water and port-o-potties. Showers can be utilized at the lodge for a fee. Activities include hiking the Appalachian trail, biking the C&O Canal or tubing, rafting or canoeing down the river.

References

Article reviewed by Marguerite Gautier Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

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