Camping in the Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, area means being surrounded by rolling mountains and U.S. Civil War history. You'll have access to recreation along two rivers, hiking paths and the historic Appalachian Trail. Fields of flowers beckon in the spring while vibrant leaves decorate the area in fall. Summer brings festivals and events to the area and winter provides solitude and views unobstructed by leafy trees.
Fundamentals
Harpers Ferry attracts history buffs and hikers to its location, where three ,states—Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia—and two rivers—the Potomac and Shenandoah—meet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area’s historic significance reaches back to 1859, when abolitionist John Brown raided the local armory for weapons to use in his effort to establish a community for runaway slaves. His capture and execution became a symbol of the anti-slavery movement in the buildup to the 1861 start of the U.S. Civil War.
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park includes many Civil War battlefields and parts of the old town. While the National Park Service prohibits camping within the historic park, several campsite options exist in the immediate area.
Appalachian Trail
A 0.2-mile walk from Harpers Ferry brings hikers and backpackers to the Appalachian Trail, a privately managed entity within the national park system. Shelters made of a shingled or metal roof, wood floor and three walls can be found along the trail every 10 to 12 miles, according to the park service's Appalachian National Scenic Trail website. Most shelters sit near streams or springs and include pit toilets. Any campers can use the shelters on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many tent campsites along the trail are located near the shelters. Groups should use the campsites, leaving shelters for individual hikers. Some campsites include tent platforms, but are simply clearings in flat areas, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath, which stretches from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, offers tent campsites about every five miles along the path. Each site established by the park service includes picnic tables, fire rings, water pumps and pit toilets. Hikers and bicyclists can use the sites on a first-come, first-served basis. The park service prohibits multi-night use of each campsite.
River Riders Campground
The popular River Riders Harpers Ferry Campground offers the only riverside camping in the area. Its primitive campsites sit along the only deep-water section of the Potomac River and can accommodate as many as four people each. The campground includes areas to tie up boats, kayaks and other water sports equipment. Campsites accommodate recreational vehicles but offer no services.
Maple Tree Campground
The 20-acre Maple Tree Campground at South Mountain, Maryland, borders the Appalachian Trail near Harpers Ferry. The campground includes tent sites and treehouses. The tent sites in wooded areas or fields include fire circles, picnic tables and, at some sites, charcoal grills. The campground includes full bathrooms, private showers and a small store.
Maple Tree requires two-night minimum stays on weekends and three-night minimums on some holidays. The campground does not accommodate recreational vehicles.
Considerations
The Harpers Ferry area’s historic significance and location within an hour’s drive of the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metropolitan areas means the park can be busy on weekends. As a result, area trails may be crowded and campsites full. Weekdays, even in the busy summer season, are less crowded than weekends.
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