Tent Sites
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Drinking Water
About Antietam Creek Campsite
The Antietam Creek Campground is located at Mile 69.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, a few miles south of Shepherdstown on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Antietam Creek Campground.
Recreation
Popular activities at Antietam Creek include boating and fishing. Kayaking the creek and surrounding areas during various times of the year are scenic and ever changing. Nearby boat ramps at Dargan Bend and Snyders Landing provide motor boat access to the river. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the watered sections of the C&O Canal the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older. West Virginia Licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Facilities
The campground has 20 single campsites each with a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each campsite will accommodate up to eight campers. Protected pit toilets are located between campsite #6 and campsite #7 adjacent to the towpath. A second set of chemical toilets are available down the towpath. Potable water is along the towpath at pumps (may not be available during cold winter months). No vehicular traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Parking is allowed on the shoulder of Canal Rd only.
Natural Features
Antietam Creek Campground is just south of Sharpsburg, MD. Antietam Creek is a typically mild and slow moving creek which feeds into the much larger and faster Potomac River directly adjacent to the campsite. River rise and floods can modify conditions quickly here.
Nearby Attractions
Antietam Battlefield, South Mountain Recreation Area and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park all provide additional hiking and history adventures specifically about the Civil War Era.
ADA Access: N
Sites
20
Price
$10.00 - $20.00
Operator
National Park Service
Access
Walk In
Boat In
Features
Drinking Water
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Reservable
Toilets
Contact
Location
Antietam Creek Campsite is located in Maryland
Directions
From Hagerstown: Take MD-65 to Sharpsburg. Make a right on Main St. Left on Harpers Ferry Road for a few miles. Before you cross the Antietam Creek bridge make a right on Canal Rd. Campsites are across the canal and towpath from Canal Rd.
From West Virginia: Take WV-480 through Shepherdstown across the Potomac River. Make the first right after the bridge on Canal Rd. Follow Canal Rd a few miles until you see the campsites on your right before Antietam Creek.
3 Reviews of Antietam Creek Campsite
Good enough, conveniently located
Pretty standard campground—the perks are it’s location to nearby attractions and the river/creek. It depends on what you’re looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper’s? Golden. Especially if you want to camp but also do site seeing and/or paddling in the area.
Isolation and solitude, as well as good “car camping?” Not so much. The main problem here is that the campground itself is just one big field along the canal towpath, so you have no privacy from other campers. It’s also a weird setup with respect to parking—as you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite. If you got one close to the bridge over the canal then you’re 100ft from the car, but if not then it could be a little bit of a walk. Not the end of the world, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into!
That said, enjoyed the experience here, but wouldn’t seek it out specifically unless looking for camping in this general area.
Great Site Along the Potomac River
Stayed one night on 8/9.
This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in.
There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing.
There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes!
I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night.
I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.
Awesome little public campground!
The campsites are located along the Potomac River and between the C&O Canal. Flat campsites, Fire rings & pubic well. Very affordable. One can walk to Shepherdstown, WV for some fun. Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!
