Hillcrest River & Canal Tunnel River Campgrounds

I left a review but Dyrt keeps wanting to give another one. We stayed 2 weeks. I'm originally from the area but live in Florida. I was back for a family reunion and to visit friends and former classmates. I had no idea this gem was here, but after finding it, when I come to visit, which is once a year or every other year, if I bring the motorhome, I will definitely stay here.

When we arrived, Donnelly showed us a few sites that we may like. He does ride a mower because he had a double knee surgery. I'm from this area and didn't realize this campground gem was here until recently. Our stay is 2 weeks.

I always read the recent reviews before coming and wasn't sure what to expect and truthfully was a bit nervous. Now that I know those horrible reviews are not true, I feel better. It's a shame people would give such horrible reviews on such a cute place and super nice owner.

Donelly decided that we were Muslims and told us to get off his property.  I'm not making this up - it really happened.

When we arrived at the campground we were greeted by a grumpy and very rude old man named Don. Don rolled up on his sputtering riding lawn mower, driving right past us and took a cruze around our fifth wheel. Upon his inspection and without introducing he said "why do you people buy such large RVs. "Why can't you buy something smaller like normal people." Then he went on a rant indicating how the construction workers there who were staying were tearing everything up. I look around and could not figure out what he was talking about. The place had a few trailers and operated a small lawnmower business as well. After a few moments Don said follow me and I'll show you where you can park and abruptly tore off on his riding lawnmower. I walk behind him for approximately 100 yards to the spot. Don indicated I need you to park exactly like this and that is how it needs to be and don't tear up my grass, you know driving around backing up turning your wheels. The whole area is grass are you kidding me! After shoring up the area I was able to back up into my spot approx 75 yards. After several attempts and due to the soft ground, grass and uneven ground I was unable and to properly level my rig. Believe, I had been driving all day and was ready for a cold one. However, and without hesitation I looked at My wife and we made the call to exfil the campground. We were both throughly were upset and disgusted at the lack of professionalism of Don and the operation Hillcrest. Never to return and will steer others away. I think Don needs to change his operation to a turf company wheee he can enjoy his days feeding and cutting the grass!

We had a great overnight stay here.  The host was very friendly and helpful, and the spots were very spacious.  We had a such a beautiful view!  We'd definitely stay here again if we're ever back in the area.

Canal Tunnel River Campground, Nov 2023 : This is a 1 3/4 mile walk along the C &O Canal Trail to the outskirts of Cumberland. We happened upon this empty campground while walking this trail. A fantastic museum is near that 1 3/4 mile point. The National Park Visitor Center is there as well which is very informative.
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Usage during visit: Empty Site Privacy: No vegetation screen between sites. Site Spacing: Close, but more spacing than many private campgrounds. Site surface: Grass Reservations: I noticed Agee box at the entrance. Road Noise: This campground is not near a highway. Through Traffic in campground: No reason for through traffic.
Electric Hookup: I concluded the only sites with electricity are host sites. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes Bathroom: I did not see any, but probably removed for the season.
Showers: No. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): Good Setting: Open grassy area with minimal shade along the Potomac River Weather: Sunny . Highs 60s and lows 30s during our stay in the area.
Bugs: Too cold. Solar: Great solar. Rig size: Seems that there would’ve no issue for larger rigs. Sites: Sites along the river are best in my opinion.

We had a great stay! Peak fall foliage and view was spectacular! Donnelly is a kind host and made us feel very welcome. We were surprised not to see more campers at this underrated and very spacious campground. We checked out the canal river site and were really surprised by its views and hiking options. We would love to come back and recommend all to check this place out. Thank you Donnelly !

Great stay at a well located spot. Beautiful and quiet. Don was very helpful with any request that we had. Would return again. Thanks Don.

Nice campground if you're fortunate enough to be one of four people to get a full hookup. The other sites are all primitive with only one portapotty converted into a shower and another portapotty converted with a toilet. We stayed at the Hillcrest campground

Don, the owner and former Marine, is helpful and friendly.  The views from some of the sites are terrific.  Probably to deter trucks from parking in what would have been a nice wide entrance, Don put three stumps in road.  These, combined with a not-very-well-trimmed tree, make for an interesting experience for big rigs.  Once inside, maneuvering is easy and campsites are spacious.  As far as I could tell, only Sites 1-5 have any hookups at all (Site 5is W/E).  Because of the partially-blocked entrance, I would not call Hillcrest a big rig-friendly campground.  I opine, too, that $35 is expensive for a boondocking site.

Unleveled grass campground. Sewer is unreachably far away ! Fresh water is also far away. You need extra long water & sewer line. ( about 70 feet )

We had a great visit. The owners are super nice and our space was just perfect. Thank you!

What a fun campground.  Host are amazing and friendly ( and Jesse parents are pretty nice too, haha). Jesse is the owners dog and she will come out for scratching and pets. You get the feeling that you are welcome there. Amazing views and very enjoyable.

Me and a small group of friends stayed here for a weekend and we had a blast it was so peaceful we where right next to the river and had some great trails too hike on. When booking I was a little skeptical because of the reviews and to tell you the truth I have no idea what they are talking about the older gentlemen that owns the sight was a very understanding person and he left us alone for the most part and I can't forget about is dog that dog was so cute and friendly it was one of the best things about the site. I hope to go back soon.

The staff and the view and the low traffic make this an amazing site! I can't recommend higher!

Very pleased and sites were flat and beautiful views. Very clean as well. Love the apple trees that outline the property. Owners were very accommodating to us as we came in late

Arrived at 10pm after a bust on our original spot for the night.. spoke to the owner and he said c'mon up and well get you set up. Ended up staying 2 nights as the views were great. Flat spots with very little work to set up a class c. Don, the owner, is a classic. Such nice people and a great view of valley below. If you find yourself near this spot this is a good safe spot to make a stop.

We booked online and the owners contacted with confirmation. The location is beautiful and has dry camping and hookups. The view of the town below is beautiful and open skies at nights. The owners plan to expand and update more with the summer season.