Camping options near Barnesville, Maryland include RV sites with varying hookup capabilities and accessible campgrounds along the Potomac River. The region sits within the Appalachian foothills at approximately 500 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Seasonal availability varies significantly, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall but limited winter accommodations.
What to do
Visit Harpers Ferry: Located 15 miles from Barnesville, Harpers Ferry Campground offers access to historical sites and water activities. "Harpers Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit. Highly recommended!" notes Annie S. The campground connects to a 1.5-mile trail leading directly into town.
Explore battlefields: History buffs can camp at Gettysburg Campground while touring nearby historical sites. "Not far to go anywhere walking. Lots of history nearby," explains Kelly J. The campground is approximately one mile from the Gettysburg National Military Park visitor center.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer river access for fishing, tubing and kayaking. "The Shanandoah river parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," reports Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground. Water activities are most accessible from May through September.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Waterfront camping provides scenic views and recreation opportunities. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it," writes Nicholas S. about Brunswick Family Campground. Most riverside sites fill quickly during summer weekends.
Camp amenities: Drummer Boy Camping Resort offers extensive recreation options according to Stephanie G.: "Staff is great, amenities are great, awesome time in great scenery. I love it and we visit a couple of times a year with our kids and family." Features include mini-golf, splash pad pools, and organized activities.
Natural surroundings: Campers appreciate wooded sites despite some challenges. "Our site was clean and wooded. My only con about the site would be the picnic table SEATS had cloth coverings on them that held moisture," notes Dave R. Many campgrounds maintain natural barriers between sites for privacy, though density varies significantly.
What you should know
Trains and noise: Several campgrounds experience periodic train noise. "The CNO railroad runs pretty close it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," mentions Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground. Sites at Harpers Ferry Campground are adjacent to active rail lines with trains passing hourly.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between locations. "Bathhouses were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain," reports Kelly J., while others note less pristine conditions elsewhere. Most campgrounds clean facilities daily during peak season.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking becomes essential during peak periods. "This was our third stay here on our somewhat annual family meetup in Gettysburg," writes Dave G. Weekend reservations often require booking 3-6 months ahead, particularly for holiday weekends and October foliage season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Bull Run Regional Park offers numerous structured recreation options. "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," shares Bridget H. The park includes playgrounds, hiking trails, and seasonal events.
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools during summer. "The pool with the slide was very clean," notes Sabrina H. Most pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some offering extended hours during heat waves.
Playgrounds and recreation: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "We loved the pool and getting our feet wet with our new TT. But this was a very crowded place," cautions Jeremy K. Weekday visits typically provide less crowded access to amenities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "Some sites are a bit unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable," reports Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp. Bringing leveling blocks and extension cords is recommended for most sites.
Pull-through availability: Many RVers prefer pull-through sites for convenience. "Sites are well maintained, clean, wooded, and in the area we are in are spaced nicely," notes camper F. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Pull-through sites typically cost $5-10 more than back-in sites.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities, but logistics vary. "Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site," warns Alice G. Checking site maps before arrival helps determine optimal positioning for larger rigs.
