Campgrounds near Beallsville, Maryland offer outdoor experiences within proximity to both natural attractions and historical sites. The region sits in the Piedmont Plateau at elevations between 300-500 feet, creating moderate terrain suitable for family camping. Most campgrounds in this area maintain operating seasons from April through October, with limited winter camping options available during November through March.
What to do
Hiking the C&O Canal trail: The towpath running through the area provides access to hiking opportunities directly from several campgrounds. At Brunswick Family Campground, visitors can "walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," according to Susan K.
Visit historical sites: The proximity to Civil War battlefields makes camping a convenient base for history exploration. As one camper at Harpers Ferry Campground noted, "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia. While some points are pretty steep don't let this deter you from completing it."
Water recreation: Many campgrounds near Beallsville provide water access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Brian S. remarked about Brunswick Family Campground: "The Shanandoah river parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool."
Mountain biking: The Frederick watershed near some campgrounds offers extensive trail networks. According to M J., "There are lots of trails in the area, though we didn't explore too many on this trip," when describing their stay at Gambrill State Park.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Water access ranks high among camper preferences. At Harpers Ferry Campground, Robin W. shared that "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The only downside is you are directly next to train tracks."
Proximity to metropolitan areas: The best places to camp near Beallsville, Maryland are often valued for their accessibility to urban centers. Adrian F. noted that Lake Fairfax Campground is a "great spot close to DC. Great sites that are clean and flat for tents. Power in a lot of them. Water is available at the bathhouse."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Gambrill State Park Campground, Andrea S. found "better than expected restroom and shower facilities, a fresh water spout, and even a small book exchange."
Privacy between sites: Natural separation between camping spaces improves the experience. Sarah K. appreciated that at Greenbrier State Park, "Big, immaculately groomed tent pads" and "Almost all sites were nice and shaded."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds are located near active rail lines. At Brunswick Family Campground, Sherri C. warned, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night."
Seasonal crowding: The limited number of campgrounds means high visitor volumes during peak season. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground observed, "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers - we avoided it."
Site layouts: Camp areas vary significantly in design and privacy. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly on weekends. Dale Y. mentioned about Brunswick Family Campground: "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programming for children. Jason F. at Lake Fairfax Park appreciated that "As a first timer, I wanted to show my girlfriend a good time for her birthday weekend. This park had everything you could want while maintaining a good distance from civilization."
Check playground access: Not all campgrounds have equal play facilities. About Bull Run Regional Park, Yvonne B. noted "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
Consider water features: Swimming areas provide entertainment for children. Ryan D. shared about Little Bennett Campground, "My family loves this camp ground. It's conveniently located, it's quite, it's beautiful and there is plenty to do to keep the kids busy."
Site selection matters: End sites or corner locations often provide more space. A camper at Button Farm stated, "We choose site 1 due to its proximity to the bathroom and picnic tables because we were camping with small kids."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. As Ray & Terri F. found at Little Bennett Campground, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup."
Satellite coverage limitations: Dense tree canopy affects connectivity. According to Matt S. at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. At Brunswick Family Campground, a reviewer observed, "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair. Site was not level and infested with black flies."
Winter camping options: The Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA remains open year-round, making it one of the few choices for winter camping excursions near Beallsville.
