Camping near Boonsboro, Maryland offers access to both mountainous terrain in the Appalachian foothills and water recreation along the Potomac River. The area sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,800 feet, creating variable weather conditions throughout camping seasons. Seasonal temperature swings can be significant, with summer highs frequently reaching the 90s and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing in December through February.
What to do
Historic exploration: 10 minutes from downtown Boonsboro to South Mountain State Battlefield where three Civil War battles were fought. Round Top Campground provides a strategic base for history buffs. "We were there to relax but also to explore the town and battlefields. Again the drive into town was short and had enough road side visuals to keep you from dwelling on the drive," notes one visitor who explored Gettysburg from their site.
Water activities: Cool off in summer temperatures along the Potomac River. "The Shanandoah River is just as beautiful. The showers could use a good cleaning but they are typical Campground showers perfect for the campground life," shared a repeat visitor to Brunswick Family Campground. This riverside location allows for swimming and water play directly from sites.
Trail hiking: C&O Canal towpath access provides miles of flat, shaded trails for walking or biking. "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," reports a camper. Trail users can access multiple historic towns without moving their camp setup.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Direct water access ranks high on camper satisfaction lists. At Harpers Ferry Campground, reviewers note the prime location: "All spots are along the water. We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus." These sites provide both recreation and natural cooling during summer heat.
Farm environments: Unique animal interactions create memorable stays at rural campgrounds. "Loved all the animals. It was pretty close to Gettysburg so there is alot to do, nice playground and open fields," explains a camper at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. Children can feed farm animals at designated times daily.
Water parks and recreation areas: Many campgrounds supplement natural attractions with built amenities. "There is a swimming pool, ball courts, fishing pond, mini golf (which was in pretty sad shape), and more. They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," describes a camper who stayed at a family-oriented resort.
What you should know
Train noise levels: Railroad proximity affects multiple campgrounds in the region. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware," warns a Brunswick Family Campground reviewer. Trains operate 24 hours with varying frequency; most affected campsites are at Harpers Ferry and Brunswick.
Seasonal facility limitations: Water parks and amenities often close earlier than camping areas. "We camped here in May for Memorial Day weekend. We usually avoid holidays but gave this campground a try. It was pretty full and everyone seemed to have a golf cart," shares a visitor at Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Call ahead to confirm specific amenity availability.
Variable site conditions: Leveling challenges exist at several campgrounds. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," notes a camper at Bull Run Regional Park. Many sites throughout the region require leveling blocks, particularly in older established campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Water feature selection: Choose campgrounds with swimming options during summer months. "The pool with the slide was very clean. We would definitely go back to this place again despite the couple of cons," shares a family who found Drummer Boy Resort's water features worth the trip despite other limitations.
Activity schedules: Check weekend programming when making reservations. "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," notes a reviewer. Many campgrounds schedule most activities for Friday evening through Sunday morning.
Space considerations: Book sites away from main roads for safer play areas. "The sites are nicely spread out, clean, wooded, and in the area we are in are spaced nicely," reports a family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Family-friendly campgrounds often designate quiet zones separate from activity centers.
Tips from RVers
Elevation and road challenges: Scout your route before arrival with a tow vehicle. "All roads were very narrow and winding. We did fine with the pup, but can't imagine trying to navigate a large motorhome through there," cautions a reviewer about approaches to Harpers Ferry.
Site selection strategy: Request pull-through sites when available for easier setup. "We were in a transient section in the back of the park with long pull-thrus (about 100-feet long) that comfortably fit our RV and car," explains a camper about their experience at a larger resort-style campground.
Utility placements: Check hookup locations before backing in. "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly," warns an RV camper who found drainage challenges at their site.
