Brunswick campgrounds provide varied waterfront and yurt camping options along the Potomac River at elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 87°F and winter lows around 25°F. Most riverside campsites have limited cell service with spotty coverage from major carriers.
What to do
Tubing and river access: Brunswick Family Campground sits directly on the Potomac with easy river entry points. A camper noted, "Great location right next to the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."
Biking on C&O Canal: The towpath extends 184.5 miles and passes directly through Brunswick Family Campground. According to a reviewer, "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."
Fishing spots: The Potomac offers catfish, smallmouth bass, and carp fishing. A Harpers Ferry Campground visitor shared, "Great riverside sites, and pool in the campground. Close to historic Harpers Ferry and lots of great hiking."
What campers like
River views: Waterfront sites provide direct Potomac access. A camper at Brunswick observed, "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool. There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part were turned in by 11."
Historic sites proximity: Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA provides easy access to multiple landmarks. One visitor shared, "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door."
Yurt camping options: Several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations with comfortable beds and electricity. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry Campground mentioned, "We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus. As the covid19 was happened about half a mile down the road was blocked but normally 1.5 mile walk down into Harpers Ferry."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near Brunswick and Harpers Ferry Campground. A camper warns, "A friend and I chose this campground because of its right-on-the-river sites. Face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains."
Seasonal operation: Most Brunswick area campgrounds close during winter. Brunswick Family Campground operates "Mar 25 - Nov 1," while Harpers Ferry Campground runs "April 1 to October 31."
Limited supplies: Small camp stores carry basics but selection is minimal. One Brunswick camper noted, "The store is very small and it's in a travel trailer so there's not much selection there is ice and firewood for sale."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Little Bennett Campground offers kid-friendly amenities within 25 miles of Brunswick. A camper shared, "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes."
Water activities: Many families appreciate the river access at Brunswick. "The site has a water pump available seasonally, a toilet, and trash bags provided. Easy access to the water and enough space for a large group."
Site selection: Choose sites away from the bathhouses to avoid foot traffic. A Brunswick visitor mentioned, "There are paths to the bathroom through many sites so people walk through your site to get to the bathhouse."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Most Brunswick area campsites have limited space for larger rigs. At Cunningham Falls State Park, "Great campsites whether you have a tent or a big Class A, lots of well-maintained hiking trails of varying difficulty."
Leveling challenges: Many riverside sites require blocks for leveling. One camper at Harpers Ferry KOA noted, "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Electric options: Most sites offer 30-amp service but 50-amp is limited. A visitor at Little Bennett observed, "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only."
