Brunswick offers camping options along the Potomac River at elevations between 250-300 feet, creating mild temperatures from spring through fall. Located where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet, this area features a combination of riverside camping and nearby mountain terrain with trails connecting to the Appalachian Trail.
What to do
Hiking the C&O Canal towpath: Access the historic 184.5-mile trail directly from Brunswick Family Campground. "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," notes Susan K.
River activities: The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers offer multiple recreation options. "The Shanandoah is beautifully clean, clear and cool," according to one camper at Brunswick Family Campground. Brian S. adds, "The river is mesmerizing and campground staff is welcoming and helpful with any of your needs."
Historic site exploration: Visit Civil War battlefields and historic towns within a short drive. "The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door" to Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA, where "Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car," according to Matt S.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Many campers appreciate direct river access. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious," reports Dale Y. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Swimming access: Water features are popular during summer months. At Greenbrier State Park, "nice lawn and sand areas for sitting and enjoying the lake view" are available according to Elinor, though she notes it "was very crowded and noisy with happy screaming children."
Trail connectivity: The region's interconnected trail systems receive frequent praise. At Cunningham Falls State Park, "There are plenty of trails, including the Catoctin Trail," and a camper mentions "The trail to the lake is accessible but far enough that you avoid the high day use traffic."
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple riverside campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will."
Site spacing varies: Expect different levels of privacy between campgrounds. "Loop D is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only" at Little Bennett Regional Park, and sites are "quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded" according to Ray & Terri F.
Weekend crowds: Popular areas fill quickly during peak season. At Greenbrier State Park, "The lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid," notes one visitor. Another camper mentions that Cunningham Falls "normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation facilities. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive family amenities. "What an amazing campground for adults and kids. The kids were never bored and had so much fun," reports Mary, while another camper mentions "Great miniature golf course, it could use a little TLC but over all fun and a little challenging."
Short hiking options: Choose trails suitable for younger children. At Gambrill State Park, "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails" according to Buck P., while another camper noted its convenience "about an hour away from DC."
Pet friendly considerations: Most campgrounds welcome dogs with specific restrictions. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite," which benefits both humans and pets. However, at Cunningham Falls, pets are "not permitted on the sandy beach area during season."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have limited level sites. At Harpers Ferry KOA, a visitor warned, "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."
Utility considerations: Water, electric, and sewer hookups vary by campground. Little Bennett Campground offers "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars)" for connectivity, and Brunswick Family Campground provides full hookups with "Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated."
Access limitations: Road conditions and site positioning affect larger RVs. At Brunswick Family Campground, "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair" according to one RVer, while another mentioned its location is "convenient to ample grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants as well as many local historic attractions."
