The Potomac River corridor near Brunswick, Maryland offers river access camping with elevation ranges from 250-400 feet along the waterfront. Sites experience wide temperature fluctuations between summer highs near 90°F and cooler spring and fall evenings in the 50s. Seasonal closures from November through March affect most rv campgrounds Brunswick, Maryland due to regional weather patterns.
What to do
Historical exploration: Take advantage of proximity to Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry Campground sits adjacent to hiking trails that connect directly to historical sites. "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," notes Anthony S.
Water recreation: Explore multiple river access points. Campsites along the Potomac provide direct water access for various activities. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," explains Darcy S. about river options available.
Battlefield tours: Visit historical Civil War sites within 30 minutes. Gettysburg Campground provides access to numerous historical landmarks. "Close to battlefield. Nice creek with ducks," notes Jenny P. about the convenient location for history enthusiasts.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Direct water views and access. Brunswick Family Campground offers riverfront sites with convenient boat facilities. "Nice river front sites, and pool in the campground. Close to historic Harpers Ferry and lots of great hiking," shares Beth C. about the water access.
Canal path access: C&O Canal towpath adjacency for hiking and cycling. The 184.5-mile towpath runs alongside many camping areas providing flat, accessible trail options. "Situated next to the river so half of the sites have river views. Nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing... Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours," explains Susan K.
Quiet environments: Peaceful settings despite proximity to transportation. Campers note that certain locations maintain a tranquil atmosphere. "This campground has an abundance of things to do. The campground offers adventures like rafting, biking, tubing and zip lining to name a few," states Maggie A., highlighting the balance between activities and relaxation.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Active rail lines run near several campgrounds. Multiple reviews mention train tracks adjacent to campsites. "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," warns Sherri C. about Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA.
Reservation timing: Book early for peak seasons. Fall foliage and summer holiday weekends fill rapidly, often months in advance. "This campground is huge, and very crowded. We were there in the days leading up to 4th of July, and there was not a single empty site," shares Jen V.
Facility maintenance varies: Bathhouse cleanliness fluctuates. Some campgrounds maintain better facilities than others. "Restrooms were badly in need of repair. Site was not level and infested with black flies," reports Robin about one location, highlighting the importance of reading recent reviews.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Seek campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Bull Run Regional Park offers numerous family-friendly features. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon," reports Bridget H.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water features. Several locations offer pools or river swimming access. "We tent camped there with 2 other families memorial day weekend. It rained the entire time but we still had a blast. The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls," notes Yvonne B.
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from main roads. Campground traffic can disrupt family time and create safety concerns for younger children. "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," explains Roberta K.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks. Drummer Boy Camping Resort and other area campgrounds can present leveling difficulties. "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," cautions Matt S.
Hookup placement variation: Extension hoses often needed. Several campgrounds have unusual utility connection locations. "We had a pull-through site with W/S/E, which made dumping, etc much easier that pulling to a dump site," notes Sabrina H., highlighting the convenience of well-placed hookups.
Navigation challenges: Narrow access roads at some locations. Many campgrounds in this region have tight turns and limited maneuvering space. "Spots are tight, Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site," explains Alice G. about one RV camping location.
