Public campgrounds and RV parks near Clarksburg, Maryland offer a range of options within a 45-mile radius, with most concentrated along major waterways including the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level with moderate humidity during camping seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while spring and fall camping brings 50-70°F daytime temperatures with cooler evenings requiring extra layers.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Brunswick Family Campground provides access to the C&O Canal towpath where campers can walk or bike for miles in either direction. One visitor noted, "Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," making it convenient for day trips.
Water activities: At Harpers Ferry Campground, riverside sites allow for immediate water access. "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The camp ground is part of river riders which offers lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river," explains one camper.
Historical exploration: Many campgrounds serve as bases for exploring Civil War sites. A visitor at Prince William Forest RV Campground shared, "Prince William Forest National Park is accessible for awesome day hikes. Civil War National Parks nearby. DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner."
Mini golf and recreational facilities: Several campgrounds offer on-site activities for days when you don't want to travel. A camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "On site extras include mini golf, basketball court, swimming pool, hot tub, and nightly hayride."
What campers like
River access: Many campers prioritize water proximity when selecting sites. A Brunswick Family Campground visitor remarked, "Great location right next 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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive particular praise. At Bull Run Regional Park, one camper was enthusiastic: "The best review I can give is of the bathrooms. They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
Natural surroundings: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds maintain wooded settings. A visitor at Bull Run 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."
Transportation options: For DC tourists, some campgrounds offer direct transportation. Cherry Hill Park provides "on-site bus shuttle" and "no need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park," according to reviewers.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Clarksburg are located near active rail lines. A camper at Brunswick Family Campground mentioned, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night."
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly, especially during summer months. One visitor advised, "We had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue."
Variable pricing: Rates fluctuate based on season and amenities. A camper at Round Top Campground noted, "We paid $675 for 8 days. It was to include W,E,S, and cable. Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs."
Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. According to reviews, "Sites are tight, Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site," at some locations while others offer "brick patio with patio furniture."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Swimming facilities rate highly for family campers. A visitor at Drummer Boy Camping Resort shared, "The pool with the slide was very clean," and multiple campgrounds feature splash pads and separate children's swimming areas.
Playground access: Consider campsite proximity to play areas. One camper noted, "There's only one playground that's awkwardly located" at Bull Run Regional Park, while others have multiple play zones throughout the grounds.
Planned activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events, especially on weekends. A visitor mentioned, "A yard sale, vendor sale, golf cart parade, as well as other activities going on," during a holiday weekend stay.
Security features: Gated campgrounds provide peace of mind. Cherry Hill Park received praise for being "gated" with "spotlights" for security, though some campgrounds have lighting that campers found excessive, with one noting "really bright fluorescent light post outside our cabin."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many RV sites require adjustment. A reviewer at Prince William Forest RV Campground observed, "Sites were mostly level," while another at Bull Run mentioned, "My site was very level, but I could see that some others were not so much, so you might want to ask about that."
Dump station locations: Positioning varies between campgrounds. One camper advised bringing extension hoses: "Septic dump was about 20 feet away and we had to use an extension to get to it."
Site width variations: End sites typically offer more room. A visitor noted, "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side. The landscaping, trees and site placement does help the esthetics."
Seasonal infrastructure issues: Maintenance can vary by season. A camper reported, "Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°" during summer months, suggesting backup power options for critical needs during peak temperature periods.
