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Camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1,139 Reviews

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Map showing campgrounds near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MarylandExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (158)

    1. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    39 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6895

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "

    "It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."

    2. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    23 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7117

    $99 - $471 / night

    "We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us, so we knew we needed to find a camping ground more geared kids."

    "There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it. They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool."

    3. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    24 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-2663

    "If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of"

    "Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."

    4. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."

    "Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."

    5. McCoys Ferry Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    13 Reviews
    Big Pool, MD
    13 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "There is no privacy from adjacent campsites, but you are on the Potomac in sites 1 - 7.
    Price 2023: $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light during the week. 40% full on weekends."

    "We stayed at campsite 1 which had nice views of the river and a pretty good distance from neighbors. Closest site to the drop toilet and day use area portapots (very clean!)."

    6. Lazy A Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gerrardstown, WV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 538-3555

    $30 - $40 / night

    "We choose this campground due to its location near an event we were attending. It was last minute and the owner was amazingly accommodating!"

    "Gorgeous location in the fall. River access for fishing or splashing around. Decent amenities for the price."

    7. Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    20 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7571

    "Set right next to the river and you fish if you want to. DO NOT follow your GPS. Follow the directions on the KOA Website."

    "Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."

    8. Fort Frederick State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Big Pool, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $15 - $17 / night

    "Added some more photos to show proximity to other sites. Great spot for some small hikes and history at the fort. There’s also tons of markers on the trails with history."

    "My spot had a cool path down to the river. There aren’t really facilities other then a porta potty near the sites and there is a code to get into the gate."

    9. Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 822-3551

    $10 / night

    "I’ve lived in Hedgesville all my life and have camped around Sleepy creek lake many time. It’s not till recently that we’ve started overlanding that I’ve realized what a gem we have in our back yard."

    "great place to disconnect. no cell service at all- bring a weather radio. campsites are nice and fairly private, wooded between them, many with access to the lake. lake is clear enough in some spots for"

    10. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    11 Reviews
    Sharpsburg, MD
    14 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by."

    "Pretty standard campground—the perks are it’s location to nearby attractions and the river/creek. It depends on what you’re looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper’s? Golden."

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Recent Camping Photos near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

458 Photos of 158 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1139 Reviews of 158 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Campgrounds

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Hot showers! But no dump station

    Campsite We stayed at M17 after staying at M26 for a night. 17 wasn’t as level and so we had to scrunch to one side of the site to get level. It was closer to the bath house. Overall cozy. Bath house It’s in need of some repairs but don’t let that scare you- these showers are hot and the shower wands are a really nice convenience after using cold push button showers. Lantern flies! Invasive Spotted Lantern Flies are everywhere. I squished as many as I could but keep an eye out and check your gear before leaving! Dump station This campsite doesn’t have a dump station so we went to the Cunningham falls site to dump after leaving and they let us dump no problem. Road noise Since you’re near the highway, there is constant road noise and it’s even worse on the trails but it’s quiet otherwise. Deducted one star for no dump station.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Great non-electric site, no dumstation

    This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill. Surprised there’s no place for someone to park next to the bathhouse - only trails to it- so if you have accessibility needs, consider choosing a site that’s lower in the loop. The site is level and was raked by the hosts before we got there. Really clean and quiet except for some road noise. Showers are SO nice compared to other campsite. Hot water is hot, no push buttons, and there is a shower wand in both stalls. No dump station though!! Dump before you get here. Also if you work remote and depend on service, it’s spotty. Very wooded so Starlink can’t help much. OH- Don’t bother visiting the winery down the road. Ew. Just don’t.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    Dense and chaotic, but great breakfast

    We got here late on a Friday and boy was it packed. It was a pretty tight fit and at a perpendicular. Not sure why campsites do that. We didn’t use the bathroom or showers because it was so late and honestly because they only had one bathroom location for all those people and it was on the opposite side of the campsite. They have SO many activities going on for kids and families including crafts and a magic show. They also had a diner and general store. Didn’t go into the store but did get breakfast from the diner and the breakfast was honestly delicious. It was about a 20 min wait at 8:15 but the quality of the food totally makes up for that. I recommend the sausage gravy and biscuits. Overall, great spot if you’ve got kids. Pretty packed if you’re just traveling or looking for some outdoor time.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Good place to stay for a night

    This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren’t many other options. The host was friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and safe. The bathrooms are fine with a good shower and hot water. There is a swimming pool although it was closed for the season when I was here.

Guide to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful scenery and various campgrounds to choose from, it’s a perfect spot for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the easy access to the Appalachian Trail. One visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: The lakes in the campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for fishing and kayaking. A camper at Owens Creek Campground shared, "My son and I spent an entire day kayak fishing on the small lake and clear clean water."
  • Exploring History: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal itself is rich in history. Visitors can learn about the canal's past while enjoying the natural beauty. A reviewer at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, "The hiking is great and there is a National Park right next door, the location of Camp David."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and campsites. One happy camper at Harpers Ferry Campground said, "The facilities were extremely clean. Bathrooms were phenomenal great hot showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly and helpful staff. A visitor at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA mentioned, "Staff was always friendly and accommodating."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at Green Ridge State Forest expressed, "If you love to camp and view nature this is the place to be."

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, "It was crowded but the campground is very wooded so I did not feel a lack of privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have basic amenities. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "Only basic amenities, but dump station."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground warned, "The trains run all night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park said, "This is a huge campground geared around kids."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping during peak times, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, "The campsites were relatively small, and close together."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A camper at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA mentioned, "Bathrooms clean and nice food amenities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, making it tricky for RVs. A reviewer at Cunningham Falls State Park warned, "Beware: The sites on the lower side of the road are pretty level."
  • Be Mindful of Space: RV sites can be tight, so be prepared for close quarters. A visitor at Harpers Ferry Campground noted, "Very small camp sites, we were just a few feet from the campsite next to us."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a dump station."

Camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, has something for everyone. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA with a 3.7-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

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