Camping options near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park span from primitive riverside sites to family-oriented campgrounds with modern amenities. The park stretches 184.5 miles along the Potomac River with an elevation range of 150-600 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Tubing and paddling opportunities: McCoys Ferry Campground provides direct river access for water activities, with one camper noting, "The side of the Potomac to swim in is nice" and that despite some boat traffic, "at night it's quite but you do hear the train."
Historical exploration: Fort Frederick State Park Campground offers unique historical experiences beyond camping. As one visitor mentioned, "The fort is very cool, and exhibits are great," making it an excellent base for history enthusiasts.
Mountain biking and hiking: At Greenbrier State Park Campground, you can access "tough, rocky east-coast mountain biking" without leaving the park. A camper highlighted that "nearby you'll find some great sections of the Appalachian Trail" for additional hiking options.
Fishing opportunities: Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area offers excellent fishing access with "many sites with access to the lake," according to visitors. One camper mentioned the "lake is clear enough in some spots for swimming but is more ideal for fishing/paddling."
What campers like
Privacy levels: At Harpers Ferry Campground, visitors enjoy "gorgeous sites right on the river" where you can "go swimming right from your campsite." One camper mentioned that "between the tent sites being close together and the campground being part of zip lining/rafting courses there's not a ton of privacy."
Unique amenities: Jellystone Park Williamsport offers family-friendly features like "a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature." One visitor shared they're "finishing a lazy river which I look forward to next season" and that "roads are all crushed stone and the sites are concrete pads or what appeared to be very level crushed stone sites with grass."
Natural surroundings: Campers at Antietam Creek Campground appreciate the riverside setting despite limited privacy. A visitor noted, "All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by. It is nice if you're a social camper."
What you should know
Access challenges: McCoys Ferry Campground features "a tunnel you pass under [that] is train tracks. The train came through multiple times and you WILL hear it." Another camper mentioned that "cell service for both AT&T and Verizon was poor" in the Harpers Ferry area.
Bathroom facilities: At Antietam Creek Campground, "There's one bathroom area - 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles." Several campers mentioned bathroom cleanliness issues, with one noting, "by the 3rd night they were really gross."
Reservation systems: For Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, "Check in is with a small box. Cash only." One camper noted, "Rangers or park management do not come around regularly, so don't expect there to be anyone enforcing the rules."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA offers family-friendly water features with one visitor noting "a big pool" though some found it "looked like something out of the dark swamp, but it was early in the season."
Entertainment options: Jellystone Park Williamsport provides numerous activities for children. A camper mentioned "a great little water park" with "lots to do for kids of all ages, gaga pit tournaments at night, movies, hay rides, character events tons of stuff."
Site selection strategy: At Greenbrier State Park Campground, "Each loop winds its way up a hillside, in a woodsy setting, so even though the sites are close to one another, you get a feeling of separation." A visitor advised that "the sites on Dogwood are quite close together, but it still felt like camping."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness concerns: At Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, RV campers should note that "the roads are very windy and narrow, and I can't imagine trying to maneuver a large RV in there." The campground is described as "small but quaint" with sites that are "a little tight."
Hookup availability: Fort Frederick State Park has primitive sites with no hookups, but "generators are allowed until 10pm." One camper mentioned, "Primitive sites but generators are allowed until 10pm. Right on the river and close to the Fort."
Access road conditions: For Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, visitors noted the "potholed dirt road coming up, a sedan can make it through but will have to take it slow." One camper recommended "I wouldn't recommend taking a camper larger than 26 ft in some of the locations."
