Camping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Searching for the best camping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (153)

    1. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    39 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    17 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
    14 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. McCoys Ferry Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    13 Reviews
    Big Pool, MD
    11 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!)."

    4. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    24 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    16 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    19 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    16 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Fort Frederick State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Big Pool, MD
    10 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, WV
    8 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. Camp Cacapon

    16 Reviews
    Great Cacapon, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 343-1443

    $45 - $115 / night

    "Beautiful place, tucked in the woods, right next to the river. The RV campsite is spacious, private, shaded, and with full hook-ups."

    "Beautiful surroundings nestled off the beaten path but definitely worth checking out."

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Recent Reviews near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1041 Reviews of 153 Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Campgrounds


  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so 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. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Hidden Springs Campground

    Labor Day Weekend

    It was packed-all went smoothly. From check in, wood delivery, and parking.

  • M
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Perfect Site

    This was the perfect little site. Super friendly and accommodating, beautiful walking paths, great campsites. We really enjoyed our stay.

  • Lindsay C.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Little Fort Campground

    Nice secluded campsite

    There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle. I arrive at 7:30pm on a Saturday in late August and thought I might be too late to get a spot but there were only two other groups there so I had my pick of most of the sites. 

    Overall it's a nice secluded spot, although I had a couple of complaints. The picnic tables at most of the sites had seen better days and I'm not sure if I would have wanted to sit at them if I had stayed at the site for any meals. Also, I could hear some cars drive by and some dogs barking while I was trying to sleep, which was a bit disruptive. Otherwise, I would recommend this campsite. 

    Note: this page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site, so I wouldn't count on having any reception.

  • Lyle & Stephanie H.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private - Quiet - Great Hosts

    We really enjoyed our stay.   Quiet camping on top of a mountain.   Beautiful wooded views.  Hosts were amazing and plenty of space between campers.  All the spots are shaded.


Guide to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Camping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, offers a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature while exploring the rich history of the park.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its beautiful trails. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!" This makes it easy to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of transportation.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Cowans Gap State Park Campground is a great choice. A visitor shared, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake," highlighting the opportunities for both fishing and kayaking.
  • Swimming: For a refreshing dip, check out Cunningham Falls State Park. One reviewer noted, "The swimming lake is excellent," making it a perfect spot for families looking to cool off.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders, a guest remarked, "The bathrooms were phenomenal, great hot showers," which adds to the overall camping experience.
  • Friendly staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA said, "Staff was always friendly and accommodating," making it easier to relax and enjoy their stay.
  • Scenic views: Campgrounds near the park offer stunning landscapes. One camper at Green Ridge State Forest mentioned, "There are plenty of beautiful scenery and you can hear the beautiful sounds of nature," which enhances the camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders warned, "Busiest train corridor I’ve ever experienced," which might disrupt your peace.
  • Site spacing: Campsites can be close together, especially at popular spots. A visitor at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, "The campsites were relatively small and close together," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Owens Creek Campground mentioned, "Only basic amenities, but dump station," which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. At Cunningham Falls State Park, a parent shared, "My kids also LOVED the swimming lake," making it a great choice for families.
  • Quiet sites: Choose campsites that are a bit more secluded for a peaceful experience. A camper at Green Ridge State Forest said, "Most of the campsites are spread out," which can help keep the noise down.
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks to keep everyone happy. A visitor at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA mentioned, "Great food amenities," which can be a lifesaver for busy families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levels: Make sure to choose a level site for your RV. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders noted, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend," which can be frustrating.
  • Be mindful of space: Some campgrounds have tight spaces for larger RVs. A camper at Candy Hill Campground said, "Sites are a little tight," so plan accordingly.
  • Know your hookups: Check what utilities are available at your chosen campground. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "Decent sized sites, clean bath houses," which can help you prepare for your stay.

Camping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chesapeake & 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 & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?