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. Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    20 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."

    6. 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."

    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, MD
    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

    17 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

1052 Reviews of 153 Chesapeake & 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • E
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Camp Cacapon

    Great camping in a perfect spot

    We stayed at this campground Sep 26-28 and had a fantastic time. The campsite is in a perfect spot on the Cacapon river, and the facilities are excellent. Nice campsites, clean bathrooms and a charming little pavilion that you can rent and hang out with your group.

    Highly recommend

  • G
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private

    If you’re looking for quiet and privacy, this is the place.  they laid out the sites so that you’re not side by side. They are all on an angle which moves you further away from anyone on both sides.  The angled site also was great for driving just past you’re site and practically backing straight back into you’re site.  Decent bath house and friendly, low key staff.  Great rates per night.


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 11 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?