Upscale canvas accommodations and premium glamping sites provide comfort along the historic C&O Canal corridor between Maryland and West Virginia. Stretching 184.5 miles along the Potomac River, the park's towpath connects visitors to scenic waterways, historic locks, and aqueducts. Seasonal temperature variations range from hot, humid summers with temperatures in the high 80s to cool spring and fall periods, creating distinct camping experiences throughout the year.
What to do
River activities: access the Potomac: Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders offers direct waterfront camping with easy river entry. "Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," notes Darcy S. Water sports are available right from your site, with a camper mentioning, "The river is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!"
Towpath hiking and biking: explore historic sites: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct C&O Canal towpath access. "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," explains Susan K. The campground's location makes it ideal for history enthusiasts exploring canal structures.
Lake activities: swimming and boating: Rocky Gap State Park Campground features a lake with dedicated swimming areas. "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas," shares Kimberly H. The park maintains a 5-mile trail that circles Lake Habeeb, offering different perspectives of the water.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: water views and sounds: At Fifteen Mile Campground, campers appreciate the waterfront setting. "Many sites have a lovely view of the Potomac River. In addition to being situated on the C&O Towpath Trail, you can launch a paddle boat or electric motor, but no gas-powered engines," explains Shari G. The campground maintains a small boat ramp that accommodates kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.
Goat interactions: unique farm animals: The Cove Campground offers unexpected animal encounters. "Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun," shares Nancy L. Another camper noted the uniqueness of this feature: "One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place."
Spacious wooded sites: privacy in nature: Rocky Gap State Park provides well-separated campsites. "Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own sections of woods," notes Jeff H. The heavily wooded setting creates natural boundaries between neighboring sites.
What you should know
Train proximity: nighttime noise considerations: Several campgrounds along the C&O Canal sit near active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will," explains Sherri C.
Peak season crowds: plan accordingly: Jellystone Park™ Williamsport gets particularly busy during summer months. "We decided to stick around for what became a literal ghost town. We maybe ran into one other family each day we stayed," reports David from an off-season visit, contrasting with peak season crowds when water features operate.
Bathroom facilities: varying quality: Campground restrooms show significant variation in maintenance. At Brunswick Family Campground, one camper noted, "Older, just-clean-enough bathhouse (quite a walk from our cabin)," while another at Harpers Ferry Campground reported, "The bathroom trailer near the campsites was extremely smelly, with many of the 4 toilets clogged. The water from the sink sprayed everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: seasonal operation schedules: Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA offers family-friendly water features. "We enjoyed many different activities during our stay. It was great that they provided a nice pancake breakfast free of charge," mentions Joy P. The campground maintains a seasonal calendar with water features typically opening in late May.
Kid-friendly activities: structured programming: Jellystone Park Williamsport schedules regular family events. "The kids were never bored and had so much fun. Us, as adults, were also never bored," reports Mary, with another camper mentioning, "Lots of things to do for kids of all ages, gaga pit tournaments at night, movies, hay rides, character events tons of stuff."
Playgrounds and beaches: dedicated kid spaces: Rocky Gap State Park features a lakefront beach with play areas. "Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach," reports Katie H. The designated swimming areas provide lifeguarded recreation from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: bring extra blocks: At Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, uneven sites can pose challenges. "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," explains Matt S. RVers should request specific site information before arrival.
Proximity concerns: tight spacing in some parks: Many campgrounds around the C&O Canal feature closely spaced sites. "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," notes Matt S. about Harpers Ferry KOA, while Brian P. adds, "Only thing I didn't care for is the sites are pretty close together and some of the back-in sites are not very level."
Premium glamping options: luxury alternatives: Camps at Evensong Farm provides upscale accommodations for those seeking glamping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park without traditional RV hookups. With only two sites available, the farm offers an intimate setting for luxury canvas camping with modern conveniences.
