Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers with elevations ranging from 250 to 1,500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 60-70°F at night. Most campgrounds in the area provide water and electric hookups, though summer weekends often require reservations several months in advance due to the area's popularity.
What to do
Historic exploration: 1.5 miles from town. At Harpers Ferry Campground, you can access the town via a walking trail. "If you're facing the river then the trail is to the right of the campground with a sign reading that you have entered Harper's Ferry National Park. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way," notes camper Maggie A.
Riverside activities: Tubing and fishing options. The Potomac River provides numerous recreation opportunities directly from campsites. "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," shares Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground, adding that "there is a nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing."
Civil War history: Self-guided tours available. Campers at Gettysburg Campground appreciate the proximity to battlefield sites. One reviewer mentions it's "close to battlefield" and "not far to go anywhere walking," making it convenient for history enthusiasts to explore without long drives.
What campers like
Riverside camping views: Direct water access. Many sites at Harpers Ferry Campground offer water views. "My family stayed here for two nights during the middle of the week, about half the campground was occupied. Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water)," reports Mikala S., who appreciated the $29 nightly rate with a two-night discount.
Family activities: Mini-golf and swimming. Bull Run Regional Park offers extensive recreation options. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it... They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," shares Bridget H.
Spacious pull-through sites: Good for larger rigs. Many campers praise the site design at Bull Run. "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," notes Roberta K., who stayed while visiting Washington DC.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Track proximity varies. Several campgrounds in the area are near railroad tracks. At Brunswick Family Campground, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night," warns Sherri C.
Seasonal operation: Most close for winter. Most campgrounds in the Harpers Ferry area have limited seasons. Harpers Ferry Campground operates from "April 1 to October 31," while Brunswick Family Campground runs from "Mar 25 - Nov 1."
Site spacing issues: Some areas feel crowded. At Round Top Campground, "Spots are tight, Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site," reports Alice G., highlighting common challenges in more developed rv parks near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Limited availability. Some campgrounds offer better facilities for children than others. At Brunswick Family Campground, "there is an amazing playground for the kids," according to Brian S., making it suitable for families with younger children.
Swimming options: River vs. pool. Families can choose between natural water access or maintained pools. "The pool was clean and roomy. We enjoyed hours hanging out there," shares Jeremy K. about his experience at Round Top Campground, though he noted the campground itself was very crowded.
Educational activities: History-focused programs. Drummer Boy Camping Resort offers themed weekends that can be educational. "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," notes a reviewer, making it suitable for families wanting structured activities.
Tips from RVers
Dump station quality: Varies widely. At Brunswick Family Campground, one RVer noted the "dump station was muddy," indicating potential accessibility issues during wet weather. This reflects the varying maintenance standards among rv parks in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia area.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for slopes. RVers at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA have reported leveling difficulties. "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warns Matt S., highlighting the importance of requesting level sites when making reservations.
Utility placement: Sometimes inconvenient. At Round Top Campground, "Water and electric are in award spot on our site," reports Alice G., indicating that RVers should check hookup locations before setting up to avoid extension cord and hose issues.
