Smithsburg camping options range from seasonal operations to year-round facilities, spread across three states within a 30-mile radius. Located in the tri-state area where Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia meet, the region experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer high temperatures typically in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Many campsites sit at elevations between 500-1000 feet, contributing to cooler evening temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
Horseback riding through battlefields: Artillery Ridge Campground offers battlefield tours on horseback, combining camping with historical education. One camper noted, "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground" (Artillery Ridge Campground).
Hiking the C&O Canal: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct access to the C&O Canal towpath. "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," shared a visitor (Brunswick Family Campground).
River activities: Multiple waterways offer recreation options in warmer months. One camper at Harpers Ferry Campground described the setting: "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing" (Harpers Ferry Campground).
What campers like
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm stands out with its working farm atmosphere. "We were in c103. If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn," wrote one reviewer (Gettysburg Farm RV Campground).
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate direct river access. "Every site has river views at Harpers Ferry Campground. We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," commented a camper about waterfront camping options.
Pool facilities: In summer months, swimming pools offer relief from heat. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, campers noted, "The pool with the slide was very clean," and another mentioned, "There are 2 pools which is a bonus."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds in the area sit near active rail lines. At Brunswick Family Campground, guests noted: "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night" (Brunswick Family Campground).
Varying site quality: Site conditions can differ significantly between weekday and weekend stays. At Gettysburg Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "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."
Shower and bathroom facilities: Cleanliness standards vary between properties. One camper at Round Top observed, "We used the laundry facilities and they were clean. The camp store was big, but definitely not stocked to the capacity it could have been."
Tips for camping with families
Free activities: Look for campgrounds offering complimentary recreational options. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm received positive feedback: "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires" (Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm).
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. A camper noted about Artillery Ridge: "The only complain we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground."
Historical learning opportunities: Many campgrounds connect directly to historical sites. One visitor explained, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup placement: Several RV campgrounds near Smithsburg, Maryland feature unconventional utility configurations. A camper at Western Village RV Park reported: "The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite I'm excited as well as sharing the water source with up to 5 other RVs" (Western Village RV Park).
RV size limitations: Know your rig dimensions before booking. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, one visitor described: "We were in a transient section in the back of the park with long pull-thrus (about 100-feet long) that comfortably fit our RV and car."
Non-peak travel advantages: Consider scheduling trips during shoulder seasons. A camper at Gettysburg Campground suggested: "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."
