Campsites near Hagerstown, Maryland sit at the convergence of the Great Appalachian Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500-1700 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dipping below freezing. Many campgrounds in the area provide access to the Appalachian Trail, which passes within 15 miles of downtown Hagerstown.
What to do
Hike to mountain overlooks: At Caledonia State Park Campground, trails connect to the Appalachian Trail system. "We hiked about 15 miles with sections of the Appalachian trail. Restrooms were very clean and park was beautiful," reports one camper. The park offers over 10 miles of marked trails across varied terrain.
Go tubing or kayaking: Near Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, the Potomac River provides water recreation options. "You can get a site along the creek where you can tube or kayak (they rent them out here)!" mentions one visitor. Rental rates start around $25 for half-day excursions.
Explore Civil War history: The region contains significant historical sites. At McCoys Ferry Campground, you'll find "great access to the CO canal trail for easy hiking and biking" with "Close proximity to Antitiem battlefield, vineyards, antiques or even DC (1 hour)." The visitor center at Antietam is open daily from 9am-5pm with free ranger programs throughout summer.
What campers like
Peaceful waterfront sites: At McCoys Ferry Campground, campers value the riverside location. "Sites 1-7 are on the water and are the best sites in my opinion. Sites 2, 3 and 4 give the nicest views up and down river," notes one visitor. The campground offers 10 primitive sites with easy Potomac River access.
Natural springs and rock features: Annapolis Rock Campground provides unique features. "Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis rock. Rock climbing available," writes one camper. Another adds that it's a "Moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike from Route 40" to reach this backcountry spot.
Well-maintained facilities: Greenbrier State Park Campground gets praise for cleanliness. "Big, immaculately groomed tent pads... Clean bathrooms with free showers were close by... Water spigots were close by... Ice and firewood were easily accessible," reports one visitor. The park features 165 acres of protected woodland with 39 campsites spread across four distinct camping loops.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Waterfront areas can get congested during peak times. A Greenbrier camper notes, "The only downsides are how crowded it can get peak season" and another mentions, "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers - we avoided it since we are careful due to COVID."
Alcohol restrictions: Maryland state parks prohibit alcohol. As one Cunningham Falls camper points out, "Be aware: no alcohol in Maryland parks." This rule is strictly enforced with potential fines starting at $75.
Train noise: At Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park, "During the night, faint road noise could be heard at the campsite but wasn't bothersome...although it picks up during the day as the sole national park road." The campground sits on a wooded hillside with 50 sites arranged in a one-way loop configuration.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park offers a lake with beach. "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," mentions one family. The swimming area is open 10am-6pm during summer months with lifeguards on duty.
Evening programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "Great campground with plenty to do for kids. As an excuse we did have a 7 year old with us," shares one Cunningham Falls camper. Another notes there are "evening activities" suitable for younger campers.
Waterpark options: For families wanting extra amenities, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers water features. "A little hard to find, no major/large signs to tell you where to turn into the park. The entrance comes up quick and could easily be passed," warns one visitor, adding "The staff was very friendly, and the park was clean."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, pay attention to site grades. "Heads up, big rig owners! 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 one RVer. Request newer sites in the upper section for more level options.
Electric hookups: Only certain loops provide power. At Cunningham Falls, "There are very few electric sites on the three lower loops, the fourth loop is all electric sites, but water is relegated to water spigots...3 to 4 spaced out in each loop." The Addison Loop has the most reliable electric service with 30-amp connections.
Campground access: Some areas have challenging roads. "The tunnel you pass under is train tracks" at McCoys Ferry, and "my promaster with 6" fan fit ok" notes one RVer regarding clearance. For larger rigs, call ahead to confirm access routes and site dimensions.
