Camping options near Braddock Heights, Maryland sit at elevations between 500-1,700 feet in the rolling Catoctin Mountains. The area's moderate seasonal climate allows for camping from April through October, with summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F during the day and cooling significantly at night. Tent sites at most campgrounds cost $25-40 per night, while yurt camping in Braddock Heights provides insulated shelter with canvas walls for approximately $65-95 per night depending on amenities.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Annapolis Rock Campground offer moderate difficulty trails with significant elevation gain. "Backpacking campground just off the AT. Moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike from Route 40. Spring and compost outhouse. Great views. Been camping there for decades," notes one visitor who appreciates the natural water source.
Tubing on the Potomac: The river access at Brunswick Family Campground provides direct water activities. A camper reports: "I found this campground to be very nice it's a small family owned campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool." Tube rentals typically cost $15-25 per person and include shuttle service back to camp.
Civil War Battlefields: Within a 10-mile radius of Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, visitors can explore significant historical sites. "Close to Antietam battlefield, vineyards, antiques or even DC (1 hour)," mentions a regular visitor. Self-guided battlefield tours can be completed in 2-3 hours and ranger programs are typically offered weekends in summer.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Little Bennett Campground. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports one RVer. Sites are typically 30-40 feet apart with natural vegetation buffers.
Secluded yurt camping: Yurt options in Braddock Heights area campgrounds provide a solid roof while maintaining a connection to nature. "We rented one of the cabins, 'Onward,' here at Brunswick Family Campground. Great Potomac river views. Weather-proof cabin with comfy bunks," notes a visitor who chose an alternative to tent camping.
Access to water features: The natural swimming areas and waterfalls remain major draws. "There are a few spots to get away and do some fishing. The beach was too crowded for my liking," mentions a camper at Cunningham Falls State Park. The main waterfall requires a 0.5-mile hike from the parking area and drops approximately 78 feet.
What you should know
Campground noise considerations: Train tracks run close to several campgrounds. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground notes: "The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains."
Reservation windows and policies: Most campgrounds open reservations 6 months ahead, and popular yurt camping in Braddock Heights requires early booking. "This campground is very busy and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," reports a visitor at Cunningham Falls.
Seasonal variations: Facilities and activities change throughout the season. "You can divide up the ground into two locations, the big-rig park with no trees and the smaller-rig area in the woods," explains a camper at Harpers Ferry KOA, noting the significant differences between camping areas even within the same property.
Tips for camping with families
Free activities for kids: Cunningham Falls offers natural play areas beyond the typical playgrounds. "The kids were never bored and had so much fun. We are definitely going back. Camping ground was clean, staff was nice and tons of fun activities," reports a family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Many campgrounds include movie nights and ranger programs at no additional cost.
Waterplay options: Multiple campgrounds offer water-based recreation for different age groups. "Great location, clean, big pool, mini golf a little run down and bounce house is broken, but jump area was great for kids. Close to tubing and rafting," notes a visitor to Harpers Ferry KOA.
Trail difficulty ratings: When hiking with children, choose appropriate trails. "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails. The volunteer staff were awesome and extremely helpful," mentions a grandparent at Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park, highlighting the accessibility of certain paths even for very young hikers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling. "Site #D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports an RVer at Little Bennett Regional Park. Bringing extra leveling blocks is advised.
Utility placement considerations: At several campgrounds, utilities may be shared or awkwardly positioned. "Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated," notes a camper at Brunswick Family Campground, indicating the need to bring extension cords and longer water hoses.
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging roads for larger rigs. "All roads were very narrow and winding. We did fine with the pup, but can't imagine trying to navigate a large motorhome through there," warns a camper at Harpers Ferry KOA, suggesting scouting ahead when possible or calling for specific site recommendations for larger vehicles.
