Most campgrounds near Libertytown, Maryland sit along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offering wooded terrain with moderate elevation changes between 300-800 feet. Summer temperatures average 85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Fall camping sees high demand from September through early November when daytime temperatures range 55-70°F.
What to do
Historic battlefield tours: Visitors staying at Artillery Ridge Campground enjoy direct access to Gettysburg National Military Park. "The campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg. The battlefields are very close as well," notes a camper who visited in April.
River activities: Brunswick Family Campground provides Potomac River access for water recreation. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it," reports one visitor. Another camper mentioned, "The Shenandoah River and the campground parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool."
Animal interactions: For families with children, Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique farm animal experiences. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many visitors appreciate Drummer Boy Camping Resort for its site separation. "Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," one camper noted. The resort includes multiple recreational options as another visitor mentioned: "The pool with the slide was very clean. We would definitely go back to this place again despite the couple of cons."
Waterfront locations: Camping along water remains a significant draw in the region. A visitor at Harpers Ferry Campground praised the setting: "Wonderful tent campground. It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The camp ground is part of river riders which offers lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river."
Playground access: Families value campgrounds with recreational facilities. A camper at Gettysburg Campground mentioned, "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, one visitor reported: "The only downside is you are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me. The camp ground is part of river riders which offers lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river."
Site placement issues: At Round Top Campground, a visitor noted: "The site was pretty level and an okay side. Septic dump was about 20 feet away and we had to use a extension to get to it." Another camper mentioned infrastructure problems: "Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°. The sewer consisted of a storage tank less than 10 ft from our picnic table. It stunk."
Seasonal differences: Fall brings crowds to the Gettysburg area. A camper at Artillery Ridge reported: "Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded." Visiting during weekdays typically means fewer people compared to busy weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: Review campground playground options beforehand. One visitor at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm shared: "There is also a pool, hopscotch, a swing set, and a playground open as well. We haven't traveled into historic Gettysburg yet, but it's not too far from here."
Swimming options: Summer visits benefit from pool access. A family camping at Drummer Boy noted: "The pool with the slide was very clean. We would definitely go back to this place again despite the couple of cons. We have possibly considered becoming 'seasonals' ourselves at this place."
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with history lessons. A parent at Gettysburg Campground explained: "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking. porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain. lots of history nearby."
Tips from RVers
Extension equipment: Always pack additional hoses and electrical cords. A camper at Round Top Campground advised: "Septic dump was about 20 feet away and we had to use a extension to get to it. Site was unlevel and poorly maintained."
Site selection importance: RV sites near Libertytown, Maryland vary significantly in quality. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, one RVer cautioned: "The roads are very confusing and difficult to navigate. Many of the sites are on annoying slope where the table/fire pit is not level to the camper."
Advance bookings: Reserve RV camping spots early, especially for premium locations. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm recommended: "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. Prefect campground for the family."
