Cunningham Falls State Park offers traditional and yurt camping options across 5,000 acres of forested landscape at elevations ranging from 500-1,900 feet in the Catoctin Mountains. The park maintains two separate camping areas: the William Houck area near the lake and the Manor area located four miles away along Route 15. Temperatures range from mid-80s in summer to below freezing in winter, with camping season running April through October.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Cunningham Falls State Park, the Cliff Trail offers a moderately challenging 0.5-mile route to the 78-foot cascading falls. "The trail is an easy six mile loop to and from the falls," notes Dave V., making it accessible for most skill levels. During dry periods, the water volume may be reduced.
Fishing opportunities: The 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls provides year-round fishing with electric trolling motors permitted. "Hunting Creek Lake offers great (and busy weekend) fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling," according to one regular visitor. Early morning weekdays offer the best experience to avoid crowds.
Historical exploration: At Harpers Ferry Campground, campers can walk directly to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia," explains Anthony S. The campground connects to a 1.5-mile trail leading directly into the historic town.
River activities: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct Potomac River access. "The Shenandoah is just as beautiful. The showers could use a good cleaning but they are typical Campground showers perfect for the campground life," reports Brian S. The campground offers tubing, kayaking, and swimming directly from waterfront sites.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The Manor Area at Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area features notably roomy sites. "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. The place was clean, paved roads, great price and very quiet," explains one camper. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with electric hookups available at select locations.
Family-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive children's activities just 20 minutes from Myersville. "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground," reports Beth C. The water park operates seasonally, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Natural spring water: Annapolis Rock Campground on the Appalachian Trail provides access to fresh spring water. "Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis rock. Rock climbing available," notes Christopher B. The campground sits at 1,700 feet elevation, requiring a moderate 2-mile hike from Route 40.
Riverside camping: At Brunswick Family Campground, riverside sites offer direct water access. "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool," according to Brian S. Sites along the river provide views and easy access for swimming or paddling, though they have less shade than wooded areas of the campground.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Myersville experience train noise. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains," reports Sherri C. Campers sensitive to noise should pack earplugs or request sites furthest from tracks.
Seasonal facility limitations: At Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, amenities vary by season. "Small campground with not many amenities," notes Joy P. Water facilities may be limited in early spring and late fall, with full services generally available May through September.
Site privacy varies: Little Bennett Campground offers more secluded sites than most in the region. "Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors," reports one camper. Their D loop provides full hookups for RVs while other loops accommodate tent camping with more primitive facilities.
Fire restrictions: Annapolis Rock Campground prohibits campfires due to restoration efforts. "Great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. No fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites," explains Cory D. Campers must use camp stoves for cooking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Little Bennett Campground offers child-friendly facilities with trail options. "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes," shares Georgia H. The jumping pillow operates during limited posted hours.
Trail difficulty: Cunningham Falls State Park features child-appropriate hiking paths. "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails," reports Buck P. The Lower Falls Trail provides the most accessible route for young children, with a paved section suitable for strollers.
Yurt camping options: For families wanting comfort without towing an RV, several parks offer yurt accommodations. Little Bennett Campground provides yurt rentals with proper beds and electricity. "We stayed in the camping cabins here multiple times. We love the animals and activities for the kids," notes Rachael P. about a similar setup at Hagerstown KOA. Reservations for yurts should be made 6-9 months in advance.
Wildlife encounters: Manor Area at Cunningham Falls may have insect activity during warmer months. "Even though this seems like it's in the trees there was actually no shade! Literally hundreds of gnats outside my tent and it was April!" warns Jakob D. Insect repellent is essential from late spring through early fall.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday, site grades vary significantly. "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warns Matt S. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended.
Hookup locations: RVers at Little Bennett should note unique utility arrangements. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports one camper. Electric, water and sewer connections may require extension hoses and cords at certain sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require careful navigation. "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair," notes Robin about Brunswick Family Campground. RVs over 30 feet should call ahead to confirm accessibility, particularly at Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area and Brunswick Family Campground.
