152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas around Sharpsburg, Maryland concentrate along the Potomac River and nearby historical sites, with options ranging from primitive tent camping to full-service RV parks. The Antietam Creek Campground within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities, while commercial facilities like Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport offer more developed accommodations including cabins and glamping options. Most campgrounds in this region maintain proximity to significant Civil War battlefields and historical landmarks.
Several campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some like the Harpers Ferry KOA remain open year-round. The C&O Canal towpath provides multiple access points to riverside camping, with sites requiring varying degrees of gear portage from parking areas. Primitive camping at Antietam Creek Campground requires visitors to park on nearby roads and carry equipment across pedestrian bridges. Limited facilities at national park sites contrast with the extensive amenities found at private campgrounds. A visitor commented on this distinction: "You have to park on the road and haul all of your stuff across the field and over the fence so it's not exactly easy to get all of your equipment at the campsite."
Riverside locations characterize many camping options in the area, with the Potomac River providing both scenic views and recreational opportunities. Many campers mention appreciating the waterfront locations despite occasional drawbacks. According to user feedback, "It's a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site." Family-oriented campgrounds like Jellystone Park feature water parks, pools, and organized activities, while more primitive sites along the C&O Canal appeal to hikers and cyclists seeking simpler accommodations. Tent and RV sites throughout the region vary significantly in privacy levels, with national park campgrounds offering more natural settings but fewer amenities than their commercial counterparts.
"This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."
"Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Also historic and very haunted Sharpsburg and Gettysburg are very close as well."
"We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us, so we knew we needed to find a camping ground more geared kids."
from $99 - $471 / night
Check Availability"If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of"
"Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."
"Set right next to the river and you fish if you want to. DO NOT follow your GPS. Follow the directions on the KOA Website."
"Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."
"All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by."
"Pretty standard campground—the perks are it’s location to nearby attractions and the river/creek. It depends on what you’re looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper’s? Golden."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."
"There was a walking path to the bathhouse between 13 and 14. Sites 8-11 were on a nice open field, with some smaller trees."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town."
"Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."
from $10 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Camp next to the president."
"There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."
"My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."
from $30 / night
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GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideQuite the dump and almost no one around to talk to. There is a bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and a shower. But it is cramped and not attractive. Most of the sites are right underneath the freeway, and very noisy. Primitive sites away from the road noise are nothing more than a wide area of the dirt road.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
TravelerRoad in was without any major wash outs so I drove in pulling my overlanding trailer in 2WD. Plenty of campsites which allowed everyone here to space out easily. Lots of cut up fallen trees around which made collecting firewood simple.
ScoutWas looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
GuideThis pet friendly campground in Caledonia State Park is .8 miles from the larger Chinquapin campground (no pets), ranger station and swimming pool. Our site #171 was level, paved, full hook ups and next to modern clean bathrooms with flush toilets, warm showers and outside dish washing sinks. Many available sites with and without services on a Sunday in October. There were a good number of friendly, tidy, long term campers with large wall tents. (They allow 21 day stays after Labor Day)
Scout15 free relatively level sites for smaller rigs and tent camping. Fire rings , picnic tables and some have lantern posts. There are 2 somewhat clean pit toilets.
ScoutBeautiful area. Very primitive, which is great. Roads were fairly decent to the campsite. Didn't stay near the water and no mountain view but still nice. Had a nice trail into the woods.
Campsites near Sharpsburg, Maryland stretch across the rolling hills of western Maryland with elevations ranging from 310 to 1,600 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during day and 65°F at night. Camping options include primitive sites along the Potomac River requiring gear portage and developed campgrounds with amenities like hot showers and electric hookups.
Hiking to waterfalls: Cunningham Falls State Park offers trails leading to Maryland's highest cascading waterfall. A camper noted, "Great easy loop hikes around campsite with a decent waterfall depending on when it last rained. Great local get away only 1 hr away from DC."
Tubing on the Shenandoah: Launch directly from Brunswick Family Campground for water fun. "The Shanandoah is just as beautiful. The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids," reports one visitor.
Explore historical sites: The Civil War battlefields near Antietam Creek Campground provide educational opportunities. "There aren't many sites and no 'park' or ranger station. You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners."
Mountain biking: Frederick watershed outside Gambrill State Park offers technical trails popular with locals. "The park is extremely convenient to get to. So considering that convenience, the downsides may be a worthy trade-off... it's still trees and trails and wonderful."
River access: Many campers appreciate the waterfront sites at Harpers Ferry Campground. "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."
Wildlife viewing: Early risers at Greenbrier State Park report abundant bird activity. "Birds were abundant, active and singing. Woodpeckers rose early to begin their tree tapping."
Swimming areas: The lake at Cunningham Falls State Park offers summertime recreation. "Great campsite, with a small lake with beach the kids can swim at. Only thing is there is a steep hike back and forth from campsite to beach."
Seasonal activities: Fall camping brings special events to some campgrounds. A visitor to Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA shared, "We love the animals and activities for the kids. Fall is the best at this campground with the trick or treating and haunted house."
Train noise: Sites near railroad tracks may experience disruptions. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will."
Crowding at water features: Popular swimming areas become congested during peak season. A visitor to Greenbrier State Park observed, "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, unlike some private campgrounds. "Be aware: no alcohol in Maryland parks," warns a camper at Greenbrier State Park.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Basic amenities at national park campgrounds require preparation. A camper at Antietam Creek noted, "There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you."
Water park options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive water recreation. "Multiple pools and a great little water park. Store was well stocked, they also had a ice-cream / quick food store attached to the pool area and staff super friendly."
Day trip possibilities: Many families use campgrounds as a base for regional exploration. "This was our first trip with our RV and it was a great experience. The staff is extremely nice and helpful with everything! Our spot was on the river with a short walk to the boat ramp and access."
Dog restrictions: Pet policies vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Greenbrier State Park mentioned, "The only downsides are how crowded it can get peak season, and they dont allow dogs in the lake at all. That's annoying when you camp in summer heay with your dog."
Activity scheduling: Check operational calendars for amenities. "We had a blast and will be returning next season. Multiple pools and a great little water park. Store was well stocked, they also had a ice-cream / quick food store attached to the pool area and staff super friendly."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A visitor to Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA shared, "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."
Site size considerations: Many RV sites provide limited space. "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," notes one KOA visitor.
Electrical hookups: Check amperage availability when booking. At Cunningham Falls State Park, "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."
Road access: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair. Site was not level and infested with black flies."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV campgrounds in Sharpsburg with full hookups?
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport is the premier family-friendly RV park near Sharpsburg with full hookups. It features exceptional amenities including an impressive pool area that's particularly popular with children. For RVers seeking a more history-focused stay, Greenbrier State Park Campground provides a convenient base with adequate amenities including a dump station. While not directly in Sharpsburg, these nearby options offer the full hookups RV campers need while providing easy access to Antietam National Battlefield and other historical sites in the region.
Where are the best camping spots near Sharpsburg, Maryland?
The Sharpsburg area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park is highly rated for its peaceful atmosphere, shaded sites, and the creek running through the grounds. It's notably less crowded than nearby parks. For history buffs, Brunswick Family Campground provides a riverside camping experience close to historic sites. Located between railroad tracks and the river, it offers mesmerizing water views and welcoming staff. Other noteworthy options include Cunningham Falls State Park, Gambrill State Park, and Button Farm for a more private farm camping experience.
What's the best time of year to camp near Sharpsburg, Maryland?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping conditions near Sharpsburg. Summer provides full access to water activities, with Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area offering family-friendly facilities and water recreation. However, for those who prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, September-October is ideal as you'll experience comfortable days, cool nights, and spectacular fall foliage throughout the region. Gambrill State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during autumn with its elevated mountain views. The historical significance of Antietam makes fall an especially meaningful time to visit, as the Battle of Antietam occurred in September 1862, with many commemorative events happening during this season.
Can you camp at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg?
There is no camping directly on Antietam National Battlefield grounds. However, several excellent options are available nearby. The Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA is specifically designed for visitors exploring the historic battlefield and provides convenient accommodations. For a unique historical experience, Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA serves as an excellent launchpad for visiting multiple Civil War sites including Antietam. Located just across the state line, it offers good access to both Harpers Ferry and the Antietam battlefield area with full amenities, though it runs on the pricier side.
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