Camping options near Fairplay, Maryland provide easy access to the Potomac River valley with elevations ranging between 400-800 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with colorful fall foliage and hot, humid summers that often reach the high 80s. Most campgrounds in this area open from March through November, closing during the winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking the C&O Canal path: At Brunswick Family Campground, visitors gain direct access to the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath. "Situated next to the river so half of the sites have river views... Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," notes one visitor.
Water activities on the Potomac: The region offers numerous river access points for fishing, kayaking and tubing. "The Shenandoah is just as beautiful. The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids," reports a Brunswick Family Campground visitor. Another camper mentions, "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool."
Civil War historical sites: Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA provides convenient access to numerous historical attractions. "The best part about this site is the location. We could walk or easily drive to Harper's Ferry NP visitor center, from where we could take a bus into downtown. Harper's Ferry is a cute little historic town and the hiking is amazing, being right on the Appalachian Trail."
What campers like
Peaceful river settings: Many campgrounds in the region offer waterfront sites. At Harpers Ferry Campground, campers enjoy "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." Sites directly along the water create an immersive natural experience.
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive facilities for families. "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. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature," shares one visitor. Another adds, "There are other activities and a large swimming pool which is great for families."
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate how many parks connect to nearby towns and historical sites. "The best thing about this Thousand Trails campground is it's proximity to Gettysburg and all attractions!" writes one Round Top Campground visitor. Campers can easily visit multiple towns and historical sites from these central locations.
What you should know
Train noise affects many campgrounds: Several campgrounds sit close to active rail lines. One camper at Harpers Ferry Campground notes, "My family stayed here for two nights during the middle of the week, about half the campground was occupied. Our campsite was right along the water. The train which was 12 feet up a hill across the road from the site. Only had a couple come through the night our 1 yr old slept perfectly through it so it isn't too bothersome."
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Fairplay, Maryland operate on limited schedules. Drummer Boy Camping Resort is open "Apr 1 to Oct 31," while other parks typically close between November and March. Fall remains the busiest period with leaf-peepers filling campgrounds.
Varied site quality: Site conditions can differ dramatically within the same campground. "Trees between sites with sloping hills, not just a big open field," notes a Round Top visitor, while another cautions, "Site was unlevel and poorly maintained." Request specific site information when booking, especially regarding levelness and drainage during rainy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for summer heat: The region's humid summer climate makes water access important. One Jellystone visitor explains, "The pool was clean and roomy. We enjoyed hours hanging out there. They had activities for kids. Everyone seemed to be polite and helpful as far as the staff was concerned."
Playground access: Facilities for younger children vary widely between campgrounds. A Little Orleans Campground visitor notes, "Nice campground for families with bathrooms, pool, pond, and general store. If you are looking for somewhere peaceful and secluded, this probably isn't it. BUT there are some positives- it's extremely close to 15 mile creek, the Potomac, and Bill's bar."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programming during peak seasons. "Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home," reports one Brunswick Family Campground visitor. Activities often include holiday-themed weekends, movie nights, and organized games.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require extra preparation. A Drummer Boy visitor advises, "We were in a pull-through site with W/S/E, which made dumping, etc much easier than pulling to a dump site. We used the bathhouses for our showers and they were much cleaner and better than others we've been in."
Electrical service reliability: Power outages occasionally affect campgrounds in this rural area. One camper reports, "Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°."
Tight maneuvering spaces: Several RV parks have challenging layouts for larger rigs. "You really need to be proficient at backing the RV into tight spaces... there is not a lot of room," notes one camper. Drivers of larger motorhomes should call ahead to confirm accessibility and turning radius at their specific site.
