Camping options near Union Bridge, Maryland range from riverfront sites to working farms with varied terrain. Located in the Piedmont plateau region between the Appalachian Mountains and Coastal Plain, the area's rolling hills provide camping elevations between 300-600 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter options at select locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Harpers Ferry Campground offers direct river access where campers can fish right from their sites. "Wonderful tent campground. It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! There is also great fishing right from you campsite as well," explains a camper.
Battlefield exploration: Historical sites around Gettysburg provide educational opportunities within 30 minutes of Union Bridge. "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia. While some points are pretty steep don't let this deter you from completing it," notes a visitor.
Farm animal interaction: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique agricultural experiences. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires. The weather is perfect right now highs reaching low 80s, so the evenings are super lovely," shares one camper. Children can participate in scheduled animal feeding sessions each morning.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Waterside sites provide natural ambiance and recreation options. "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," reports one reviewer about Harper's Ferry.
Pool facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "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."
Proximity to attractions: Location near historical areas proves convenient for day trips. "Our site was clean and wooded. We had friendly couples from out of state on either side of us. Florida and New Hampshire. My only con (this is minor) about the site would be the picnic table SEATS had cloth coverings on them that held moisture," notes a camper at Round Top Campground.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby rail lines with frequent traffic. "The train wreck behind our camper was VERY vocal about how we were entering their site to hook up. Apparently, we were supposed to use the force," reports a visitor at Western Village RV Park about navigating tight spaces near train tracks.
Uneven terrain: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills, not just a big open field," according to a Round Top Campground reviewer.
Limited off-season options: Most campgrounds close between November and April. "This park is a huge Thousand Trails owned resort with lots of campsites and tons of amenities. In fact, the park is so large (over 95 acres) that if you are camping with friends make sure you get sites nearby them or else you will need to drive to their site," explains a camper about navigating larger facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: When booking with children, request sites near play areas. "The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area. The store didn't have much for the size of the campground and store itself. They have a snack bar that sells prepared food," notes a Drummer Boy visitor.
Educational opportunities: Artillery Ridge Campground provides historical context. "Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
Farm activities: Animal interactions provide entertainment for children. "Great park and probably still one of our kids favorites after being on the road for over a year this one easily stands out as a must stop!" comments a family who visited Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV camping near Union Bridge, Maryland, choose pull-through sites when available. "The site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage. There is s large seasonal section and lots of activities," explains a camper who visited Drummer Boy.
Utility placement challenges: At some campgrounds, hookup locations require planning. "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly (even with a slinky placed under it)," notes a visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Navigation concerns: Some campgrounds have challenging internal roads. "Roads through the park are fairly narrow with potholes. Some roads are one-way but people don't pay much attention to that and went whichever way they wanted, especially those in golf carts," reports a reviewer at Gettysburg Campground.
