Williamsport, Maryland sits along the Potomac River at approximately 358 feet elevation, making it a strategic base for exploring the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. Most tent campgrounds in the area feature fire rings and picnic tables on unpaved sites.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Access points near Greenbrier State Park allow day hikes on the AT. "Hike from visitor center to AT is steep and rocky," notes Butch B. about Greenbrier State Park Campground, which offers connections to numerous trails.
Tubing on the Potomac: The gentle current makes for relaxed water adventures. "You can tube or kayak (they rent them out here)!" mentions Misty C. about the Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, which offers creek access right from the campground.
Biking the Western Maryland Rail Trail: This paved path runs alongside McCoys Ferry Campground, perfect for cyclists of all abilities. "The Western Maryland Rail Trail runs rite along the campground so if you like bike riding, take advantage," advises Adeline M., noting the trail's convenient access.
Fort Frederick exploration: Visit this restored 18th-century stone fort with ranger-led programs. "The fort is very cool, and exhibits are great," says Sean M., who appreciated the historical aspects beyond just camping amenities.
What campers like
River access from campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct water views. At McCoys Ferry Campground, "All sites are basically waterfront, nice quiet campground with water access and a boat ramp," according to Adeline M. Sites 1-7 are particularly recommended for river views.
Historical immersion: The region's Civil War history attracts many visitors. "Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry are very close as well as historic Sharpsburg and Gettysburg," notes Karen H., who visited Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park with her family.
Forested camping: Shady sites offer relief from summer heat. At Owens Creek Campground, "The campground is situated in a dense, old growth forest of maple, oak, hickory, poplar and black walnut, so sunlight does not really make its way through the tall thick canopy," creating a cool environment even during hot months.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring animal sightings. "Woodpeckers rose early to begin their tree tapping," reports one camper at Owens Creek, adding to the natural ambiance of camping in the Catoctins.
What you should know
Train noise at riverside camps: Several waterfront sites experience train disruptions. "The train does go through twice overnight and it is loud but still got a decent night of sleep," mentions Dalton S. about McCoys Ferry Campground. Pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Weekend crowds at swimming areas: Popular water sites fill quickly. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, "The lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid," advises Butch B., while another camper noted, "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers."
Seasonal facility limitations: Early or late season camping may have restricted amenities. "The water park would be open during the week and was assured that it would be. When we got there, it was not open and we were told that it was only open on weekends this time of year," explains Michelle about her early June visit to Jellystone Park.
Varied bathroom facilities: Quality ranges widely between campgrounds. Fort Frederick offers "only porta pottys available with the obvious odor that comes with it," according to Adeline M., while other campgrounds provide full shower houses.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Campgrounds with swimming areas offer natural entertainment. At Cunningham Falls State Park, "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," shares Casey L., despite some campsite drawbacks.
Themed camping experiences: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park specializes in kid-friendly programming. "The kids were never bored and had so much fun. Us, as adults, were also never bored," raves Mary, who brought five children along and found "tons of fun activities" for everyone.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature farm animals. At Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA, "My kids were obsessed with the goats and the little mining table. The staff felt like family," shares Mike N., highlighting unexpected attractions beyond traditional camping.
Noise considerations: Family-friendly sites can get loud. "This was definitely not a quiet campsite as most campers were either partying late into the nite or yelling obscenities at each other," warns Ruth about McCoys Ferry, suggesting midweek visits for quieter experiences with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have significant slopes. At Harpers Ferry KOA, one RVer reported, "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." Always check site details when booking for big rigs.
Limited access roads: Narrow entrance points exist at several campgrounds. Roger W. notes about McCoys Ferry, "As you travel towards the end of McCoys Ferry Road, make sure to stay right, as to pass through the tunnel" - an important detail since larger RVs might struggle with clearance.
Variable hookup options: Electricity and water connections differ widely. "The septic system is the quest I've seen at any campground, basically just a hole flush to the ground with a loose cap on it," reports Thomas B. about the Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA, suggesting verification of hookup standards before arrival.
Proximity concerns: Many sites place RVs close together. "The sites were very close together except for the youth campgrounds," notes Sarah K. about Fort Frederick, adding that "you're up each other's buttcracks" - an important consideration for RVers wanting privacy.
