Kevin M.
Traveler
TravelerDogwood Acres Campground
Well run
The staff here are amazing. Quiet time is respected, clean campground. Will come again.
Tent Camping near Big Cove Tannery, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping near Big Cove Tannery, Pennsylvania primarily consists of hiker-biker campsites along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with several walk-in tent sites accessible from the towpath. Jordan Junction, Opequon Junction, and Cacapon Junction offer tent-only camping within the area, all featuring primitive amenities suited for overnight stays during multi-day excursions along the canal or Appalachian Trail.
Most tent-only campsites in the area provide basic amenities designed for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include a fire ring, picnic table, and portable toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location. Water access comes from hand pumps at some locations, but service can be inconsistent. One camper noted that "the pump handle is missing so it's a workout getting water" at certain sites. Fires are prohibited at several locations along the canal, particularly at designated hiker-biker overnight campsites, though some permit contained fires in established rings. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with reception improving near larger towns.
The tent camping in this area centers around proximity to the Potomac River and the historic C&O Canal towpath. Sites like Opequon Junction sit "just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac," providing convenient water access. Train noise affects the quality of several tent camping locations, with multiple reviewers mentioning the proximity of rail lines. Most walk-in tent sites are relatively small but adequate for individual tents or small groups. The Paw Paw Tunnel area offers tent camping near a significant historic feature, though reviews indicate highway noise can be disruptive. Tent campers should be prepared for variable site conditions, with some locations described as "overgrown" during certain seasons. Annapolis Rock Campground provides an alternative along the Appalachian Trail with more elevation and scenic views but requires a "moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike" to access.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Big Cove Tannery (29)
1. Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
2. Opequon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
"Gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac"
3. Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite
4. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
5. green ridge state forest
"It’s first come first serve but if Hq is closed you can sign up on a clipboard outside. This is about 30 minutes from the forest itself depending on which site you get."
"Went for a walk in the morning, lots of birdsong. A bit of road noise from the nearby highways but didn’t hear anything at night."
from $10 / night
6. Mulehalla
"We're excited to welcome these friendly and helpful hosts to our platform. Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $65 / night
7. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
"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."
"Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns."
14 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 / night
8. Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."
"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"
9. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
"Basic tent camping sites. Portable bathroom facilities only. Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel."
"Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 / night
10. Stoney Creek Campground
"Two sides are separated by a dense forest, piles of drift wood and noise from the river running through boulders. Both sites are very private--bordered by river/mountain and forests."
"Well priced, and easy to get around. Bathrooms are solid and clean, with fast hot water!"
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $99 - $175 / night
Drive Time
- 38 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 39 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 7 min from Gettysburg, PA
- 1 hr 11 min from Winchester, VA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Big Cove Tannery, PA
20 Photos of 29 Big Cove Tannery Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
C&O Camping ClubS
MulehallaJ
Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Town Creek Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Crampton Gap Shelter Parking Lot - on the AT
Gathland State Park Campgroundc
Irons Mountain Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Long Acres on Clover Creek
Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) CampsiteN
Tent Camping Reviews near Big Cove Tannery, PA
1029 Reviews of 29 Big Cove Tannery Campgrounds
- kken
GuideArtillery Ridge Campground
Great 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.
Matt S.
LegendLake Raystown Resort and Lodge
Enormous property, but...
We spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
- jjohn L.Guide
Artillery Ridge Campground
Got us out of a jam.
Where 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.
- SSteve B.
ScoutThe Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was 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.
- nnancy H.Guide
Hosack Run
Quiet & Dog friendly - 20minutes from Gettysburg Battfields
This 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)
Crystal M.ScoutGreen Ridge State Forest
Great primitive camping
Beautiful 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.
- MMichael S.Scout
Stoney Creek Campground
Great weekend stay with a large group of pals
The owners are friendly and te store is stocked and makes great camping/diner food. Well priced, and easy to get around. Bathrooms are solid and clean, with fast hot water!
Jill S.ScoutFifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Safe, clean, and beautiful!
The campground is a nice size with enough space between sites to feel as though you have some privacy.
We reserved site 4 online but someone had set up there when we arrived. Site 6 was open and it had a better view anyway and was farther away from the toilets, so we didn’t mind.
The boat launch is right there which we planned to paddle board in the morning, but got rained out. The river looks really nice and clean though.
Tables and fire pits are a great size. We saw some gorgeous stars as there isn’t any light pollution.
It’s only half hour from Berkeley Springs, so fill up your spring water for free there and then come enjoy the campsite!
Will definitely return.
Guide to Big Cove Tannery
Tent camping near Big Cove Tannery, Pennsylvania offers primitive experiences within the Potomac River valley at elevations between 400-600 feet. The region connects the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with several state forests and parklands. Weather patterns can shift quickly with occasional storms moving through the valley during summer months.
What to do
Explore historic tunnel systems: The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground sits near one of the C&O Canal's engineering marvels. "Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel. Tunnel is always nice and cool refreshing during a long bike ride or hike on a hot day. Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark!" advises Jordan B.
Potomac River swimming: During summer months when temperatures reach the 80s and 90s, cool off in the river. At Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, camper Ant S. notes you can "Jump into the Potomac for a swim" when you want to rinse off after a day on the trail.
Climbing at higher elevations: For experienced hikers willing to travel beyond the immediate area, the rock faces near Annapolis Rock Campground offer climbing opportunities. "The Annapolis Rock cliffs offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing," notes Cory D., though reaching this area requires more strenuous hiking.
What campers like
Riverside positioning: Many tent sites sit close to the water. At Opequon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, camper Emerson K. describes it as a "Gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac."
Basic needs covered: The simplicity appeals to many campers. At Jordan Junction, "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need?" says one reviewer, highlighting the back-to-basics experience many seek.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse birds and occasional mammals. "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," warns Sy A. when describing Annapolis Rock, pointing to the natural state of these camping areas.
What you should know
Highway and train noise: Multiple campgrounds face noise disruptions. At Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, a reviewer simply states "Train close by" as their primary observation. Similarly, Paw Paw Tunnel campsites experience "Highway noise" according to multiple campers.
Water access varies: Some sites feature easy river access while others require work. At Horseshoe Bend, there's a "water pump" available, though conditions vary seasonally.
Weather preparation: The valley's weather patterns can shift quickly. Pack additional layers even in summer months when overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s or 60s.
Bathroom facilities limited: Most sites feature basic sanitation. Reviewers at Paw Paw noted "Clean Chemical toilets" while others mentioned less-maintained facilities: "The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra lighting: Tunnel exploration requires proper illumination. "Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark," advises a Paw Paw Tunnel camper.
Consider site location carefully: At Antietam Creek Campground, site selection matters. "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site," notes Nick C., which can be challenging with children and gear.
Monitor water conditions: The Potomac can fluctuate in depth and current. Casey L. from Antietam Creek suggests checking water levels before allowing children near the water's edge, noting "The river is beautiful and it's nice being so close."
Plan for limited privacy: Many camping areas are open. "All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by," explains one Antietam Creek camper, which may affect children's sleep patterns.
Tips from RVers
Not recommended for larger vehicles: The tent-only nature of most sites means RVs have limited options. Small truck campers might access some areas, but traditional RVs won't find hookups or suitable parking near most canal-side camping.
Consider alternative accommodations: Mulehalla offers more vehicle-accessible sites within reasonable distance. "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart. This property also offers glamping experiences," notes Ashley F.
Day use potential: RV travelers based elsewhere might use these areas for day visits. "Basic tent camping sites" with portable facilities allow for exploration of the "historic paw paw tunnel" without overnight stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Big Cove Tannery, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Cove Tannery, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Cove Tannery, PA is Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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tent camping near
Big Cove Tannery, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Cove Tannery, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Big Cove Tannery, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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