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 Mercersburg, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park provide the primary primitive tent camping options near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite offers tent-only accommodations with walk-in access approximately 10 miles from Mercersburg, while Antietam Creek Campground provides riverside tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings within a short drive of the area.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require hikers or cyclists to carry in their own gear, as parking is often located some distance from the actual campsites. The Horseshoe Bend site includes basic amenities like drinking water and toilets but prohibits fires and pets. Antietam Creek Campground features more developed facilities with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, though campers must park on the road and carry equipment to their sites. A visitor commented, "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."
Backcountry tent camping in this region offers direct access to the Potomac River and C&O Canal towpath, creating opportunities for multi-day hiking or cycling adventures. Many sites provide shaded areas under mature trees, though privacy between campsites can be limited. The Antietam Creek area features tent sites positioned along the river with easy water access, making it popular with paddlers and those seeking water-based recreation. Sites at Horseshoe Bend provide a more secluded experience with fewer amenities but greater solitude. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Small campsite but no one else was there, so it was perfect. There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Mercersburg (30)
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. 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"
4. 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
5. 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."
15 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 / night
6. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
7. Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
"There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."
8. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park Campground
"This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I’ve heard it is sometimes enforced."
"Backpacker campground with bathrooms and showers. Close to the South Mountain Inn, a hiker friendly restaurant. Big field."
9. Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite
10. C&O Camping Club
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
Drive Time
- 21 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 23 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 52 min from Gettysburg, PA
- 58 min from Winchester, VA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mercersburg, PA
24 Photos of 30 Mercersburg Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
C&O Camping ClubS
MulehallaJ
Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Crampton Gap Shelter Parking Lot - on the AT
Gathland State Park Campgroundc
Town Creek Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) CampsiteN
Long Acres on Clover Creek
Irons Mountain Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Warm Springs CampJ
Tent Camping Reviews near Mercersburg, PA
1034 Reviews of 30 Mercersburg 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 Mercersburg
Primitive tent camping near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania centers around the Potomac River corridor and Appalachian Trail, with most sites situated at elevations between 400-500 feet. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters, making late spring and early fall optimal for camping. Several hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal require carrying gear on foot, with most primitive sites located within a 15-mile radius of Mercersburg.
What to do
Potomac River swimming: Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite offers direct river access for cooling off during summer months. A camper notes, "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need? Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim."
Rock climbing: The Annapolis Rock area provides single-pitch climbing routes approximately 25 miles from Mercersburg. According to a visitor, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. they offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!"
Tubing on Antietam Creek: The gentle current makes this waterway ideal for tubing during summer months. As one camper observed, "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!"
What campers like
Direct trail access: Opequon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite provides immediate access to both the C&O Canal towpath and Potomac River. A camper described it as a "Gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac."
Mountain views: Hikers appreciate the elevated perspectives from Annapolis Rock Campground. "The overlook at Annapolis Rock is glorious. The elevation is 1700 feet so its quite a trek up to the site," notes one visitor.
Natural spring water: Several primitive sites feature access to natural springs. A camper at Annapolis Rock Campground mentions, "Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis Rock. Rock climbing available."
What you should know
Limited parking options: At many C&O Canal sites, vehicles must remain some distance from actual campsites. A camper at Antietam Creek Campground explains, "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."
Wildlife precautions: Venomous snakes inhabit rocky areas along trails. "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," warns a visitor to Annapolis Rock.
Bear safety measures: Some sites provide bear poles for food storage. "There are also two bear poles. one near the beginning of the campsite trail and one closer to the spring," reports a camper at Annapolis Rock Campground.
Bathroom conditions vary: Maintenance of toilet facilities fluctuates throughout the season. "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross," notes a camper at Antietam Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible river spots: Mulehalla offers family-friendly tent sites with adequate spacing between campers. "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart. This property also offers glamping experiences and sometimes live music. Bring the family (and the dog) to enjoy this gorgeous property."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or railroad tracks. At Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, a camper simply noted, "Train close by."
Check fire regulations: Fire policies vary significantly between sites. While Antietam Creek Campground permits fires, many hiker-biker sites along the C&O Canal prohibit them entirely. At Annapolis Rock, a camper mentions, "no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites."
Pack for rugged terrain: Some sites require navigating steep slopes to reach water sources. "It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it," explains a camper describing the path to the Potomac at Antietam Creek.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground and other primitive sites near Mercersburg don't accommodate RVs. A visitor notes, "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I've heard it is sometimes enforced."
Consider boondocking alternatives: RVers seeking primitive camping must look beyond the immediate Mercersburg area, as most nearby sites are tent-only. Portable gear that can be carried from parking areas proves essential for accessing these primitive sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Mercersburg, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mercersburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mercersburg, PA is Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Mercersburg, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mercersburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Mercersburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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