Potomac River camping options near Berryville, Virginia range from full-service campgrounds to primitive riverfront sites. Located in the Shenandoah Valley with elevations between 400-1,200 feet, the area experiences hot summers and mild springs, with campsites often booked 3-6 months in advance during peak season. River access campsites typically cost $29-70 per night depending on amenities.
What to Do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access the historic trail from Harpers Ferry, just 6 miles away from Brunswick Family Campground. "We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus. As the covid19 was happened about half a mile down the road was blocked but normally 1.5 mile walk down into Harpers Ferry," notes one camper at Brunswick.
Shooting range activities: The Cove Campground offers on-site shooting facilities. "The Cove is by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs. With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," shares a visitor. The range operates Wednesday through Sunday with strict safety protocols.
Mountain biking trails: Multiple skill level trails available at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground. "Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners," writes a reviewer. The park maintains 24 miles of trails with bike rentals available on weekends for $25/day.
Off-road adventures: ATV enthusiasts can explore designated trails at The Cove Campground. "This Campground had everything I wanted. Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites," states one visitor. Trail passes cost $20 per vehicle per day with 15+ miles of varied terrain.
What Campers Like
Waterfront campsites: Direct river access at multiple locations makes fishing and swimming convenient. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "All spots are along the water. We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," says a camper. Sites located directly on the Potomac River typically cost $5-10 more than standard sites.
Proximity to historical sites: Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA serves as a convenient base for exploring regional history. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door," notes one visitor who paid $114/night for their site.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain above-average bathroom facilities. At Bull Run Regional Park, "I'll go again just for the showers... Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," enthuses one tent camper. Most parks clean bathrooms daily during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: Many glamping sites near Berryville offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," shares a visitor to Big Meadows Campground. Morning and evening are optimal viewing times with deer commonly seen throughout the campgrounds.
What You Should Know
Train noise: Several riverside campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, a reviewer notes, "The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains." Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers.
Summer crowds: Many glamping sites around Berryville, Virginia become extremely busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "We were there in the days leading up to 4th of July, and there was not a single empty site," reports a camper at Big Meadows Campground. Weekday visits in May or September offer more solitude.
Varying site sizes: Site dimensions and privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds. At KOA Harpers Ferry, "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," warns one visitor. Request corner or end sites when possible for additional space.
Weather considerations: The Shenandoah Valley experiences rapid weather changes. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020... Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," notes a winter camper at Shenandoah River State Park. Pack for temperature variations of 30+ degrees between day and night, especially in spring and fall.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation options: Multiple parks offer swimming and water activities. "The pool is absolutely amazing to say the least. My grandkids didn't want to leave from the time it opened until the time it closed," shares a grandparent who visited Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Water parks typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Kid-friendly programs: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," notes a visitor to Shenandoah River State Park. Many parks run junior ranger programs on weekend mornings with nature crafts and guided hikes.
Transport conveniences: Some parks provide helpful equipment for family camping. At Shenandoah River State Park, "The primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff," explains a reviewer, making setup easier with children.
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is important when camping with children. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," writes a Big Meadows visitor. Most parks require food storage in vehicles or provided bear boxes after dark.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many regional campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA, an RVer reports, "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air." Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Hook-up availability: Water access points are sometimes shared between sites. A camper at The Cove Campground notes, "There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access." Bring extra hose lengths (50+ feet) for distant hookups.
Road conditions: Some access roads require careful navigation. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," advises a pop-up camper owner at The Cove Campground. Call ahead to check current road conditions after heavy rains.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. At Shenandoah River State Park, a visitor noted camping "in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC" during colder months. Electric sites with winter water remain available at selected parks year-round with centrally located heated bathhouses.
