Knoxville, Maryland sits at the convergence of multiple camping environments, with options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites along the Potomac River. The Brunswick Family Campground offers riverside camping with boat access just minutes from town, while the Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA provides year-round accommodations with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Antietam Creek Campground in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers more primitive camping experiences with walk-in tent sites. The region's proximity to both the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath creates opportunities for hikers and cyclists to access hiker-biker campsites, many featuring basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping options except at the Harpers Ferry KOA. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when proximity to Washington DC (approximately 60 miles southeast) creates high demand. Maryland state parks like Greenbrier and Gambrill enforce alcohol prohibitions, unlike some private campgrounds. As one camper noted, "The sites are flat and dispersed with most located adjacent to the river. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring and grill." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote sections of the Appalachian Trail corridor.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with the Potomac River and nearby lakes serving as focal points for recreation. Many campgrounds feature shaded sites that provide relief during hot summer months. According to one reviewer at Gambrill State Park, "This is a very peaceful and heavily wooded park, with minimal but perfectly adequate facilities." Families appreciate the swimming beaches at Greenbrier State Park and Cunningham Falls, though these areas can become crowded on summer weekends. Historical attractions add another dimension to camping in this region, with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and the C&O Canal providing educational opportunities within short driving distances of most campgrounds.
$40 - $80 / night
"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."
"If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of"
"Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."
$23 - $29 / night
"This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."
"Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."
$10 - $90 / night
"Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town."
"Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."
$10 / night
"All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by."
"Pretty standard campground—the perks are it’s location to nearby attractions and the river/creek. It depends on what you’re looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper’s? Golden."
$18 - $50 / night
"The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."
"There was a walking path to the bathhouse between 13 and 14. Sites 8-11 were on a nice open field, with some smaller trees."
$99 - $471 / night
"We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us, so we knew we needed to find a camping ground more geared kids."
"There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it. They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool."
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
$23 - $29 / night
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
$21 - $65 / night
"Camp next to the president."
"There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."
TravelerNew owners just bought this place. There are upgrades and cleaning needed, but owner was friendly and helpful. Creek and trail is gorgeous. Highway can be loud at times. Surrounding town gorgeous and dog friendly.
ScoutThis is a lovely campground that I recommend and would stay again. We have been twice: once as a family and once with a Scout troop. The RV sites are fairly large and clean. The tent-only sites are smaller and have a metal fire ring with a grate (nice!). The RV sites have mostly brick rings without grates. The bathrooms are fairly small (two showers on the female and one on the male) which might be an issue on busy weekends. The only real water entrance is the boat ramp, but you can climb down a cliff in other places. A, D, and E are sunnier. B and C and Nottingham are mostly wooded with mature trees. We used the site as a base for a bike trip along the C&O to go to Harper’s Ferry (14mi round trip along a gravel path). The staff were friendly and there is a small camp store.
But the trains! THE TRAINS!!! Every review will mention them for a reason. The site is adjacent to a rail yard that runs all day. Not just a passing train, but clanging car and engine changes. It’s LOUD. I slept with earplugs, but could still hear the noise. The yard really starts going around 5am and goes all day. It slows down after 8/9pm, but never stops entirely. The trains are the only reason for the removed star and it’s not the campground’s fault. But almost all of the real complaints are about the noise. If you want an extra quiet campground with only birds and running water, this is not the place for you. But if you don’t mind the loud bangs and low rumbles, this place is fine!
The entrance is beyond the train yard and about a mile down a widened part of the C&O. It is possible to be trapped inside or outside if a train is stopped at the crossing (30min for us, once).
In short, it’s a great campground if you bring ear plugs!
ScoutThe lots are very tight and the manager is not friendly. Make sure to read all the rules. No one can visit you unless they pay 10$ to come onsite and I am not talking about spending the night just visiting. There are other campgrounds in the area such as Watermelon RV Park that are more welcoming.
TravelerBooked this site about a week before just as a spontaneous one night trip towards the end of fall. Was greeted with a nicely stocked firewood hut on the way in, unfortunately most of the wood wasn't dry due to rain the day before and the wood being out from under the hut awning, but we made do with the stacks of dead wood along the outside of the site. Our site had the main area with the picnic table and fire pit and then a large level tent pad a couple of steps below it. I believe we went the last weekend of the season so it wasn't too populated, despite this being a smaller campsite. We did have neighbors on each side of us and across from us, and the sites are a reasonable distance apart. The trees were thinned out by the time we went so there wasn't much privacy, but I can imagine that when they're grown in it adds much more privacy, at least from nextdoor neighbors. Everyone there was considerate and friendly, even the camp host. The bathrooms were clean, functional, and a short walk away from the site. Would recommend if you want a quick getaway without frill.
TravelerWe have camped there twice. One was a buddy site.
GuideNice private site outside of Berkeley Springs!
GuideI love this campground. It is quiet. The sites are spread out pretty well. There is a small river. The road in is beautiful, winding along a river. There isn't a lot of traffic. Between May and October the restrooms are open and are well kept. I have not used the pit toilets, as I prefer to bring my own set up. I have camped here several times in March and October. Only once was I completely alone in the campground. In the warmer season, there is a host. When you choose your site, look up for acorns that might fall onto your vehicle. I have a nice little dent from one. I have never had a problem with mosquitoes or critters at this campground.
Update:2/25 campground was open despite about 6" of snow on the ground. Loops were plowed, but sites were not. Not a problem for 4wd. Host was present as well.
ScoutI am writing this review because what happened to me at Bull Run Regional Park Campground was not just inconvenient—it was humiliating, unprofessional, and completely avoidable.
I camp in my Tesla. I have already stayed at this exact campground before with no issue. Their online reservation system allowed me to book again—no warnings, no restrictions, nothing to indicate a problem. So I drove all the way from North Carolina to Virginia trusting that everything was fine.
When I arrived to check in, the office staff was literally handing me the paperwork. Out of nowhere, a ranger barged in and bluntly told me: “You cannot camp in a Tesla. You need a separate rig.”
His tone was rude, dismissive, and made me feel like I was doing something dirty or cheap. There was zero respect, zero empathy—just instant judgment. I felt like I was being treated as if I was trying to sneak in or break rules, even though they allowed the booking and accepted my reservation.
If they have such a rule, why wasn’t I notified during booking? Why was I allowed to stay the first time? Why let me drive for hours only to embarrass me at the check-in counter?
The office employee even tried to defend me, but he couldn’t convince the ranger. Instead, they told me I could not stay and promised an immediate refund.
After a long drive, being spoken to like that was extremely disappointing. I’ve camped all over North Carolina and never been treated with such disrespect. Camping in a Tesla is clean, quiet, zero-emission, and safe, yet I was made to feel like I didn’t belong.
To make matters worse, it has now been seven days and not a single dollar of the refund has appeared. When I called, the office representative didn’t even ask for my reservation details and seemed completely clueless. She first said she couldn’t do anything, then suddenly changed her story and said she would “leave a note.” When I asked to speak with someone who could actually help, she put me on hold and suddenly claimed the manager had “just refunded” me and that I would see the money in two business days.
After everything that happened, it felt like another layer of indifference and incompetence.
This entire experience—from the rude ranger to the unprofessional refund handling—left me feeling disrespected and upset. For a campground that charges over $75 a night after fees and taxes, the treatment I received was unacceptable.
Guests deserve honesty, clear communication, and basic respect.
ScoutThe host was extremely accommodating, even coming in last minute and late at night. Good to find a safe spot while solo traveling. I will absolutely be back
Camping near Knoxville, Maryland offers diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 250 to 1,000 feet along the border of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Potomac River Valley. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while spring and fall bring cooler weather between 45-75°F, creating ideal camping conditions from April through October. The area's unique positioning at the junction of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia provides access to multiple state parks and historical sites within a 30-mile radius.
Hiking to waterfalls: Cunningham Falls State Park features Maryland's largest cascading waterfall with multiple trail options. "I hate it when you go to some parks and it looks forced or man-made," notes a visitor to Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park, who appreciated the well-kept trails and natural scenery.
Historical exploration: The area offers significant Civil War history sites and heritage trails. "Harpers Ferry is a cute little historic town and the hiking is amazing, being right on the Appalachian Trail," according to a camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA.
Water recreation: The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers provide excellent fishing, tubing and paddling opportunities. A guest at Brunswick Family Campground described the Shenandoah as "beautifully clean, clear and cool" and noted the campground is "only an hour and 10 minutes" from Baltimore, making it convenient for weekend trips.
Waterfront sites: Riverside camping creates popular experiences along the Potomac. At Antietam Creek Campground, "Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River," shared one visitor who enjoyed direct water access.
Mountain views: The Catoctin Mountain area provides scenic vistas and forest settings. "This is a beautiful park with a lake, beach, and swimming area. Fishing is allowed. There are lots of hiking trails," explained a camper at Greenbrier State Park, who valued the natural amenities.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer well-separated camping areas. According to a Little Bennett camper: "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C & E are tents only."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close from November through March. "We stayed in early April 2021. The first weekend open of the season," noted a visitor at Gambrill State Park, who found the park well-prepared despite being early in the camping season.
Train noise: Several riverside campgrounds are near active railroad lines. One camper explained, "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night."
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings from May through September often fill 2-3 months in advance. According to a Harpers Ferry KOA visitor: "We had to drive down and park their cars in the parking lot by the lake EARLY or you won't get a spot."
Alcohol restrictions: Maryland state parks prohibit alcohol, while private campgrounds typically allow it. A camper at Greenbrier noted: "Be aware: no alcohol in Maryland parks."
Water parks and activities: Some campgrounds feature dedicated children's facilities. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park described it as "amazing in every way possible. The kids were never bored and had so much fun. Us, as adults, were also never bored."
Swimming beaches: Lake access provides popular summer recreation. "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," shared a Cunningham Falls camper, although they noted "poison ivy everywhere" around certain campsites.
Educational programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," mentioned a camper at Cunningham Falls State Park.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds include play equipment. According to a Brunswick camper, the site has "an amazing playground for the kids" along with basic amenities in their "little store."
Site selection: Choose locations based on rig size and hookup needs. "Heads up, big rig owners! 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," warned a Harpers Ferry KOA visitor.
Utility availability: Water and electric hookups vary significantly by campground. A Little Bennett camper detailed: "There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow or poorly maintained access roads. At Brunswick Family Campground, a visitor noted "the road into the campground was badly in need of repair."
Cell coverage: Service varies widely throughout the region. A camper at Little Bennett reported, "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars)," providing useful connectivity information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Knoxville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Knoxville, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 148 campgrounds and RV parks near Knoxville, MD and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Knoxville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Knoxville, MD is Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA with a 3.7-star rating from 39 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Knoxville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Knoxville, MD.
What parks are near Knoxville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Knoxville, MD that allow camping, notably Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
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