Camping options near Clear Brook, Virginia blend accessibility with rural solitude, with most sites sitting at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot summers with average July temperatures reaching the 90s and mild winters where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F. The region's location at the northern entrance to the Shenandoah Valley creates diverse camping terrain from riverside locations to wooded mountain settings.
What to do
Gun range access: The Cove Campground features an outdoor shooting range alongside numerous other activities. A reviewer noted, "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome."
ATV trails: For off-road enthusiasts, several campsites near Clear Brook provide extensive trail systems. "This was our first time camping here and it will NOT be our last. This Campground had everything I wanted. Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites," shared a visitor at The Cove Campground.
River activities: Many sites offer direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating. One camper at Harpers Ferry Campground mentioned, "Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus."
Historical exploration: The region contains significant Civil War battlefields and historic towns within short drives. A reviewer noted, "There is no separate between the sites... and you can hear all radios and all the conversations of your neighbors. The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm."
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Sites directly on waterways consistently rank as favorites. At Camp Cacapon, a guest shared, "This is exactly my idea of camping. Beautiful place, tucked in the woods, right next to the river. The RV campsite is spacious, private, shaded, and with full hook-ups."
Privacy between sites: Berryville Berries offers secluded spaces that feel remote despite being close to amenities. A camper reported, "This camping area has all the feel of being remote and isolated, but it's actually in very short range of all the amenities you'd ever need. With easy access off major roadways and a short drive from Winchester, VA."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are frequently highlighted in positive reviews. At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park, one visitor observed, "For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was. Firewood is $8 (honor system), but there was some leftover at my site already."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families with designated play areas. As one camper at The Cove Campground stated, "Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun."
What you should know
Train noise: Several riverside campgrounds near Clear Brook have active railroad tracks nearby. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground warned, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night."
Variable cell service: Coverage can be inconsistent throughout the region. At Camp Cacapon, reviewers mentioned, "Be sure to download checkin instructions prior to arrival as there is wifi, but no cell service … bonus for relaxation!"
Summer heat: Temperatures consistently reach the 90s during peak season. "We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves," noted a visitor, highlighting the benefits of off-season camping.
RV certification requirements: Some campgrounds have strict policies about what vehicles they accept. At Candy Hill Campground, one camper reported, "My bride & I roll in a DIY Class B (2017 For Transit High Top & Extended Length). It is VERY WELLL MAINTAINED inside & out... Made online Reservations without any problem... That is when I was told I could not stay at Candy Hill... CANDY HILL ONLY WANTS RV's that are RVIA Certified."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campsites near Clear Brook feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Candy Hill Campground shared, "Nice campground for families and couples. Clean restrooms. Camp store has everything you need. New pool and nice playgrounds. Rocking trolley to the Dairy Queen was great."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds have farm animals that children enjoy. "This campground is fantastic for kids and pets. Lots of wide open space to run and play. The owners are fantastic! So friendly and accommodating," noted a camper at Lazy A Campground.
Water activities for kids: Rivers and lakes provide natural entertainment for children. According to one visitor, "The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly. Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level."
Accessible hiking: Many sites offer trails appropriate for young hikers. A camper at The Cove Campground recommended, "We went here just before the busy season and only had to share the camp loop with one other group. Very nice and peaceful and staff were extremely friendly and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have significant slopes that can make leveling larger RVs difficult. At Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA, one RVer cautioned, "Heads up, big rig owners! 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."
Access road considerations: Some access roads may be challenging for larger vehicles. According to a reviewer at Watermelon Park Campground, "The road in off of US 7 is pretty narrow."
Hook-up availability: Water access points can be limited at some sites. One camper noted, "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."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or on-site dump stations. A visitor commented, "Price is a little high considering there is no sewer hookup (dump station is on site)."
