The Shenandoah Valley region surrounding Clear Brook, Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet, creating variable conditions throughout the year. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs typically reaching 85-90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region open from March through October with limited winter availability near Clear Brook's low-lying valleys.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Access points near Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders put you minutes from historic trail segments. "Harpers Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit. Highly recommended!" notes reviewer Annie S. The campground provides direct access to multiple trail options.
River activities along the Potomac: Fishing, kayaking, and tubing options abound within 30 minutes of Clear Brook. A camper at Harpers Ferry Campground shared, "There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver." This makes for convenient riverside dining.
C&O Canal exploration: The historic canal towpath runs adjacent to Brunswick Family Campground, offering miles of flat terrain for biking. "You could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," writes Susan K. The well-maintained path connects several historic sites.
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: Many campers appreciate direct water access. At The Cove Campground, you'll find "a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats," according to reviewer Shanna B. This provides multiple water activity options without leaving camp.
Historic battlefield proximity: The area's Civil War history draws many visitors. A camper staying at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted the "Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door." This location minimizes driving between historic sites.
Well-maintained state park facilities: Campers consistently rate state parks highly. A visitor to Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park shared, "Clean grounds and importantly clean facilities. Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners." The park maintains accessibility while preserving natural settings.
What you should know
Train noise impacts some sites: The railroad runs close to several campgrounds. A Brunswick Family Campground reviewer mentioned, "The CNO railroad runs pretty close it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware." Similarly, campers at Harpers Ferry Campground noted passing trains throughout the night.
Variable site spacing: Many campgrounds feature tightly spaced sites. At Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, one camper observed, "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together." Request end sites when possible for more space.
Weather impacts: The region experiences significant seasonal variation. A fall visitor noted, "We closed out the season with a trip here. It was absolutely serene and beautiful as the leaves were changing." Spring visits often encounter more rain and potential flooding near rivers.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Family-focused campgrounds offer numerous activities. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a visitor shared, "We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us...The kids were never bored and had so much fun." Playground equipment, splash pads, and organized activities keep children occupied.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature farm animals. A Hagerstown KOA visitor mentioned, "my kids were obsessed with the goats and the little mining table." These unique interactions create memorable experiences for children.
Beach access considerations: When glamping close to Clear Brook, Virginia with children, look for properties with designated swim areas. "The campground beach is fun. There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake," noted a Rocky Gap State Park Campground visitor. Supervised swimming areas provide safer water play options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven sites. An RVer at Harpers Ferry KOA warned, "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." Always check site reviews for leveling information.
Road conditions: Some properties have difficult access roads. At The Cove Campground, a camper noted, "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive." RVs with low clearance may struggle during rainy periods.
Utility hookup variations: Water and electric accessibility varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at North Fork Resort observed, "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 to reach shared utilities.
