The western Virginia region surrounding Cross Junction sits at elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet above sea level, characterized by rolling hills and valley terrain. The area experiences distinct seasons with fall camping popular from mid-September through late October when temperatures average 50-70°F. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, closing in late October or early November when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
River activities: 1.5 miles from campsite. Brunswick Family Campground offers excellent Potomac River access with multiple water recreation options. "Gorgeous spot on the river... Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," notes Darcy S. The campground provides boat loading facilities and fishing docks, making water activities easily accessible.
Explore historic areas: 6 miles by trail. The C&O Canal towpath runs directly through Brunswick Family Campground, creating excellent hiking and biking opportunities. "Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," explains Susan K., noting you can "walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours" along the historic canal path.
ATV adventures: Miles of trails available. The Cove Campground features extensive off-road trails specifically designed for ATVs, dirt bikes, and jeeps. Jacob I. describes it as having "miles of off-road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes" making it an excellent choice for motorsport enthusiasts camping near Cross Junction.
What campers like
Riverside settings: Direct water access. Campers consistently praise the waterfront sites along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Robin W. from Harpers Ferry Campground highlights that "it is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!" Many campsites offer similar water proximity, allowing for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying river views.
Family-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and open space. At Lazy A Campground, Casey L. appreciates the "wide open space to run and play," noting it's "fantastic for kids and pets." The campground features sports areas including horseshoes and basketball courts, plus a playground for younger children.
Shaded RV sites: Natural cooling. Many RV sites near Cross Junction, Virginia feature tree coverage for natural temperature regulation. Erica M. describes Lazy A Campground's layout, noting "Most sites have partial shade from the tree line. Each site has a fire ring and plastic picnic table." This natural shade is particularly valuable during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 85°F.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Regular train traffic. Several campgrounds near Harpers Ferry experience train noise throughout day and night. Sherri C. notes "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night." Similarly, at Harpers Ferry Campground, Maggie A. advises "bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper" due to the railroad tracks directly behind the campground.
Limited services at some locations. While many RV parks offer full hookups, smaller campgrounds may have minimal amenities. Nancy L. found at The Cove Campground that "the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to." Verify available services when booking, particularly if shower facilities are important.
Variable cell service. Coverage remains inconsistent throughout the Cross Junction region. At KOA Luray RV Resort, Jennifer K. observed "The wifi was terrible and unusable, even with our antenna. AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty," confirming the need for backup communication plans.
Tips for camping with families
Easy water recreation: Suitable for all ages. Brunswick Family Campground provides ideal family water access with gentle entry points. Brian S. describes the Shenandoah River as "beautifully clean clear and cool" with convenient access just "100 yards from here campsite." The clean, accessible water makes it ideal for families with young children.
All-in-one outdoor experiences: Multiple activities in one location. Fort Valley Ranch offers diverse family activities without leaving the campground. Jason G. explains "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus." Having multiple activities in one location reduces driving time between destinations.
Budget-friendly options: Under $30/night. Some campgrounds offer surprisingly affordable rates for families. Mikala S. noted at Harpers Ferry Campground, "We got a discount for staying 2 nights so it was only $29 a night," making it economical for multi-night family stays.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks. Some RV sites near Cross Junction, Virginia require significant leveling equipment. Jennifer K. warns about site P1 at Little Orleans Campground: "It's really unlevel. We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit. If we were staying more than a night we may have asked for a different site."
Access road conditions: Plan route carefully. Several campgrounds have challenging access roads requiring careful navigation. Christopher K. advises about The Cove Campground: "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive." This caution applies particularly to larger motorhomes and fifth wheels approaching more remote camping areas.
Seasonal campground closures: Check operating dates. Many RV parks around Cross Junction operate seasonally, typically closing by November 1st. Brunswick Family Campground explicitly lists its season as "Mar 25 - Nov 1," while Harpers Ferry Campground operates "April 1 to October 31," limiting late fall and winter camping options for RVers in the region.
