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Best Campgrounds near Purcellville, VA

1,115 Reviews

The camping landscape surrounding Purcellville, Virginia encompasses a range of established campgrounds within driving distance of the Northern Virginia region. The area includes Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA and Harpers Ferry Campground, both offering full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Watermelon Park Campground near Berryville provides riverside camping options approximately 20 miles west of Purcellville. Sky Meadows State Park, located about 15 miles south, offers primitive tent camping with hike-in access for those seeking a more secluded experience. These campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities from basic toilets to full hookups.

Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during peak season from April through October. A recent review noted, "The beauty in this area is undeniable. Hiking, scenic views, the whole 9 yards." Road access to most sites is well-maintained, though some tent-only areas require short hikes to reach. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls making shoulder seasons ideal for camping. Elevation changes throughout the region create microclimates worth considering when planning trips. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly at Sky Meadows and along portions of the Potomac River corridor.

Several visitors highlighted the historical significance of camping in this region, with Harper's Ferry National Historical Park and the Appalachian Trail providing popular day trip destinations from nearby campgrounds. The C&O Canal Towpath offers additional opportunities for hikers and cyclists, with hiker/biker campsites available along the trail. Campground reviews consistently mention proximity to water as a key feature, with the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers providing scenic backdrops for many camping areas. According to one camper, "Harpers Ferry is a cute little historic town and the hiking is amazing, being right on the Appalachian Trail." While sites closer to town offer more amenities and activities, those seeking quieter experiences may prefer the more primitive camping options at state parks or along the C&O Canal.

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Best Camping Sites Near Purcellville, Virginia (157)

    1. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    39 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6895

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We were able to walk or ride our bikes to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and access the C+O Canal Tow Path from there."

    "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. "

    2. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    24 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-2663

    "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."

    "This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia. While some points are pretty steep don’t let this deter you from completing it. The trail is well maintained, marked, and exciting."

    3. Brunswick Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brunswick, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 834-9950

    $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."

    4. Watermelon Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Berryville, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 955-4803

    $60 - $150 / night

    "It is a nice campground, decent and clean facilities and a nice location near the river. Price is a little high considering there is no sewer hookup (dump station is on site)."

    "Well maintained and owner was around everyday doing work on the property and was friendly."

    5. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    6. Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Paris, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 592-3556

    "Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet."

    "When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool! We came in August and it was super hot, but that is just Virginia."

    7. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Positives

    * Big, immaculately groomed tent pads

    * Mostly tent campers!"

    "Our site was private and kind of faced away from most other sites. There was a hiking trail behind us that led to the lake."

    8. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "If you are looking for camping in Fairfax County Virginia, this is it, because there are only a couple to choose from."

    "We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."

    9. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "We prefer hiking as a family and staying away from crowds and this camp site wasn’t crowded or felt busy. It’s a quick drive from NOVA but just far enough where you feel away from it all."

    "We live in Montgomery County and this is a nice camping get away close to home."

    10. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    11 Reviews
    Sharpsburg, MD
    19 miles
    Website

    $20 / 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Purcellville, VA

447 Photos of 157 Purcellville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Purcellville, VA

1115 Reviews of 157 Purcellville Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Horrie Neighbors

    dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Riverside site

    The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    KOA Luray RV Resort

    Just turned into a KOA?

    Wright next to the Luray caves and near the starting point of the Skyline drive. Nice, quietly located camping, surrounded by fields. You have all the necessary amenities that you would expect on a KOA camping. (I think they just now became KOA, last month it was still the big skies camping). There is a small but nice swimmingpool. Fun; lots of fireflies (in the right seasons?)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    Very clean and Nice Views

    Very clean campground with super friendly staff. I really enjoyed my time here.

  • Lindsay C.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Little Fort Campground

    Nice secluded campsite

    There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle. I arrive at 7:30pm on a Saturday in late August and thought I might be too late to get a spot but there were only two other groups there so I had my pick of most of the sites. 

    Overall it's a nice secluded spot, although I had a couple of complaints. The picnic tables at most of the sites had seen better days and I'm not sure if I would have wanted to sit at them if I had stayed at the site for any meals. Also, I could hear some cars drive by and some dogs barking while I was trying to sleep, which was a bit disruptive. Otherwise, I would recommend this campsite. 

    Note: this page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site, so I wouldn't count on having any reception.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    A World Away Farm LLC

    Great folks. Inexpensive for full hookup.

    They have a farm with chickens, ducks, horses etc for our 7 yr old to enjoy. She got to feed the chickens, gather eggs and offer carrots to the beautiful horses. Wonderful people ❤️. We will be back next year.

Guide to Purcellville

Camping near Purcellville, Virginia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails right from your campsite. At Big Meadows Campground, one camper shared, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, provide access to rivers and lakes for fishing. One visitor noted, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground remarked, "Beautiful place. Lots of deer!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Bull Run Regional Park said, "Sites are gravel pretty level and not too close."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are conveniently located near Washington, D.C. A camper noted, "The campground is well run. The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Site Selection: Choosing the right site is crucial. One camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA advised, "Do your homework on sites...the sites were so unlevel, close together."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground noted, "Verizon signal not great for streaming, but adequate for all else."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Pohick Bay Campground, a reviewer said, "The playground butts up against the inner circle which are the only sewer sites."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Caledonia State Park Campground enjoyed, "Lots of neat things around...we went to a winery and an ice cream place."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store sells s'mores ingredients, limited candy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "The sites were so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground noted, "There is a dump station nearby that is convenient."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground."

Camping near Purcellville, Virginia, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Purcellville, VA?

The Purcellville area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA provides convenient access to historic sites and recreational activities with both shaded and open sites. It's family-friendly with a pool and kid-focused amenities. For a more peaceful experience, Watermelon Park Campground near Berryville offers riverside camping with basic amenities. Both locations are within 30 minutes of Purcellville and serve as great basecamps for exploring the region's hiking trails, historic sites, and natural beauty.

What amenities are available at Purcellville camping areas?

Camping areas near Purcellville offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views features beautiful manicured grounds, a large dog park, swimming pool, and friendly staff, all adjacent to a working farm with livestock. Brunswick Family Campground provides riverside sites with welcoming staff and easy water access. Other area campgrounds typically offer clean restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and paddling. More developed campgrounds include electric hookups, water, shower facilities, and camp stores, while more primitive sites offer a back-to-nature experience with basic facilities.

When is the best season for camping in Purcellville?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping conditions near Purcellville. May through June brings comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities at places like Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park. September and October showcase spectacular fall foliage, particularly at Sky Meadows State Park Campground, with pleasant days and cooler nights. Summer months (July-August) provide the fullest camping experience with all facilities open, though higher temperatures and occasional thunderstorms should be expected. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with limited or no winter camping options due to freezing temperatures and potential snow.

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