Camping options near Purcellville, Virginia sit at elevations between 300-800 feet in the northern Virginia Piedmont region. The area features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests and receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons often see temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
What to do
Hiking and historical exploration: Access the C&O Canal towpath from Brunswick Family Campground, which connects directly to longer trails. "Situated next to the river so half of the sites have river views. Nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing. Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," notes Susan K.
Water activities beyond tubing: The Potomac River provides multiple access points for paddling and fishing. "The Shenandoah is just as beautiful. The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids," shares Brian S. about his experience at Brunswick Family Campground.
Battlefield tours and history: Civil War sites surround the area within short driving distances. At Bull Run Regional Park, "This park has too many amenities to list. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," according to Bridget H., who mentioned the nearby historical significance.
What campers like
River-front camping: Many campsites offer direct water access. "The river view was nice, but we were packed in with our neighbors like sardines and no shade. The road into the campground was badly in need of repair," Robin notes about their stay at Brunswick Family Campground, showing both positives and challenges.
Tree coverage and privacy: Little Bennett Campground offers more wooded sites. "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," shares Ray & Terri F.
Multiple accommodation options: Premium glamping close to Purcellville, Virginia includes luxury cabins and yurts. "This is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more," writes Matt S. about Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night," cautions Sherri C. about their cabin experience at Brunswick Family Campground.
Seasonal operation limits: Many sites close during winter months. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware. The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious," notes Dale Y.
Site spacing varies significantly: Harpers Ferry Campground reviews mention proximity issues. "The campsites are one on top of the other in a row along the access road and the river. There is no separate between the sites (kids ran through ours a few times ripping out our guy lines) and you can hear all radios and all the conversations of your neighbors," warns Sherri C.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Multiple water features for kids beyond just pools. "There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature. Definitely recommend for families," notes Beth C. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Evening activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular family programming. "We had a blast and will be returning next season. Multiple pools and a great little water park. Store was well stocked, they also had a ice-cream/quick food store attached to the pool area and staff super friendly. Lots to do for kids of all ages, gaga pit tournaments at night, movies, hay rides, character events tons of stuff," shares David S. about Jellystone Park.
Accessibility to attractions: Position your stay strategically for day trips. "My family loves this camp ground. It's conveniently located, it's quite, it's beautiful and there is plenty to do to keep the kids busy," Ryan D. explains about Little Bennett Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness challenges: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers premium sites but preparation is needed. "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," warns Matt S.
Reservation requirements: Book well ahead for luxury glamping options near Purcellville. "The campground is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The only downside is you are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me," explains Robin W. about waterfront camping.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns impact site conditions. "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Park on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," shares Roberta K.
