Camping options near Purcellville, Virginia range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations throughout the Loudoun County region. The area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping season. Many campgrounds in this region feature river access, with the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers providing recreation opportunities and scenic water views.
What to do
Historic exploration: 1.5 miles from camp to town. Harpers Ferry Campground gives direct access to walking trails into the historic district. "My family stayed here for two nights during the middle of the week... normally 1.5 mile walk down into Harpers ferry," shares Mikala S., who appreciated the convenient location despite some COVID-19 restrictions during her visit.
River activities: Immediate access from campsite. Riverside camping at Harpers Ferry Campground offers great swimming options. "Wonderful tent campground. It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!" explains Robin W. The campground connects with river recreation companies offering "tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river."
Hiking: Various trail difficulties. National park trails offer everything from casual walks to challenging climbs. "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. 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," advises Anthony S. from Harpers Ferry Campground.
What campers like
River views: Immediate waterfront access. Watermelon Park Campground provides scenic Shenandoah River frontage. "This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting," notes Emily L., though she points out the remote location means "it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi."
Transportation options: Free shuttles provided. Some campgrounds provide transportation for water activities. Matt S. mentions at Watermelon Park Campground they offer "Cheap tube rentals with busses that take you 2-3 miles up the road and drop you at boat landing. Bring your own tubes and have a camp member drop you off as well."
Private bathroom facilities: Individual shower rooms. Bull Run Regional Park offers modern bathroom facilities. "I'll go again just for the showers," says Yvonne B. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."
What you should know
Railroad proximity: Frequent train activity. Brunswick Family Campground sits near active train tracks. "The CSX railroad runs pretty close it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," mentions Brian S. The railroad proximity is more pronounced at Harpers Ferry Campground, where Sherri C. notes "you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains."
Unlevel sites: Bring leveling equipment. Many campgrounds in the area have sites that require significant leveling. At Fort Valley Ranch Campground, Jason G. notes most RV sites were "impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," but at Prince William Forest RV Campground, Cheryl D. cautions "the back row is steep. We were unable to get our Super C level."
Limited amenities at some locations. Watermelon Park Campground has water and electric but no sewer connections. Brian J. reports: "Price is a little high considering there is no sewer hookup (dump station is on site). A few things I'm disappointed in 1) no fire rings but you can use an above ground pit, 2) not all sites have picnic tables."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple age-appropriate options. Several rv sites near Purcellville, Virginia feature children's play areas. At Watermelon Park, Matt S. found a "Nice playground that they plan on expanding," making it a "Great campground for families."
Activity schedules: Check for campground-organized events. Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA offers structured family activities. "The amenities for kids were incredible, with arts/crafts, a movie theatre, an arcade, nice playground, and jumping pillow," reports Erin S., who adds "for adults they had wine tastings and a coffee shop open on the weekend."
Site selection importance: Request corner sites. At Harpers Ferry KOA, Jen V. notes that despite crowding, "Our site was extremely close to our neighbor's site, but still surprisingly roomy and decently shaded. We were right next to the pancake hut (free daily pancake breakfast included during the on-season) and playground, and very close to other activities."
Tips from RVers
Military credentials required: Special access locations. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offers exceptional facilities for qualified campers. "Spent several nights here while visiting Washington DC. You need military credentials," advises Mike H., who appreciated the "Nice views of river" and found the site worked well as a "Base camp for our DC visit."
Site length considerations: Road navigation concerns. Many campgrounds have narrow access roads that require careful driving for large rigs. At Brunswick Family Campground, Lauren B. emphasizes: "Great campground as long as you select the correct site as that is incredibly important. I'm sure in peak season or holidays it can be very busy and then you'd be very tight to your neighbor especially in the A loop. Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center."
Full hook-up availability varies by site. RV sites near Purcellville offer various hookup combinations. At Watermelon Park, Tim S. notes the limitations: "No sewer. Price was high considering lack of amenities. Right on Potomac and river access for tubers could be good for some."
