Camping sites near Waterford, Virginia typically sit between 300-500 feet in elevation within the Piedmont region, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers create a transitional landscape between mountains and coastal plains. The region experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and winter nights frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area have a mix of wooded and open field sites, with varying levels of terrain and accessibility.
What to do
Tubing adventures: 6 miles from Brunswick. Brunswick Family Campground offers direct river access for water activities. "The Shenandoah is beautifully clean, clear and cool. There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part were turned in by 11," reports camper Brian S.
Hiking on Appalachian Trail: Connected to Greenbrier Park. The park provides access points to one of America's most famous long-distance trails. "Hike from visitor center to AT is steep and rocky," notes Butch B., who visited Greenbrier State Park Campground. For less experienced hikers, the park offers gentler trails around the lake area.
Historical site exploration: 30 minutes from Harpers Ferry. Civil War battlefields and historic towns provide educational opportunities. "The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car (or shuttle from the Visitor Center)," shares Matt S., who stayed at Harpers Ferry KOA.
What campers like
River views: Direct waterfront camping. At many sites, you can set up camp with unobstructed river views. "Our site was right along the water with a short walk to the boat ramp and access. It was very quiet, serene, & clean," explains Sabrina H. about her stay at Brunswick Family Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses. "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful," notes Katie H. about her experience at Greenbrier State Park Campground.
Walk-in riverside sites: Peace along the Potomac. For tent campers willing to carry gear a short distance, special opportunities exist. "All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site," explains Michelle N. about Antietam Creek Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad proximity affects several campgrounds. The CSX railroad runs close to several camping areas. "The CNO railroad runs pretty close it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," mentions Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground. Another camper notes: "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night."
Campground crowding: Seasonal variations. Summer weekends bring crowds, especially to sites with water features. "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers," reports Sarah K. about her summer experience at Greenbrier State Park. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer more solitude.
Water access varies: Check specifics before booking. Some sites offer direct water access while others require walks. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports Ray & Terri F. about their experience at Little Bennett Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation. Some locations offer specialized programming for children. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Swimming options: Lakes provide safer alternatives to rivers. Several campgrounds offer lake swimming with designated beach areas. "Great location, clean, big pool, mini golf a little run down and bounce house is broken, but jump area was great for kids," reports Diane S. about Harpers Ferry KOA.
Site selection for privacy: Request end sites when available. Corner or end sites typically offer more space and fewer neighbors. "Sites on the ends are by far larger than the center," advises Lauren B. about Brunswick Family Campground, noting that site selection is "incredibly important" for family comfort.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Check site specifications before booking. Some campgrounds have notably uneven sites. "Heads up, big rig owners! 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," warns Matt S. about his stay at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA.
Hookup availability: Full service not universal. Electric, water, and sewer connections vary significantly between campgrounds. "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," shares Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground.
Road access considerations: Some entrances challenging for large rigs. Narrow roads and tight turns can make navigation difficult. "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair. Site was not level and infested with black flies," cautions Robin about Brunswick Family Campground, suggesting smaller rigs may have easier access.
