RV camping near Waterford, Virginia ranges from riverfront sites with access to kayaking and tubing to forested retreats with Civil War historical significance. Between elevations of 350-600 feet, campers experience humid summers with daytime temperatures commonly reaching 85-95°F from June through August. Many campgrounds in this region report intermittent cell service, with Verizon typically offering the strongest coverage among major carriers.
What to do
Hiking trails: Brunswick Family Campground connects directly to the C&O Canal towpath, allowing miles of uninterrupted hiking or biking. "Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," notes Susan K., making it accessible without driving.
Water activities: The Potomac River provides multiple recreation options at Harpers Ferry Campground. "Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," shares Darcy S., who appreciated the riverside location. The campground serves as a base for River Riders adventure company, providing equipment rentals and guided excursions.
Historical exploration: Civil War history surrounds Round Top Campground in Gettysburg. A visitor explains, "We were there to relax but also to explore the town and battlefields. Again the drive into town was short and had enough road side visuals to keep you from dwelling on the drive."
What campers like
Riverfront access: Multiple sites at Brunswick Family Campground offer direct river views. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it," reports Nicholas S., highlighting the water accessibility that attracts many summer visitors.
Clean facilities: Bull Run Regional Park receives consistent praise for bathroom cleanliness. "I'll go again just for the showers," writes Yvonne B., explaining, "They're worth staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls... Best camping showers I've ever had."
Military base camping: For those with appropriate credentials, Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp provides secure accommodations with river views. Mike H. notes, "Nice views of river. Eagle's nest were interesting," adding that while "some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear," they remain "definitely manageable."
What you should know
Train noise proximity: Several campgrounds near Waterford sit close to active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry KOA, campers should prepare for periodic disruptions. One reviewer notes, "We were right next to the pancake hut and playground," showing how the campground layout places amenities strategically to mitigate noise concerns.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require additional equipment for proper setup. At Round Top Campground, Jeremy K. reports, "While the site was shaded, it was also on a significant hill and had NO view of anything but other seasonal campers."
Seasonal popularity: Drummer Boy Camping Resort fills quickly during peak season. "We were there in the days leading up to 4th of July, and there was not a single empty site," one camper observed, recommending advance reservations for holiday periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bull Run Regional Park offers family-friendly amenities but with specific limitations. "Only drawback is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located," advises Yvonne B., suggesting families select sites near this feature when possible.
Swimming options: Drummer Boy Camping Resort provides water recreation without leaving the grounds. "The pool with the slide was very clean," reports Sabrina H., adding that bathroom facilities were "much cleaner and better than others we've been in."
Activity planning: Fort Valley Ranch combines camping with unique experiences. Jason G. shares, "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."
Tips from RVers
Maneuverability challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation for larger rigs. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, Kristen M. notes, "Almost all sites are pull through and are close together. Most have some tree cover (and some of the trees could use a trim along the roads)."
Utility placement issues: Sewer connections at some campgrounds present practical challenges. At Round Top Campground, Charles S. reported, "The sewer consisted of a storage tank less than 10 ft from our picnic table. It stunk."
Golf cart traffic: Multiple campgrounds permit golf carts, creating unique considerations. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, one visitor observed, "Everyone here pretty much has golf carts & drives them everywhere. For some places within the campground, it's hard to find regular car/truck parking."
