Hedgesville, West Virginia sits in the Eastern Panhandle at 630 feet elevation where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Shenandoah Valley. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching 20°F. Fall camping is particularly popular due to moderate 65-75°F daytime temperatures and vibrant foliage displays throughout October.
What to do
Hiking trails: 1.5-mile walk to historic Harpers Ferry from Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders: "From there you can grab a bite, visit the history of Harper's Ferry or continue exploring more hiking trails" notes a visitor. The trail begins at the campground entrance with clear signage indicating entry into Harpers Ferry National Park.
Water recreation: Fishing directly from campsites at Harpers Ferry Campground: "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite! The camp ground is part of river riders which offers lazy tubing, white water tubing, zip lining, and great kayaking down the river. There is also great fishing right from you campsite as well," reports one camper. The Potomac River access allows for immediate water activities without driving.
Historic exploration: Civil War Battlefields near Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA: "1 hour from DC and Baltimore" and very close to "historic and very haunted Sharpsburg and Gettysburg," according to reviewers. The Antietam Battlefield Visitor Center offers daily ranger-led tours from April through October.
Mountain recreation: 5-mile Lake Habeeb loop trail at Rocky Gap State Park Campground: "A lot to do here!" writes one visitor. "There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle. Easy to get to from I-70."
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Privacy between campsites at Cowans Gap State Park Campground: "Great park. Clean bath houses," notes one camper. Another says the campground has "nice sights, and a quiet area what more could you want." Sites in Loop B offer more seclusion with tree coverage between camping areas.
Lake amenities: Swimming beaches and boat rentals at Cowans Gap State Park: "One of our favorites! campground sits right on a gorgeous lake. Lots of fishing options including boats you can rent. A walking trail wraps around the whole lake," shares a visitor. The lake features designated swimming areas open from late May through early September.
Water park features: Resort-like pools at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport: "Great for families, lots of activities to do," according to visitors. A camper states the park has "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." The water features operate primarily during summer months from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Fall programming: Seasonal Halloween activities at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA: "Fall is the best at this campground with the trick or treating and haunted house," according to visitors. These special events typically run weekend nights throughout October.
What you should know
Train noise: Frequent rail traffic near Harpers Ferry Campground: "You are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me," explains one camper. Another warns, "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains." The tracks sit approximately 12-15 feet above the campground on a berm.
Bathroom facilities: Variable quality across locations near Hedgesville: At Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park, "Bathroom and shower facilities were mediocre large cracks in the fiberglass leaking water but they did provide an area to wash dishes." Other campgrounds have better facilities: "Bathhouse had no hot water and was filthy," noted one reviewer about Jellystone, while Rocky Gap features "clean, well stocked" bathrooms.
Site terrain: Variable leveling challenges at Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefields KOA: "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." Consider requesting level sites when booking glamping close to Hedgesville, West Virginia, especially with larger RVs.
Seasonal operation: Limited availability for many campgrounds: Most facilities near Hedgesville operate from April through October or November. Cunningham Falls State Park runs "April 1 to October 31," while Harpers Ferry KOA remains "Open All Year" for luxury camping options during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas at Fifteen Mile Campground: "Small clean campground on the CO Canal with vault toilets. Easy water access with a small boat ramp. A number of kayakers, canoes, and paddle boarders made use." Kids enjoy the mix of water and land activities in one location.
Educational programs: Evening ranger activities at Cunningham Falls: "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," notes one family. These typically include wildlife presentations, guided night hikes, and campfire programs suitable for various age groups.
Budget considerations: Pricing variations across glamping options near Hedgesville: "It was a nice place to stay for kids, lots to do for them. But very expensive for tent camping. I still paid nearly 100 a night," reports one Jellystone visitor. More affordable alternatives include state parks which typically charge $25-45 per night.
Kid-friendly hiking: Accessible waterfall trails at Cunningham Falls: "The hike that leads to the lookout about Harpers Ferry was fantastic. While some points are pretty steep don't let this deter you from completing it. The trail is well maintained, marked, and exciting," shares one visitor with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water options at Little Orleans Campground: "Nice sites and good price and very quiet," notes one RVer. "Sites and roads are gravel, nice newer fire pit and picnic table at each." Most RV sites include 30-amp service with water hookups, while some premium sites offer 50-amp and sewer connections.
Site dimensions: Space limitations at Harpers Ferry KOA: "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," warns one RV owner. Another mentions "the sites were all grass and gravel" with limited room for slide-outs and awnings. Glamping accommodations close to Hedgesville, West Virginia typically offer more spacious options than standard RV sites.
Reservation timing: Early booking recommended for popular weekends: "We enjoyed our stayed. The only complaint we had, and it's a pretty big one, is that there's NO CAMP STORE," notes one camper about Cowans Gap. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," advises another visitor.
