Camping options near Charles Town, West Virginia offer a mix of riverfront settings and historic surroundings. The region sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet. Weather conditions vary significantly with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms during peak camping season.
What to do
River activities: Brunswick Family Campground provides direct Potomac River access with boat loading facilities. "The river is beautifully clean clear and cool. There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part we're turned in by 11," notes Brian S., who recommends night bike rides to explore the campground.
Historical exploration: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sits adjacent to Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA. "Harper's Ferry is a cute little historic town and the hiking is amazing, being right on the Appalachian Trail," writes Erin S., who appreciated the shuttles from the visitor center to downtown.
Canal trail access: Sites provide proximity to the C&O Canal towpath. "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," shares Susan K. about Brunswick Family Campground.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Harpers Ferry Campground offers campsites directly on the water. "My family stayed here for two nights during the middle of the week, about half the campground was occupied. Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water)," explains Mikala S., who enjoyed walking access from her site.
Kid-friendly amenities: Bull Run Regional Park features extensive family activities. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides," writes Bridget H.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," notes Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch, which also offers horseback riding opportunities.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "You are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me," writes Robin W. about Harpers Ferry Campground, where trains pass regularly day and night.
Highway proximity: Nahkeeta Campsite in Martinsburg sits near a major highway. "Right next to highway... literally a couple hundred yards from 4-lane highway with nothing to block the sound. Truck, car and train noise all night and all day long," warns Gabe in his review.
Variable water issues: Sites can experience water problems during heavy rain. "Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite," reports Stuart O. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Gettysburg Campground features updated facilities for children. "Lots of activities for kids. Basketball court recently updated," notes Alice G., who also mentioned the golf course gets a spooky theme during Halloween season.
River safety: When camping at waterfront sites, monitor children closely. "The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm," cautions Sherri C., highlighting the importance of supervising children around both water and railway areas.
Seasonal planning: Fall brings cooler temperatures but increased demand. "The park also offer cabin rentals if you don't want to camp. I like to take new families that have not camped before to this campsite, its close to home and if anyone decides to bail out there is a hotel 5 min away," advises Tom C. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Watermelon Park Campground offers RV sites but lacks some amenities. "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," reports Brian J.
RV site spacing: Many campgrounds pack RV sites tightly. "Sites are small and tight and some are at strange angles. They do have FHU and 30/50 amp," mentions Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure about Round Top Campground, where they found the staff friendly despite the compact spacing.
Narrow access roads: Approach routes can challenge larger rigs. "The road in off of US 7 is pretty narrow," warns Brian J. about Watermelon Park Campground, while Brunswick Family Campground's location at "the end of a road" requires careful navigation for longer motorhomes.
