Campgrounds surrounding Gerrardstown provide diverse opportunities for camping in West Virginia's eastern panhandle region. The area sits at elevations between 500-1,000 feet with rolling terrain and access to both the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with nighttime lows that can dip into the 40s.
What to do
Riverside activities: Harpers Ferry Campground provides direct water access with numerous recreation options. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," notes Darcy S. Water recreation remains popular throughout warm months.
Historic explorations: The region contains numerous Civil War sites and historic towns within short driving distance. Anthony S. describes one popular trail at Harpers Ferry Campground: "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."
Fishing ponds: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing areas for guests. Jason G. from Fort Valley Ranch reports: "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."
What campers like
River frontage: Direct access to waterways ranks high among camper preferences. "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)," writes Mikala S. about Harpers Ferry Campground, noting the convenient riverside placement.
Trail connections: Many campers appreciate access to regional hiking networks. Susan K. from Brunswick Family Campground states: "Also 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."
Open play areas: Campgrounds with expansive recreational spaces receive positive reviews. Erica M. describes Lazy A Campground: "It is not a large campground in number of sites but has huge open fields for lots of outdoor fun. It has tent sites and level rv sites with 30 amp and water." These fields allow for impromptu sports and group activities.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines which affects noise levels. Sherri C. notes about Harpers Ferry Campground: "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night."
Water quality issues: Some locations experience water quality challenges. Adam and Suzanne B. mention: "The only reason it lost a star is that the water has sulfur. It smells and it stained our brand-new toilet and we had to replace all our water filters after one weekend." This affects both drinking and equipment maintenance.
Highway proximity: Certain rv campgrounds near Gerrardstown position sites close to major roadways. Charlene M. from Nahkeeta Campsite reports: "Communication was easy since everything was through text. Good hookups. No bathrooms or showers. You hear the traffic on route 9 but not bad."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Campgrounds with dedicated play equipment provide important recreation options. Brian S. describes Brunswick Family Campground: "The Shanandoah is just as beautiful. The showers could use a good cleaning but they are typical Campground showers perfect for the campground life. The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids."
Water activities: Sites with swimming areas rank high for family satisfaction. Nicholas S. notes: "Great location right next to the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."
Budget considerations: Family activities at premium campgrounds can affect overall costs. Mark G. from Jellystone Park Williamsport advises: "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."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many rv campgrounds in Gerrardstown and surrounding areas present leveling difficulties. Jennifer K. reports: "Our site P1 is a full hook up pull through but it's really unlevel. We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit. If we were staying more than a night we may have asked for a different site."
Site spacing: RV sites often place units in close proximity. Lauren B. from Brunswick Family Campground observes: "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."
Seasonal operational differences: Many RV campgrounds have varied schedules and amenity availability. Werner S. encountered unexpected changes at one location: "Wright next to the Luray caves and near the starting point of the Skyline drive. Nice, quietly located camping, surrounded by fields. You have all the necessary amenities that you would expect on a KOA camping. (I think they just now became KOA, last month it was still the big skies camping)."
