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Best Tent Camping near Harpers Ferry, WV

1,068 Reviews

Tent campers exploring the Harpers Ferry area have several options along the Potomac River and nearby Appalachian Trail. Antietam Creek Campground in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers walk-in tent sites along the river, while Dahlgren Backpacker Campground provides dedicated tent camping for hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry in West Virginia and several hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal towpath round out the tent camping landscape within a short distance of town.

Most tent sites in the region require campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their camping area. At Antietam Creek, campers must park on the road and walk across a bridge to reach riverside tent sites. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly. Water availability is inconsistent across locations, with Dahlgren and some C&O Canal sites offering drinking water while others have none. Toilet facilities range from vault toilets to portable units, with conditions varying by season and maintenance schedules. According to one visitor at Antietam Creek, "The hard thing about this place is you have to park on the road and haul all of your stuff across the field and over the fence."

The riverside setting of many tent campsites creates both benefits and challenges. Walk-in tent locations along the C&O Canal provide direct river access and shade from mature trees. Train noise affects several campsites, particularly those near railroad crossings. Marble Quarry campsite stands out for its quieter setting away from train lines. Most sites allow fires in designated rings, though some areas like Annapolis Rock prohibit open flames. A camper at Horseshoe Bend described it as a "small, secluded, beautiful" spot with a water pump and picnic table right on the river. The proximity to both the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal towpath makes these tent camping areas ideal bases for hiking and biking excursions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (37)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Harpers Ferry, WV

37 Photos of 37 Harpers Ferry Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Harpers Ferry, WV

1068 Reviews of 37 Harpers Ferry Campgrounds

  • RL
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great views, primitive camping

    We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

    The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites 🪁💙

  • Gary G.
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Perfectly located to complete the AT in Maryland in sections

    We hiked from Harper's Ferry to Pen Mar on the AT and used this fabulous campground as a base station the entire 5 days.  The level and semi-private sites were excellent, although there were no water hook ups at each site.  We were allowed to fill the camper with water before we set up, which worked out fine.

    There is a swim area and some trails, but our focus was on the AT so we did not use them much.  The hosts were wonderful, bathroom facilities were older but well maintained, and the overall campground atmosphere was great!

  • Caleb H.
    Apr. 22, 2020

    Huckleberry Hill Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Small but beautiful

    It’s one of those camp sites that is right off the bike path, not far from Harper’s Ferry. It’s small with only one picnic table and one grill, but plenty of area for about 3-4 camp sites. It is gorgeous though waking up right along the Potomac. A great place to camp for free if you’re doing a bike pack up from DC to Harper’s Ferry and then back the next day. Or a great place to stop as one of the stops from Pittsburgh to DC.

  • Corey B.
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Little Fort Campground

    Great Stay

    Small and simple campground with a handle full of sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are semi secluded from each other. Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve. Free to camp.

    We camped so we could spend two days on the OHV Trails with the Jeep. Had an incredible time. We'll be back.

  • Lucas B.
    Jul. 2, 2017

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Awesome foray into backpacking

    Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • Amy S.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Make sure you get a private site

    Good campground but there don't seem to be a ton of private spots. We lucked out and go a spot on Dogwood loop, site 20, with nobody on one side and some space between our site and the other site on the other side. There was water and bathrooms right across the road. Campground had showers but we didn't use them so I'm not sure how clean they are. We also didn't make it down to the lake. Easy check in and out and they sold us wood at check in. Close to the AT and only about an hour from Harper's Ferry where we spent the day.

  • M J.
    Jun. 15, 2021

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Wonderful location in Shenandoah

    More quiet than the Big Meadows area (less people for sure!). Simple campground, with all you need to experience a wonderful time in Shenandoah. In the more northern area of the park, and we found that with a Thursday-Sunday time frame there was so many less people. Bathrooms are simple, and no showers. Our site B125 was not huge (are any sites here huge? I didn't see one!), but we had space for our larger North Face tent on the tent pad (just barely!). Our site had a fire ring and picnic table, though no bear box. Seems like some sites had the boxes, and others did not. Be sure to lock up your food and anything questionable here. Policy was pretty strict about that. B125 was tucked against a hill and woods (and man those woods are right at the edge of your site). Across from us was a handicap site, and next to us was a handicap site as well. It meant we had basically no neighbors for our early June weekend camping. Saturday night was quite full all around (still no neighbors for that spot). Some spots at Matthews Arm are reservable, others are first come first serve. It's cheap! You can park some trailers here, but it probably depends on your set up which spots would be best for that. There are a number of trails that you can get to either from campground, or sorta close. We hiked out near the group site and could get to Overall Run Falls (which I believe is the tallest in the park). As with all Shenandoah hikes, a good amount of up and down on this one. We really enjoyed our visit here and will definitely be back! 

    Don't forget to wait for full dark, and then look up. Breathtaking. 

    So. Many. Stars.

Guide to Harpers Ferry

Tent camping near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Attractions to Explore

  • Experience the rich history of the area while camping at Antietam Creek Campground, located near the Antietam National Battlefield, perfect for history buffs.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Annapolis Rock Campground, just a short hike from the Appalachian Trail and the stunning Annapolis Rock overlook.
  • Visit the nearby Gathland State Park, where you can camp at Gathland State Park Campground and explore its historical monuments and scenic trails.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Harpers Ferry

Activities to Enjoy While Camping

  • Take advantage of the nearby hiking trails at Washington Monument State Park Campground, where you can explore the park's natural beauty and historical sites.
  • Enjoy fishing and swimming opportunities at Mulehalla, which offers a spacious area for tents and a welcoming atmosphere for families and pets.
  • Experience the thrill of rock climbing at Annapolis Rock Campground, where you can challenge yourself on the cliffs after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Harpers Ferry, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Harpers Ferry, WV is Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 3.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Harpers Ferry, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Harpers Ferry, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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