The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park dominates the tent camping landscape near Hedgesville, West Virginia, with sites positioned at various points along the 184.5-mile towpath. This historic corridor follows the Potomac River with elevations ranging from 265 feet near Washington, DC to 605 feet at Cumberland. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
River activities: The Potomac River provides excellent fishing and paddling opportunities from many campsites. At Antietam Creek Campground, one camper noted, "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."
Historic exploration: The area offers rich Civil War history within short driving distance. As one camper at Antietam Creek Campground shared, "It's nice being so close to cool historical stuff," while another mentioned it's great for "proximity to Antietam and Harper's."
Rock climbing: For more adventurous campers, Annapolis Rock Campground provides climbing opportunities at higher elevations. A reviewer mentioned, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. They offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!"
Trail activities: The C&O Canal towpath connects multiple campsites, making it easy to bike or hike between locations. One camper at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground mentioned it's "a great place to stop on the AT" for those doing longer hikes.
What campers like
Direct water access: Many sites offer quick access to the Potomac River. A camper at Horseshoe Bend described it as a "wonderful spot on the river" with convenient river proximity.
Basic amenities: Most sites provide the essentials for tent camping. At Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Campsite, one camper appreciated the basics: "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need? Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim."
Scenic views: Several campgrounds offer notable vistas. A reviewer at Annapolis Rock Campground emphasized the payoff after the hike: "The overlook at Annapolis Rock is glorious. The elevation is 1700 feet so its quite a trek up to the site."
Social atmosphere: The open layout of many sites creates opportunities for interaction. One camper noted: "It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting."
What you should know
Walk-in requirements: Most sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Antietam Creek, a camper explained: "It's a weird setup with respect to parking—as you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite. If you got one close to the bridge over the canal then you're 100ft from the car, but if not then it could be a little bit of a walk."
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between sites. One reviewer noted: "The sites are nice, but seemed pretty close together. As far as campgrounds on the AT go, this is one of the nicer ones."
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railroad noise. A camper at Cacapon Junction simply stated: "Train close by," indicating the proximity of tracks to camping areas.
Seasonal timing: The best tent camping near Hedgesville, West Virginia typically occurs from April through October. Antietam Creek Campground operates from May 1 to October 1, with other sites having similar seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with shorter walks from parking. One camper at Antietam Creek advised: "All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site."
Water safety: The Potomac has varying current strengths. A reviewer noted: "It has its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season and location. One camper shared: "Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes!"
Privacy considerations: Many sites lack significant separation. At Mulehalla, a reviewer highlighted the difference: "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart," making it potentially better for families seeking more separation from other campers.
Tips from RVers
No hook-up options: The best tent camping near Hedgesville offers minimal amenities for RVs. The C&O Canal campgrounds primarily accommodate tent campers with no electric, water, or sewer hookups available.
Alternative options: RVers should consider private campgrounds in the broader region. Mulehalla offers more space but still lacks traditional RV hookups, with one reviewer noting it "offers glamping experiences and sometimes live music. Bring the family (and the dog) to enjoy this gorgeous property."
Parking limitations: Vehicle size restrictions apply at most canal-adjacent sites. Most parking areas cannot accommodate large rigs, requiring separate arrangements for RV parking away from the immediate camping area.
