Tent campsites near Martinsburg, West Virginia lie within the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, with most sites situated between 300-1,700 feet in elevation. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 55-65°F at night. Several campsites in this region require minimal hiking access, ranging from immediate walk-in sites to those requiring a 2-mile trek from designated parking areas.
What to do
Tubing adventures: The Potomac River provides excellent tubing opportunities from campgrounds like Antietam Creek Campground. "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!" notes reviewer Shawn W. at Antietam Creek Campground.
Rock climbing: The Annapolis Rock area offers numerous single-pitch climbing routes. As Cory D. points out about Annapolis Rock Campground, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. they offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!"
Overnight backpacking: The Appalachian Trail offers multiple tent camping options for multi-day hikers. "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers," explains Sean M. about Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, adding that it's "free as long as you are AT backpacking."
Local exploration: Some campsites provide access to nearby towns. Antietam Creek campers can "walk to Shepherdstown, WV for some fun," according to Shawn W., making it convenient to resupply or enjoy local restaurants during longer stays.
What campers like
River views: Riverside sites are highly valued by tent campers. At Opequon Junction, Emerson K. describes it as a "gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac." Similarly, Miranda M. found Horseshoe Bend to be a "wonderful spot on the river."
Trail-accessible showers: Rare shower facilities along the trail systems are particularly appreciated. Bob S. notes that Dahlgren Backpacker Campground offers "bathrooms and showers" while being "close to the South Mountain Inn, a hiker friendly restaurant."
Social atmosphere: The open layout at some sites creates community. Casey L. explains about Antietam Creek: "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."
Spring water access: Natural springs provide fresh water at several sites. Christopher B. mentions that Annapolis Rock has a "short walk to cold natural spring for water," providing hikers with reliable water without needing to carry it all.
What you should know
Access limitations: Many sites require walking from parking areas. Nick C. explains about Antietam Creek: "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners."
Campfire restrictions: Fire policies vary significantly between sites. At Annapolis Rock Campground, "no fires" rules are strictly enforced "due to restorations," according to Sy A., while most C&O Canal sites do permit fires in established rings.
Wildlife awareness: Venomous snakes inhabit some areas. "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," warns Sy A. about Annapolis Rock Campground.
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies widely. Kevin D. notes that at Antietam Creek, the "pit toilet was not very clean and there are no trash cans so folks had taken to leaving their trash in the bathroom," suggesting campers should be prepared with personal sanitation supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites closer to parking areas when with children. Andrew M. advises about Antietam Creek: "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."
Water access consideration: River access points vary in steepness. Michelle N. from Antietam Creek shares: "I stayed at Site 11 which had 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."
Noise factors: Consider traffic noise when selecting sites. Jarmonay N. notes about Antietam Creek that there's "a lot of car traffic," while another camper mentions constant foot and bicycle traffic along the C&O towpath during daylight hours.
Spacing awareness: Sites at Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry have "tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart," according to Ashley F., making them ideal for families needing more room to spread out.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only limitations: Most sites near Martinsburg don't accommodate RVs. The tent-focused Mulehalla campground has 12 tent sites and glamping options but isn't designed for RVs, with Ashley F. noting it has "tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart."
Alternative options: RVers should look toward the KOAs and private campgrounds outside the immediate Martinsburg area, as the C&O Canal and AT sites focus primarily on walk-in, hike-in, and primitive camping without RV hookups or adequate access for larger vehicles.
