37 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Martinsburg, West Virginia cluster primarily along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, offering primitive tent camping along the Potomac River. Antietam Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites with riverside access, while several hiker-biker overnight campsites dot the C&O Canal towpath at regular intervals. Sacred Roots in West Virginia and C&O Camping Club in Maryland offer additional tent-only options within a short drive of Martinsburg.
Most tent campgrounds in this region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and flat tent pads, though surface conditions vary from grassy clearings to gravel-covered platforms. Vault toilets or portable facilities are standard at established sites, but running water is limited. At Antietam Creek, campers must park on the street and walk across a bridge to reach their sites. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds offering non-potable hand pumps while others require visitors to bring all water or filter from nearby streams. One camper noted that "there is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you."
The tent camping experience along the C&O Canal offers unique access to both natural settings and historical features. Sites positioned along the Potomac River provide opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife observation, though swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents. The proximity to the towpath means regular foot and bicycle traffic during daylight hours, creating a social atmosphere at some campgrounds. Privacy between campsites is often minimal, but the trade-off is easy access to miles of hiking and biking trails. A visitor commented that "there isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors or the C&O towpath, so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners," but the riverside location and historical context make these tent campsites particularly appealing for weekend adventures.
"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."
"Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We're excited to welcome these friendly and helpful hosts to our platform. Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart."
from $30 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac"
"There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability"This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I’ve heard it is sometimes enforced."
"Backpacker campground with bathrooms and showers. Close to the South Mountain Inn, a hiker friendly restaurant. Big field."
"Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."
"great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice"
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideQuite the dump and almost no one around to talk to. There is a bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and a shower. But it is cramped and not attractive. Most of the sites are right underneath the freeway, and very noisy. Primitive sites away from the road noise are nothing more than a wide area of the dirt road.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
TravelerRoad in was without any major wash outs so I drove in pulling my overlanding trailer in 2WD. Plenty of campsites which allowed everyone here to space out easily. Lots of cut up fallen trees around which made collecting firewood simple.
ScoutWas looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
GuideThis pet friendly campground in Caledonia State Park is .8 miles from the larger Chinquapin campground (no pets), ranger station and swimming pool. Our site #171 was level, paved, full hook ups and next to modern clean bathrooms with flush toilets, warm showers and outside dish washing sinks. Many available sites with and without services on a Sunday in October. There were a good number of friendly, tidy, long term campers with large wall tents. (They allow 21 day stays after Labor Day)
Scout15 free relatively level sites for smaller rigs and tent camping. Fire rings , picnic tables and some have lantern posts. There are 2 somewhat clean pit toilets.
ScoutBeautiful area. Very primitive, which is great. Roads were fairly decent to the campsite. Didn't stay near the water and no mountain view but still nice. Had a nice trail into the woods.
ScoutThe owners are friendly and te store is stocked and makes great camping/diner food. Well priced, and easy to get around. Bathrooms are solid and clean, with fast hot water!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Martinsburg, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Martinsburg, 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 Martinsburg, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Martinsburg, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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