The Millville area camping landscape follows the contours of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at elevations between 400-500 feet above sea level. Campgrounds experience high humidity from May through September with temperatures averaging 85°F during summer days, dropping to 65°F overnight. Summer rainfall creates lush vegetation but can cause rapid river level changes, affecting riverfront campsites.
What to do
Fishing along the river: Watermelon Park Campground offers excellent river access for anglers. "Views of river and mountain towering above campground on opposite side" provide a scenic backdrop for fishing activities according to Matt S., who also noted the "cheap tube rentals with busses that take you 2-3 miles up the road and drop you at boat landing."
Hiking on marked trails: Greenbrier State Park features multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "There are lots of hiking trails," notes Beth C., while Butch B. advises, "Hike from visitor center to AT is steep and rocky," indicating connections to the Appalachian Trail for more serious hikers.
Visit Civil War sites: Antietam Creek Campground serves as an ideal base for history enthusiasts. "The proximity to historical attractions, particularly Antietam Battlefield, enhances the appeal," writes one visitor. Anthony S. adds: "The hike that leads to the lookout about harpers ferry was fantastic. This hike takes you well above the town settled in West Virginia."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Harpers Ferry Campground is praised for its river positioning. "All spots are along the water," Mikala S. mentions. Another camper, Robin W., elaborates: "Wonderful tent campground. It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!"
Family activities: Jellystone Park in Williamsport offers numerous organized activities for children. "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground," says Beth C. Another camper, Mary, confirms: "The kids were never bored and had so much fun. Us, as adults, were also never bored."
Quieter, natural settings: Brunswick Family Campground provides a more peaceful camping experience. Brian S. describes it as "a small family owned campground" where "the Shanandoah river parallels the campground. The river is beautifully clean clear and cool." He adds, "There wasn't much late night going on it seemed all the campers for the most part were turned in by 11."
What you should know
Noise factors: Train tracks run near several campgrounds in the area. Sherri C. notes about Brunswick Family Campground: "Brunswick train station and depot is just a few hundred feet away and you can hear trains at all times of the night." At Harpers Ferry Campground, Mikala S. cautions: "There is a train track right behind the campground... Only had a couple come through the night our 1 yr old slept perfectly through it so it isn't too bothersome."
Weather variability: Late summer storms can cause rapid river level changes. According to Robin W., the riverside positioning means you can "go swimming right from your campsite," but this proximity also means campsites can be affected by heavy rainfall.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between campgrounds. At Antietam Creek Campground, Casey L. warns: "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross."
Tips for camping with families
Book river-adjacent sites: Kids particularly enjoy swimming access. "Fishing is allowed. There are lots of hiking trails. The only downsides are how crowded it can get peak season," Beth C. says about Greenbrier State Park.
Look for organized activities: Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA offers structured programs. According to Erin S., "The amenities for kids were incredible, with arts/crafts, a movie theatre, an arcade, nice playground, and jumping pillow."
Consider noise sensitivity: Some children sleep through train noise, others don't. Mikala S. shares, "Our 1 yr old slept perfectly through it so it isn't too bothersome," but other campers report disrupted sleep from passing trains.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. Matt S. notes about Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA: "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Navigation concerns: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. Brian P. advises: "Only thing I didn't care for is the sites are pretty close together and some of the back-in sites are not very level."
Water and electric hookups: Most campgrounds offer these basics, but not all provide sewer connections. Brian J. reports about Watermelon Park: "Price is a little high considering there is no sewer hookup (dump station is on site)."
