Millville, West Virginia sits along the Potomac River near the Maryland-West Virginia border, about 60 miles northwest of Washington D.C. The area features dense hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Many campgrounds offer year-round or extended season accommodation options, with proximity to historic Civil War sites, rivers, and recreational trails.
What to do
River activities: Potomac access: At Brunswick Family Campground, the Shenandoah River offers excellent water recreation. "The river is beautifully clean, clear and cool," notes Brian S. The campground provides direct river access with "a nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing."
C&O Canal exploration: 6-mile bike ride: Follow the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, which runs adjacent to Brunswick Family Campground. "Situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," shares Susan K.
Fall festivals: October events: Plan autumn visits around local celebrations like Colorfest near Cunningham Falls State Park. "If you're there around Columbus Day weekend, check out Colorfest in the town of Thurmont!" recommends Ella P. The festival typically features crafts, food vendors, and fall activities.
Civil War history tours: 30-minute drive: Historical sites surround the Millville area. "Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car," explains Matt S. from Harpers Ferry KOA.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: waterfront views: Enjoy direct water access at several area campgrounds. At Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders, "Our campsite was right along the water (all spots are along the water). We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus," notes Mikala S.
Secluded woodland sites: privacy options: For campers seeking seclusion, Manor area at Cunningham Falls offers exceptional spacing. "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. If you prefer quiet and your own little piece of the woods go to the Manor Area," recommends Ellen C.
Yurt camping Millville, West Virginia: alternative lodging: For those interested in Millville yurt camping options and other non-traditional accommodations, Little Bennett Campground provides yurt rentals with modern amenities. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes Ray & Terri F. about the surrounding camping area.
Wildlife observation: deer and birds: Nature viewing opportunities abound throughout the region's parks. "The whole park is quiet and well-maintained," says Matt S. Many campgrounds maintain trails through varied terrain, perfect for spotting local wildlife.
What you should know
Train noise: proximity warning: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Brunswick Family Campground, "The CNO railroad runs pretty close, it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," cautions Brian S. Similarly, Harpers Ferry Campground notes: "There is a train which was 12 feet up a hill across the road from the site."
Limited cell service: connectivity challenges: Mobile reception varies significantly by location and provider. "Cell service in the area for both AT&T and Verizon was poor. I do not know if this was due to the terrain or lack of towers," reports Dave B. Be prepared for possible communications limitations.
Weekend crowds: peak season planning: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and fall. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," shares Dave V. about Cunningham Falls State Park - William Houck Area.
Seasonal facilities: operation dates: Some amenities have limited availability. "When we arrived we noticed that the splash park... closed early, maybe 3, and I overheard something about it being shut down for the year," reports a visitor to Williamsport Jellystone, highlighting the importance of confirming amenity schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: kid-friendly swimming: The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers offer family recreation opportunities. "The lake was too crowded for my liking," notes Raymond H. about Cunningham Falls, but adds, "There are a few spots to get away and do some fishing."
Family-focused campgrounds: amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD excels at entertaining children. "We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us... The kids were never bored and had so much fun," shares Mary.
Multi-generational hikes: accessible trails: Many nearby trails accommodate various skill levels. "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails," Buck P. notes about Cunningham Falls State Park. For more challenging exploration, "The Cliff Trail to the falls is short but semi-challenging and beautiful," explains Amanda W.
Budget considerations: cost planning: Families should note wide price variations between campgrounds. "We stayed at site #94. A bit pricey considering a lack of elbow room, but it's a great location and everything is well-kept," advises Matt S. about costs at Harpers Ferry KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA, one visitor reported: "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Navigation concerns: tight roads: RVers should exercise caution on campground roads. "The roads are very narrow and winding. We did fine with the pup, but can't imagine trying to navigate a large motorhome through there," notes Jen V.
Loop selection: big rig areas: For larger RVs, specific sections often provide better access. "You can divide up the ground into two locations, the big-rig park with no trees and the smaller-rig area in the woods," explains Erin S. about Harpers Ferry KOA, adding that despite having a 34' travel trailer, "although the site was narrow, it was easily long enough to fit our needs."
Winter camping options: year-round sites: Several Millville area campgrounds offer extended season or year-round availability, particularly for RVers. While tent camping typically closes by late October, yurt camping near Millville, West Virginia provides alternative off-season options at some locations.
