Tent camping near Millville, West Virginia offers access to the Appalachian Mountains and Potomac River valley at elevations ranging from 400-1,700 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F, while spring and fall bring mild conditions with occasional rain. Most primitive campsites require treatment of water sources, with natural springs available at higher elevations.
What to do
Explore the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Annapolis Rock Campground provide opportunities for day hikes or overnight backpacking. "About a dozen campsites to choose, and several group sites. Some fairly private. No camp fires allowed. Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis rock. Rock climbing available," notes one visitor.
Tubing and paddling: The Potomac River offers water recreation opportunities during warmer months. "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!" shares a camper who stayed at Antietam Creek Campground.
Historical explorations: The region contains significant Civil War sites and historic towns within short driving distance. A camper mentioned, "It is nice being so close to cool historical stuff" while staying at Antietam Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at Sky Meadows reported, "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail."
What campers like
River access: Many sites provide direct water access for swimming or fishing. "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," writes a reviewer at Antietam Creek Campground.
Evening atmosphere: Quiet evenings with occasional social interactions are common at most sites. One camper mentioned, "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."
Natural water sources: Several campgrounds feature springs or pumps. A visitor at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground noted, "There is also a year-round water source (the bathroom closes in winter)."
Elevated views: Higher elevation sites provide scenic vistas. "The elevation is 1700 feet so its quite a trek up to the site," explains a camper about Annapolis Rock Campground, while another adds, "The view is great but you can't have a campfire due to restorations."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Most campgrounds require proper food storage. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, "Having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag."
Pack-in/pack-out rules: Limited trash facilities mean carrying out all waste. "There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you," advises an Antietam Creek visitor.
Limited cell coverage: Service varies widely throughout the area. A camper at Antietam Creek reported, "I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet."
Seasonal conditions: Weather can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations. "I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler," mentioned one summer visitor to Antietam Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Select shorter hike-in options: For younger children, choose sites with minimal walking distance. At Gathland State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Solid camping area... felt safe and had a great time."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The sites are nice, but seemed pretty close together. As far as campgrounds on the AT go, this is one of the nicer ones," explains a visitor to Dahlgren Backpacker Campground.
Planning for camp setup: Hike-in sites require careful packing. A Sky Meadows visitor advised, "We brought a wagon with extra gear with us, but we definitely took in too many items. Ended up pairing it down after night 1 and took extra stuff back to our cars."
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campsites offer chances to observe animals. "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," warns a visitor to Annapolis Rock Campground, highlighting an opportunity to teach children about wildlife safety.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most camping areas near Millville accommodate tents only. At Mulehalla, one of the few sites with some RV access, a reviewer noted, "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart."
Alternative options: RV campers often need to look further from Millville for suitable sites. "If you're with a crowd," suggests an Annapolis Rock camper, there are group sites available at some locations that might accommodate small RVs.
Day-use strategy: Consider using established campgrounds as base camps while exploring by vehicle. "The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites," mentions a visitor to Sky Meadows, suggesting day-use options for RVers who can't camp directly at tent-only sites.
