Camping near Shepherdstown, West Virginia offers both primitive riverside sites and full-service campgrounds within 30 minutes of town. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and mild springs and falls that are ideal for outdoor activities. Winter camping is limited as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from December through February, and many campgrounds close seasonally.
What to do
River recreation access: Potomac River camping at Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders provides immediate water access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. "You're not allowed to park at the tent sites but most of the tent sites allow you to drop all your camping gear off and then park in a designated area," notes one camper about the riverside setup.
Hiking the C&O Canal: Access miles of flat, scenic trails directly from Antietam Creek Campground. The campground connects directly to the towpath, where "people are constantly walking, running, and biking by. 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."
Historic site exploration: Camp within 10 minutes of Civil War battlefields and historic towns. "This is a beautiful park with a lake, beach, and swimming area. Fishing is allowed. There are lots of hiking trails," explains a visitor at Greenbrier State Park, which sits just 20 minutes from both Antietam Battlefield and the historic district of Shepherdstown.
What campers like
Riverfront locations: Waterfront sites rank as a top feature, with McCoys Ferry Campground offering direct Potomac views. "All sites are basically waterfront, nice quiet campground with water access and a boat ramp," notes a camper, though they caution about occasional flooding affecting site conditions.
Trail connections: The ability to hike or bike directly from camp to historic sites is highly rated. At 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."
Family-oriented activities: Jellystone Park Williamsport receives praise for its structured entertainment options. "We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. The kids were never bored and had so much fun. Us, as adults, were also never bored," reports one family that visited with five children.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Shepherdstown sit close to active rail lines. At Harpers Ferry Campground, "You are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me." Plan accordingly with earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Seasonal campground access: Most area campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter options. Brunswick Family Campground operates "Mar 25 - Nov 1," while McCoys Ferry typically closes by "late sep," according to their seasonal information.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), advance booking is essential for Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA. "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," notes one visitor, highlighting the need to secure preferred sites early, especially for larger camping units.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Greenbrier State Park offers swimming areas perfect for children. "The pool is absolutely amazing to say the least. My grandkids didn't want to leave from the time it opened until the time it closed," shares an enthusiastic grandparent who visited Jellystone Park Williamsport.
Activity-focused campgrounds: Select campgrounds with built-in entertainment options for rainy days. "There are other activities and the tent site was nice. The bath house was also very nice and very clean. Overall, we had a good stay," explains a parent who camped at Jellystone in early June.
Educational opportunities: Combine outdoor recreation with historical learning. "The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car (or shuttle from the Visitor Center)," notes a KOA visitor who used their campground as a base for regional exploration.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Falling Waters Campsite offers easy interstate access for overnight stays. "Stayed one night in a transient spot. Seems like a good place to stay. Tight spots but clean. Great store for RV needs," advises an RV camper about this convenient I-81 adjacent option.
Leveling challenges: Scout sites in advance when possible, as terrain varies significantly. At Harpers Ferry KOA, "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," warns one RV owner who needed to request a site change.
Hookup limitations: Water and electric access varies widely between campgrounds. "Technically there was water available but it was questionable, only porta pottys available with the obvious odor that comes with it," cautions a camper about McCoys Ferry, highlighting the importance of understanding utility limitations before arrival.
