Best Tent Camping near Ranson, WV
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Ranson? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Ranson campgrounds for you and your tent. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Ranson campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Ranson, WV (37)
1. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Sharpsburg, Maryland11 Reviews•24 Photos•118 SavesOverview
The Antietam Creek Campground is located at Mile 69.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, a few miles south of Shepherdstown on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Antietam Creek Campground.
Recreation
Popular activities at Antietam Creek include boating and fishing. Kayaking the creek and surrounding areas during various times of the year are scenic and ever changing. Nearby boat ramps at Dargan Bend and Snyders Landing provide motor boat access to the river. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the watered sections of the C&O Canal the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older. West Virginia Licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Natural Features
Antietam Creek Campground is just south of Sharpsburg, MD. Antietam Creek is a typically mild and slow moving creek which feeds into the much larger and faster Potomac River directly adjacent to the campsite. River rise and floods can modify conditions quickly here.
Nearby Attractions
Antietam Battlefield, South Mountain Recreation Area and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park all provide additional hiking and history adventures specifically about the Civil War Era.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $20 / night
2. Sky Meadows State Park Campground
Paris, Virginia11 Reviews•35 Photos•130 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
3. Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Myersville, Maryland5 Reviews•24 Photos•86 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
4. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park Campground
Boonsboro, Maryland3 Reviews•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
5. Mulehalla
Williamsport, Maryland1 Review•16 Photos•17 SavesLocated right off of the C&O; Canal, there are plenty of sites available at Mulehalla for those who prefer rustic camping. These spots offer a quieter more rugged camping experience. Explore the C&O; Canal or cool off in the Potomac River. Bring your gear, make some memories, and be sure to leave no trace! Firewood is available for$5.00 a bundle.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Glamping
$30 - $65 / night
6. Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Sharpsburg, Maryland1 Review•9 SavesMile 79.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
7. Gathland State Park Campground
Burkittsville, Maryland1 Review•1 Photo•45 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
8. Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Williamsport, Maryland1 Review•1 Photo•6 SavesMile 101.2 - THiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
10. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Little Orleans, Maryland4 Reviews•22 Photos•34 SavesOverview
The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, across from the town of Paw Paw in West Virginia.
Recreation
The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.
Facilities
The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.
Natural Features
Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year, but especially during autumn.
Nearby Attractions
Green Ridge State Forest is a local park to continue your adventures. Cumberland is 25 miles west on MD 51.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer.__ __ Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window ___ Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. ___ Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. ___ Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$10 - $20 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Ranson
1061 Reviews of 37 Ranson Campgrounds
Benjamin L.
Guide
Green Ridge State Forest
Beautiful Primitive Camping only 2 hours from DC
My family and I have gone camping all over Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, but had never visited Green Ridge before this weekend. My son's and I decided to do some cold weather tent camping and to explore the Pawpaw tunnel while doing some hiking. Greenridge Forest didn't disappoint. I've added it onto my go to spots for Maryland but not one that I'll bring my wife to (true primitive camping).
The Pros:
The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote. From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite, in fact, I'm not exactly sure where it even was. All of the sites are primitive sites with only a fire circle and a picknick table. Many of the back sites require high clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicles to get to. (These can be a cons too).
The Cons:
The area is beautiful, but it is a working forest so don't expect a ton of old growth trees and some areas will have been freshly logged. All of the campsites are primitive sites, and some require high clearance and 4 wheel drive in order to get to the site. You can't make a reservation in advance, you have to take a chance that there will be a site available. There are no latrines, bathrooms or showers anywhere to be found and the closest store is 30 minutes away.
My boys and I all loved it there even though it was only 14 degrees at night. We will definingly return.
Doc M.
Scout
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
Well Managed and Nice
Not bad for a long or short trip. Only problem is you need to book in person.
- Heather
Ranger
Lazy A Campground
Pretty WV countryside
This campground is small but the sites are spacious- the ones by the creek are. The bathouse is quite a ways from the sites by the creek but they provide a port-a-potty, which was quite full when I was there- thank goodness the days weren’t hot. The bathhouse needs updating- stalls are small and water from the showers go everywhere. Only saw a worker once and I’m not sure he was a worker? It was a weird stay.
SJ W.Guide
Little Fort Campground
Nice spot, but noisy ATV/OHV site
Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods. The only thing is it is next to an off-road vehicle trail and there was a lot of action coming down until about 7 PM. Wouldn’t have bothered me, but it did bother my dogs. 😅
- mmichael R.Scout
Gettysburg
Great location
The resort had great amenities for all ages. We stayed in October so there was plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating. The resort ensured safety for the kids during trick or treating and closed all vehicle traffic for 2 hours. The location also had golf cars to rent to explore the sites. All employees were easy to talk to, always had a smile and personable.
Gennifer K.
Traveler
Caledonia State Park Campground
Nice park
This was a great park! Very clean and quiet. The facilities were clean and felt safe. Some of the sites were a little close together but very large and well maintained
Jason L.Guide
Gettysburg Campground
Nothing to complain about
Arrived, quickly showed how to get to our site. We setup without issue and spent 3 nights without anyone bothering us on our tent site. The place was quiet by about 11:10, not sure if it was enforced or happened naturally. The out houses could have been cleaned a bit more regularly as it was a busy long weekend. Overall it was a great experience.
Kevin C.Ranger
Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
Convenient off the road boondocking
Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.
True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked
Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.
We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.
Snezana H.Traveler
Camp Cacapon
One of the best camps ever!
We chose Sullivan’s Camp Cacapon for our first “glamping” trip, and we are so glad we did that! The camp is quiet and immaculately maintained, and it is situated in a lovely area along the river. We stayed in two brand new, enormous glamping tents. Each tent had two comfy queen-size beds, a heater, a fan, and two lamps with USB ports (a touch of luxury). The wi-fi in the camp worked very well for us, and we used it to exchange photos taken while hiking in the nearby Cacapon Resort State Park. The owners thought of everything—they even provided carts to transport your belongings to the site. The pavilion was nice and spacious, and it protected us from rain during dinner. The camp hosts were warm and friendly. We highly recommend this camp, and will be returning for sure!
- Ioan P.
Legend
Falling Waters Campsite
Very nice and clean
This campground is nice, convenient for one 🌙 night, but is very tight and almost no privacy . The staff here are very friendly and nice.
Rob O.Traveler
Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
So peaceful, free split firewood, close to Gettysburg
Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found a pleasantly prepared raised bed area to pitch my tent on. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to the Gettysburg National park and battlefield. town is less than 10 miles away that has a grocery store and restaurants. FREE split firewood. So quiet i swear i heard a squirrel burp.
- WWilliam M.Guide
Candy Hill Campground
Quick and sweet
A clean and well maintained park. The staff is friendly and quick to respond to anyone’s needs. No restaurant within walking range so have food on hand. There are a few places that will deliver but the food is a 5 out of 10 at best. Hwy 81 is right next door so you will hear road noise.
- Judy W.Traveler
Bull Run Regional Park
Noisy but Nice
Pros - Clean Bathrooms, Camp store open 8am - 8pm, Sites 62 - 92 (except #74 and 88) are all pretty good. Security was great, patrol throughout the night. Quiet hours are enforced and campers are polite. Lots of activities, and nice hiking trails. Fabulous historical attractions, great visitor center.
Cons - Campground is in the flight path of Dulles Airport, so planes are flying over head at all hours of the day and sometimes late at night/morning. There is a shooting range nearby. Some noise during range hours. (Not late at night!) Because there had been so little rain, there was not great fishing in the park. (I went to Silver Lake, that was great!)
Traffic! Lots of local traffic on the main roads. (to be fair, it IS a suburb of DC ). Stores are all approx. 20 mins away. (Head towards Haymarket)
- EEmily A.Scout
Granite Hill Camping Resort
Family Campground
Nice family campground that offers alot. Its very big, only 1 central bathhouse for very large area. Female restrooms has 6 toilets and 6 showers (push button, luke warm water). COME PREPARED WITH LEVELING BLOCKS!!!! Our site was very slanting!!
- KKarin P.Traveler
Little Bennett Campground
Great for families
Fun weekend trip very close to DC. Well kept park with lots of activities for kids - jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal carts, arts and crafts. Nice little game room and some outdoor games at the activity center as well. Full hookup spots in the D loop were pretty nice. The spots in the first half of the loop felt a little close together for my taste, but our spot (D61) was nice as we didn’t have any neighbors on one side. Only complaint is that it’s pricey and has a two night minimum on weekends, but felt worth it with all the activities that were available.
- BBo S.Scout
Cowans Gap State Park Campground
Our favorite close spot from Baltimore area
We've stayed here at least a half-dozen times with a popup. The smaller B loop is nicer, but no electricity. Pets allowed only on a certain portion of the A loop. The bathrooms are clean, the lake is small but pretty, and the hikes around the lake, and up the mountain on the ridge, are as easy or as challenging as you want. Cell service is pretty much nonexistent so you definitely get unplugged.
Adam and Suzanne B.TravelerLazy A Campground
Quiet campground
This is a really nice campground. Large grassy sites. Easy to maneuver. Lots of open space. Clean bath house. Helpful owners. The only reason it lost a star is that the water has sulfur. It smells and it stained our brand-new toilet and we had to replace all our water filters after one weekend.
- DDale Y.Traveler
Brunswick Family Campground
Nice campground
The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It’s not bothered me but you should be aware.
The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious. The loops are small, each containing a dozen or fewer spaces. Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated.
There is a small camp store, but the campground is convenient to ample grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants as well as many local historic attractions.
Germ E.Scout
Horsepen Branch
Good
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- DDale Y.Traveler
Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders
Loud with trains and car horns
Busiest train corridor I’ve ever experienced, with several every hour all night. To add to the noise, there is a one-way tunnel a few feet from the campground. The practice is for cars to stop, blow their horn to announce their presence, then proceed into the tunnel.
I have a 14’ trailer, and it wouldn’t fit into my site perpendicular to the road. I had to pull past then back in so that I was parallel to the road. Ordinarily no big deal, except that the road isn’t a loop. It’s a single lane straight road in. No place to turn around, no way out except to back all the way out.
Jake C.LegendBull Run Regional Park
Spacious Sites and family friendly
I stayed here with my family this summer and the park itself is a perfect spot for nature near DC. My son loved the giant playground and full water park at the campground, they even had discounted entry to the water park for campers. We stayed in site 20 which is an easy pull through and had a direct trail to the water park and the full network of trails in the park.
Gary S.Traveler
Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Nice escape!
A quiet place to disconnect as wifi and cell service for me was spotty at best. Sites are first come, first served. Nice stream nearby. Nice shaded spots. Dump station and community water spigot closed during winter months.
- hheatherTraveler
South Fork Shenandoah River
Great site, bad timing?
The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.
EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.
Casey L.RangerCowans Gap State Park Campground
Camping Area B -Quiet and Nice
We stayed in the smaller camping area B, which we enjoyed. Even on Labor Day weekend, it didn’t feel busy because of how few sites are in this section. Our site was level and sizable. The bathroom was clean and there was access to the very pleasant hiking trail going around the lake. We had no cell service with Cricket or Verizon.
- Germ E.Scout
Sky Meadows State Park Campground
Great
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- SSarah C.Guide
Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Meh
Wanted an overnight close to home and have never been to Mathew’s Arm so off we went. Campground easy to access off the SNP parkway. Since we didn’t book ahead we had a choice of the first come, first serve sites. Seemed odd that we could not pick any site that wasn’t reserved. The sites were all small and very close together. Some had bear boxes, some did not. All sites able to pull up to but not all sites had a decent spot to pitch a tent. No tent pads. Grass overgrown in many areas. Light not working in women’s bathroom, guess that’s how come you travel with a headlamp. Overall, glad we went, once.
- PPete F.Scout
Camp Cacapon
Fantastic Hidden Gem!!!
We recently stayed at Sullivan's Camp Cacapon and were truly impressed by the experience. The campsite is extremely well-maintained and offers a great mix of nature and comfort. We appreciated the cleanliness of the camp and the friendly owners who greeted us upon our arrival and even took us on an ATV ride down the river! Waking down to the Cacapon River was a highlight, providing a peaceful and refreshing start and end to each day. It's an ideal spot for anyone looking to escape day-to-day life and enjoy some quality time outdoors. We highly recommend for both new and seasoned campers!
Guide to Ranson
Tent camping near Ranson, West Virginia, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- The Sky Meadows State Park Campground features well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes for food storage, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
- At the Annapolis Rock Campground, campers can enjoy drinking water and composting toilets, making it a convenient stop along the Appalachian Trail.
- The Dahlgren Backpacker Campground provides showers and clean bathrooms, perfect for those looking to refresh after a long hike.
Some prices for tent camping range from $6 to $8
- Firewood at the Sky Meadows State Park Campground is available for $8 on an honor system, allowing campers to enjoy cozy campfires.
- The Antietam Creek Campground has a cash payment system for firewood, priced at $6, making it easy to stock up for your stay.
- At the Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, camping is free for multi-day backpackers, providing an economical option for those on the Appalachian Trail.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Hikers can explore the scenic trails at Sky Meadows State Park Campground, which offer beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- The Annapolis Rock Campground is just a short hike from stunning overlooks, perfect for rock climbing and enjoying breathtaking vistas.
- Campers at the Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite can take advantage of the nearby Potomac River for swimming and fishing, adding to the outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ranson, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ranson, 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 Ranson, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Ranson, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.