Best Tent Camping near Shepherdstown, WV
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers several tent-only camping options near Shepherdstown, West Virginia, with Antietam Creek Campground providing walk-in tent sites along the Potomac River. Located just a short distance from town, these primitive tent campsites require campers to park on the road and walk approximately 75 feet to their sites. Sacred Roots in West Virginia and several hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal towpath provide additional backcountry tent camping opportunities within a 10-mile radius of Shepherdstown.
Most tent campgrounds in this area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and grills, with surfaces ranging from flat grass to compacted dirt. Vault toilets or portable facilities are standard, though their cleanliness varies seasonally. Water access is limited, with some sites offering non-potable hand pumps that require treatment before drinking. The Antietam Creek sites operate seasonally from May 1 to October 1, and many require advance reservations. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles as most locations lack trash receptacles.
The proximity to the Potomac River creates distinctive tent camping experiences throughout the region. According to one visitor at Antietam Creek, "All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site." Another camper noted that "the sites are fully or mostly shaded" with good protection from the sun. Train noise can be an issue at some locations, with one reviewer recommending earplugs for light sleepers. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. The C&O towpath provides excellent access for hikers and cyclists, making these tent campsites popular with through-travelers and weekend adventurers alike.