Tent camping near Summit Point, West Virginia provides numerous options for outdoor enthusiasts in the Blue Ridge foothills. This area sits at elevations ranging from 500-1,000 feet above sea level where the Shenandoah Mountains meet the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont. Campers face temperature ranges of 30-90°F throughout the camping season, with high humidity in summer months and occasional thunderstorms that can move quickly through the valleys.
What to do
Tubing on the Potomac River: Access the water directly from Antietam Creek Campground for relaxing water activities. "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!" notes camper Shawn W. Sites provide direct river access for water recreation.
Historic attractions: Camp within walking distance of Civil War battlefields and preserved historic sites. Gathland State Park Campground puts you near the National War Correspondents Memorial Arch. "Solid camping area... felt safe and had a great time," mentions Emerson K. The campground's location makes it convenient for exploring nearby historic landmarks.
Appalachian Trail exploration: Many campgrounds provide direct access to the famous long-distance hiking trail. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, "I only stopped here for a night while I was hiking the AT, but it was a welcome relief to get to a spot where I could wash off and have indoor plumbing for a night," shares Sam M. The campground serves as an ideal base for day hikes or through-hiking segments.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the separation between camping areas at many locations. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, "The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills," writes Reba H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides excellent wildlife viewing from your campsite. One camper at Sky Meadows noted: "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle!" Several campgrounds maintain large wooded buffers that attract diverse wildlife.
Riverside camping: Many sites offer direct water access or views. At Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, campers enjoy a "Small campsite but no one else was there, so it was perfect. There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river," according to Miranda M.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds in the area have basic amenities only. At Antietam Creek Campground, "Pretty standard campground—the perks are it's location to nearby attractions and the river/creek. It depends on what you're looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper's? Golden," shares Andrew M. Be prepared for vault toilets and limited or no running water.
Parking distance from sites: Many campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas to your site. At Antietam Creek, "you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite. If you got one close to the bridge over the canal then you're 100ft from the car, but if not then it could be a little bit of a walk," warns one camper.
Seasonal maintenance issues: Facilities can deteriorate during busy periods. "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross," notes Casey L. about Antietam Creek Campground. Pack hygiene supplies accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Look for campsites with shorter walk-ins for easier family camping. At Mulehalla, "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart. This property also offers glamping experiences and sometimes live music. Bring the family (and the dog) to enjoy this gorgeous property," suggests Ashley F.
Pack for primitive conditions: Prepare children for basic facilities. At Sky Meadows, "For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was. Firewood is $8 (honor system)... having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag."
Consider noise levels: Train and traffic noise affects some campgrounds. At Antietam Creek, one camper noted: "This campground is not for those looking for silence and solitude. All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Summit Point is designed for tents only, with few RV accommodations. Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry offers tent sites but accommodates small trailers at some locations. Consider renting cabin accommodations if tent camping doesn't suit your needs.
Roads and access limitations: Many roads leading to campgrounds have low clearance or narrow passages. At Sky Meadows State Park, campers must park at a designated lot and hike in: "It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park," explains Amy S. RVs will need to research parking options carefully.
