Waterfront Camping and River Adventures at Harpers Ferry’s River View Campsites
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
overnight to multiple days
Fitness Level
Basic camping fitness required; should be able to carry gear to tent site and walk moderate distances along trails and riverbanks.
Overview
Discover waterfront camping at Harpers Ferry’s River View Trailside Tent Sites, where direct access to the Potomac River meets serene forest views. Perfect for boating, fishing, and a quick escape from the city.
Campground - River View Trailside Tent Sites
River View More Secluded Campsites tucked away in the trail
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the tranquility of waterfront camping at Harpers Ferry, where secluded river view sites offer stunning scenery and direct access to the Potomac River. Enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and water skiing, or relax in cozy riverfront cabins. This unique location is just an hour from major metro areas, making it an ideal getaway.
Harpers Ferry Water Front Camping
Fan Favorites! River View Trailside Sites are beautiful and more secluded and quiet than the other sites. There is parking for 1 vehicle and/or small trailer on the site. The sites are along a gravel road way in direct view of the river. The gravel roadway is between the sites and the river. 2 Adults and 2 dependent children under 18 per site. Only one camping unit per site.
Only one hour from the Washington, DC and Baltimore Metro Regions, River Riders offers waterfront camping on the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia come together.
Campsites are available on a beautiful deep water section of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County. A four mile section of deep water runs from our campground to above the Dargan Bend Boat Ramp in Maryland. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, water skiing, wake boarding, and jet skis are welcome. Pitch your tent and tie your boat up out front. It is a beautiful unique location. We also offer beautiful, River Front Cabins that offer heat and AC, as well as their own full bathrooms.
Our finished bathhouse is open with private bathrooms with a toilet, sink and shower. The bath house does have handicap accessibility.
Please be aware that in the event of flooding or potential flooding, Harpers Ferry Campground may cancel reservations with refund as only liability.
There is an active train track adjacent to the campground and a one way tunnel where cars sometimes honk their horns.
Book multiple nights for savings! These are Sites in the 400 Section
Adventure Tips
Reserve Your Riverfront Site Early
River View sites are popular for their prime locations, so booking ahead ensures you get the best spot along the Potomac.
Bring Water Shoes
Accessing the riverbank is easier and safer with water shoes, especially for launching kayaks or wading during fishing trips.
Check the Weather for Water Activities
Wind and water conditions can shift quickly, so plan boating or water skiing on calm days for the best experience.
Practice Leave No Trace
Keep the river and campsites pristine by packing out all trash and minimizing your footprint on trails and shoreline.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- River otters
- Great blue herons
History
Harpers Ferry was a key industrial and transport hub in the 19th century and played a pivotal role in Civil War history, preserving a legacy that enhances the outdoor experience.
Conservation
Campground operations promote sustainability by encouraging low-impact camping practices and supporting river cleanup initiatives to protect the Potomac watershed.
Select participants and date
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Tent
To protect against spring rains while enjoying river views.
spring specific
Camp Stove
Allows safe cooking without relying on open fires in dry summer conditions.
summer specific
Life Jacket
Crucial for safety during boating or fishing on the Potomac River.
summer specific
Layered Clothing
Cool fall nights and variable daytime temperatures call for versatile clothing layers.
fall specific