Antietam Creek Campground

For Marylanders seeking a deep connection with nature and American history, Antietam Creek Campground offers a uniquely immersive experience. Situated within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Sharpsburg, this campground is a favorite for those who value tranquility over the hustle of modern RV resorts. Nestled between the historic canal towpath and the flowing waters of the Potomac River, the campground provides a serene environment where the primary sounds are the rustle of leaves and the gentle burble of the nearby creek. For local residents from Frederick, Hagerstown, or even the Baltimore metro area, it represents an accessible yet secluded retreat that feels worlds away from the daily grind.

The campground’s identity is inextricably linked to the surrounding landscape of Washington County. As a National Park Service facility, it emphasizes a primitive, "leave no trace" style of camping that appeals to purists and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are a cyclist traversing the 184.5-mile towpath, a family introducing children to the wonders of the outdoors, or a history buff visiting the nearby Antietam National Battlefield, this campground serves as a quiet sanctuary. The atmosphere is one of mutual respect among campers, with a focus on enjoying the natural and historical heritage that makes Western Maryland so distinctive.

Location and accessibility are key considerations for anyone planning a visit to Antietam Creek Campground. It is located at mile marker 69.4 of the C&O Canal towpath, just a few miles south of the historic town of Shepherdstown and the village of Sharpsburg. While the campground is technically "walk-in," it is highly accessible for a wide range of visitors. Motor vehicle traffic is not permitted on the towpath itself, which preserves the quietude of the campsites. Instead, campers park in designated areas along Canal Road and transport their gear a short distance to their chosen sites. This layout ensures that the campground remains a pedestrian-friendly zone, safe for children and free from the noise of idling engines.

• Situated at 17801 Canal Rd, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, within the boundaries of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
• Features a wheelchair-accessible parking lot located along Canal Road for convenient arrival.
• Walk-in access ensures that campsites are separated from vehicle traffic, maintaining a quiet, safe environment.
• The campground is just a 10-minute drive from the Antietam National Battlefield, making it an ideal base for historical tours.
• Easy access to the Potomac River and Antietam Creek for those arriving by kayak, canoe, or boat.
• Directly adjacent to the C&O Canal towpath, providing immediate access for hikers and long-distance cyclists.

The services offered at Antietam Creek Campground are designed to support a traditional, rustic camping experience while providing essential comforts. Unlike commercial campgrounds with electric hookups and swimming pools, Antietam Creek focuses on providing high-quality versions of the basics. Each of the 20 tent-only sites is well-maintained and features its own infrastructure for cooking and gathering. The National Park Service ensures that facilities are clean and that the natural beauty of the area is protected through consistent oversight and seasonal maintenance.

• Twenty spacious tent-only sites, each designed to accommodate up to eight campers comfortably.
• Individual barbecue grills and fire rings provided at every site for safe cooking and evening campfires.
• Sturdy picnic tables at each location, perfect for family meals or group planning sessions.
• Potable running water available seasonally (typically mid-April through mid-November) via hand pumps located along the towpath.
• Well-maintained public restrooms and vault toilets that are wheelchair-accessible.
• On-site parking along the shoulder of Canal Road, allowing for relatively easy gear transport compared to true backcountry sites.
• Clearly marked hiking trails and access points for diverse outdoor activities.

Features and highlights of the campground center on its remarkable geography and recreational versatility. One of the most significant highlights is the ability to camp right between two iconic waterways: the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. This proximity offers campers a "best of both worlds" scenario where they can enjoy the faster-moving waters of the river or the calm, historic atmosphere of the canal. For families, the campground is a fantastic classroom where children can learn about the Civil War, river ecosystems, and the history of American transportation all in one weekend.

• Kid-Friendly Environment: The lack of cars in the camping area and the variety of "kid-friendly" hikes make it a top choice for families with young children.
• Fishing and Boating: Exceptional opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing in the Potomac or kayaking the mild waters of Antietam Creek.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is teeming with local Maryland fauna, including bald eagles, deer, and various river-dwelling species.
• Historic Significance: Proximity to the Antietam Aqueduct and the ruins of the Antietam Ironworks adds a layer of depth to the camping experience.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash, allowing your four-legged companions to join the family adventure.
• Biker’s Haven: A frequent stop for thru-bikers on the canal, providing a social yet peaceful atmosphere for travelers.

For those ready to plan their stay, having the correct contact and reservation information is vital. As a National Park Service site, Antietam Creek Campground requires reservations during the peak season, and spots often fill up months in advance, especially for holiday weekends. The campground is unstaffed on-site, but park rangers from the nearby visitor centers regularly patrol the area to assist guests and ensure park regulations are followed. For the most up-to-date information on river levels or fire bans, campers are encouraged to contact the park headquarters.

• Physical Address: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, USA.
• Main Office Phone: (301) 432-6110 or (301) 739-4200 for the park headquarters.
• Reservations: Handled through Recreation.gov; search for "Antietam Creek Campsite."
• Peak Season: April 15 through November 15.
• Fees: Typically $20 per night during peak season and $10 during the non-peak season.

What is worth choosing about Antietam Creek Campground is the sheer authenticity of the experience. It is worth choosing for the morning mist that rises off the Potomac and the way the sun filters through the canopy of black walnut and sycamore trees. If you are looking for a place where you can truly "unplug"—as there is no Wi-Fi and limited electricity—this is the premier destination in Washington County. It is also worth choosing for its value; for a modest fee, you gain access to some of the most historically significant and naturally beautiful land in the United States.

Choosing this campground also means supporting the preservation of the C&O Canal. Every visitor contributes to the ongoing legacy of this 184.5-mile-long park. Whether you are huddling around a campfire telling stories, fetching water from the historic pump, or waking up early to fish the riverbank, you are participating in a Maryland tradition that spans generations. For local residents looking for a high-quality, low-cost outdoor getaway that combines recreation with education, Antietam Creek Campground is a choice that never disappoints.