Brunswick Family Campground

Brunswick Family Campground serves as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Maryland region seeking a blend of riverfront adventure and historical exploration. Situated on an 11-acre stretch of scenic land, it holds the distinction of being the only private campground located directly between the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park. Operated by River & Trail Outfitters—a family-owned business with a legacy dating back to 1972—this campground provides a welcoming environment for families, weekend travelers, and long-distance hikers or bikers navigating the famous towpath.

The campground caters to a wide variety of camping styles, offering everything from primitive tent sites to fully equipped RV pads and cozy, weather-proof cabins. Its unique positioning at mile marker 54.5 on the C&O Canal makes it a strategic basecamp for those exploring the "Blue Ridge" heritage of the region. Whether you are looking to spend a quiet weekend fishing by the water or planning an action-packed getaway involving whitewater rafting and tubing, Brunswick Family Campground offers the infrastructure and hospitality to make it happen. The business proudly identifies as Asian-owned and women-owned, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that is LGBTQ+ friendly and a designated transgender safe space.

Location and accessibility are among the campground's most notable attributes. Located at 40 Canal Road, Brunswick, MD 21716, the facility is approximately one hour from the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore beltways, making it an easy escape for Maryland locals. For those who prefer public transportation, the campground is uniquely accessible by rail; the Brunswick MARC Train Station is just a mile away, allowing visitors to arrive by train for their camping trip. The property features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms, ensuring that the beauty of the Potomac is available to all. It is important for visitors to note that the final road into the campground is unpaved and runs between the river and the active CSX railroad tracks, which adds a touch of authentic industrial history to the stay.

The services offered at Brunswick Family Campground are comprehensive, designed to accommodate both short-term visitors and those looking for a longer seasonal stay. As a full-service facility, it provides the following amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience:

• On-site bicycle rental service, perfect for exploring the miles of level trails on the adjacent C&O Canal towpath.
• Full-service RV accommodations including electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer hookups, along with a dedicated sanitary dump station.
• Camping cabin rentals that provide a sturdy, air-conditioned alternative to tent camping, ideal for families with small children.
• A well-stocked camp store providing ice, firewood, and essential camping necessities.
• Paid pump-out services for RV travelers and on-site maintenance support.
• Professional outfitting services through River & Trail Outfitters, including guided rafting, kayaking, and tubing trips.
• Bathhouse facilities with hot showers and clean restrooms located centrally for all guests.
• Payment flexibility, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for all camping fees and rentals.

The features and highlights of the park emphasize its role as a "family-first" destination. The layout encourages communal interaction while providing enough space for individual privacy. Highlights of the facility include:

• Direct river access with an on-site boat ramp and dock, making it a favorite for fishing and paddling enthusiasts.
• A fun-filled playground area for children featuring tetherball, slides, swings, and a large-scale chess set.
• Dedicated picnic areas and two large multi-use pavilions, excellent for hosting group gatherings or family reunions.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to join the family adventure on the trails and at the campsites.
• Proximity to Harper’s Ferry (just 6 miles away by trail), allowing for easy day trips to explore Civil War history and local ice cream shops.
• Sports courts including basketball and volleyball, plus horseshoe pits for classic campground recreation.
• A scenic "photo swing" located at the river’s edge, perfect for capturing memories of the sunset over the Potomac.
• Free on-site parking and motorcoach-friendly spaces to accommodate larger travel groups and student tours.

For those ready to plan their next Maryland getaway, the Brunswick Family Campground can be reached directly via their local phone line at (301) 834-9952. The physical address is 40 Canal Rd, Brunswick, MD 21716, USA. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for prime riverfront RV spots and cabin rentals during the peak season, which typically runs from April through the first weekend of November. The friendly staff is available to assist with booking and can provide information on special discounts for campers who also participate in River & Trail Outfitters' boating activities.

When considering what is worth choosing for your next outdoor excursion, Brunswick Family Campground stands out for its unmatched location. It is a "solid and relaxing" choice for Marylanders who want to be close to the water without sacrificing the conveniences of a nearby town. The ability to launch a kayak directly from your campground or hop on a bike to ride into Harper’s Ferry for lunch provides a level of versatility that few other sites can match. While the nearby train station adds a characteristic "rhythmic rumble" to the night, many guests find it to be a nostalgic part of the Brunswick experience.

Furthermore, the campground is worth choosing because of the care taken by the management to maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment. The "clean and cozy" cabins and the "well-kept" bathhouses mentioned by regular guests reflect a commitment to quality. Whether you are a local parent looking for a "kid-friendly" hike or an RV traveler seeking a "peaceful and quiet" spot to unwind, this campground offers a unique slice of the Potomac River valley that is both historically rich and naturally beautiful. It is a community-focused destination where the staff goes above and beyond to ensure every stay is a great one.