Within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Antietam Creek Campground sits directly along the Potomac River between the historic canal and towpath. Managed by the National Park Service, this walk-in campground operates from May through October at $10 per night, requiring campers to park on the road and carry gear across a bridge to reach their sites.
The open field layout means little privacy between neighboring sites, with the multi-use C&O Canal towpath running directly through the camping area. Casey L. notes that "all the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail" where "people are constantly walking, running, and biking by." This creates a social atmosphere where conversations with passing cyclists and fellow campers are common. Most sites offer full or partial shade from mature trees, though bugs are present during warmer months.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, with fishing available directly from the riverbank. Site 11 provides its own steep path down to the Potomac, where tubing and paddling are popular activities. The campground features two pit toilets and two portable restrooms, though cleanliness varies throughout busy periods. No trash service is provided, requiring pack-out camping practices.
Access involves parking along the road and walking approximately 75 feet to most sites, with some requiring longer carries depending on location. Cell service works better near the parking area than at individual campsites, particularly for data usage. Road traffic continues into evening hours, and train noise from Amtrak lines three miles north can be audible at night. Reservations are available through the National Park Service system.
Campers seeking more secluded options can explore camping spots around Sharpsburg or consider Antietam Overlook Farm for a different riverside experience.
Description
Overview
The Antietam Creek Campground is located at Mile 69.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, a few miles south of Shepherdstown on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Antietam Creek Campground. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Recreation
Popular activities at Antietam Creek include boating and fishing. Kayaking the creek and surrounding areas, the scenery changes at various times of the year. Nearby boat ramps at Dargan Bend and Snyders Landing provide motor boat access to the river. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the watered sections of the C&O Canal the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older. West Virginia Licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Facilities
The campground has 20 single campsites each with a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each campsite will accommodate up to eight campers. Protected pit toilets are located between campsite #6 and campsite #7 adjacent to the towpath. A second set of chemical toilets are available down the towpath. Potable water is along the towpath at pumps (may not be available during cold winter months). No vehicular traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Parking is allowed on the shoulder of Canal Rd only.
Natural Features
Antietam Creek Campground is just south of Sharpsburg, MD. Antietam Creek is a typically mild and slow moving creek which feeds into the much larger and faster Potomac River directly adjacent to the campsite. River rise and floods can modify conditions quickly here.
Nearby Attractions
Antietam National Battlefield, South Mountain State Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park all provide additional hiking and history adventures specifically about the Civil War Era.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundAntietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is located in Maryland
Directions
From Hagerstown MD: Take MD-65 to Sharpsburg. Make a right on Main St. then left on Harpers Ferry Road for a few miles. Before you cross the Antietam Creek bridge, make a right on Canal Rd. Campsites are across the canal and towpath from Canal Rd. From West Virginia: Take WV-480 through Shepherdstown across the Potomac River. Make the first right after the bridge on Canal Rd. Follow Canal Rd a few miles until you see the campsites on your right before Antietam Creek.
Coordinates
39.4190694 N
77.7465444 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 24 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 42 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 46 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 3 min from Gettysburg, PA





















