About Antietam Creek Campsite
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
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Antietam Creek Campsite
Heading to Antietam Creek Campsite? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Antietam Creek Campsite?
No central reservation system listed for Antietam Creek Campsite. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252970) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Antietam Creek Campsite?
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…
How do I contact Antietam Creek Campsite?
You can reach the park at email: choh_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
