Camping on the Potomac River Minutes From Four National Parks and Outdoor Fun!
Scouts looking for camping need look no farther than their own backyard! Only one hour from Washington DC & Baltimore beltways, Brunswick Family Campground is the perfect base camp for exploring the tri-state area of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Flanked by the Potomac River on one side and the C&O Canal on the other, this unique location offers hours of activity at your fingertips.
Four National Parks Within Minutes of Camping on the Potomac
1. Harpers Ferry National Park (15 minutes). This historical park nestled in between the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers offers hands-on learning of events leading up to the Civil War. Scenic views from Jefferson Rock and the bridges crossing the Potomac are also a must-see. An affordable historical scavenger hunt is available to groups of 10 or more.
2. C & O National Park (at the campground). This 185 mile footpath meanders along the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland. One of the most scenic stretches is by Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Put on your walking shoes or bring your bikes to explore this tree-lined trail.
3. The Appalachian Trail (10 minutes to Weverton Cliffs hike). One of our favorite hikes on the AT is to Weverton Cliffs, Maryland. This approximately 1.5-2 hour hike features switchbacks winding through groves of trees leading to a breath-taking overlook of the Potomac River and Short Hill Mountain. Some areas are quite rocky, so be sure to wear good shoes.
4. Antietam National Battlefield (35 minutes). Hear the canons explode as you explore by car, bike or foot this National Park serving as the site of the first major battle of the Civil War fought on Union soil. Highlights include a 26 minute film on the history of Antietam, climbing the observation tower overlooking Bloody Lane, and viewing the picturesque Burnside Bridge.
Scout Days are an opportunity for Boy Scouts of America and now Cub Scout troops large and small to participate in a convenient package of learning and fun at an affordable price!
If you can’t make one of the dates below, standard group discounts are available throughout the year.
Scout Day Package #1 *Cub Scouts now allowed on the water!
White Water Rafting
June 10th & September 23rd , Sundays 9:00am
Discount Price:
–> $57.50 (includes all taxes and fees)
- Age Requirements: 7 & Up and 50 lbs.+
- Includes: equipment, certified guide in every raft, shuttle
- FREE LUNCH! Fried chicken, potato salad, fresh fruit
- Check-in for trip: River & Trail Outfitters
- Add-on option to camp at the Brunswick Family Campground on the Potomac River. Scout rate $8/person.
- Arrive at 8:30am for a 9:00am departure
Scout Day Package #2 Cub Scouts now allowed on the water!
Canoeing
June 17th, Sunday (2 day trips start June 16th)
September 8th-9th, Saturday & Sunday
Discount Price (includes all taxes & fees)
–> 2 day $57.50/person ($115/canoe)
–> Full-day $34.08/person ($68.16/canoe)
–> Half-day $29.35/person ($58.70/canoe)
Trip Schedule
3 Mellow Paddles to Choose from on the Potomac
Below Harpers Ferry
Trip #1.
Paddle Weekend! Starts at 10am
–> 2 day trip on the Potomac from Brunswick to Edward’s Ferry-24 miles
Trip #2.
Full Day Paddle. Starts at 10am
–> 4.5-5.5 hr paddle on the Potomac from Brunswick to Mouth of the Monocacy – 12 miles
Trip #3.
Half Day Tour. Starts at 12pm
— > 2hr paddle on the Potomac from Brunswick to Point of Rocks- 6 miles
Trip Details
- Age Requirements: Ages 7 & Up and 50 lbs or more
- Includes: all equipment, shuttle transportation from take-out back to cars
- Youth rate for camping! $8 at the Brunswick Family Campground
includes access to fire rings, bath house, pavilion, Potomac River & C&O Canal - Guides: Certified Guides available for instruction at an additional cost.
- Check-in for trip: Brunswick Family Campground.
- If checking in by 5pm Friday night, paperwork can be filled out and check-in completed at that time.
River & Trail offers many other canoe trips for Boy Scouts on Class I-III mellow to white water paddles in the tri-state area. Please feel free to call us for customized help in setting up a paddle suitable for the needs of your group.
Scout Day Package #3
Harpers Ferry Scavenger Hunt
Earth Day, Saturday, April 21 & Saturday, September 22
- 11:30am arrival for a 12pm departure from the Brunswick Family Campground
- 2 hour duration searching for historical clues in the Civil War town of Harpers Ferry
- Minimum age 7 yrs
- FREE: snack, water and guide(s)
- Youth rate for camping! $8 at the Brunswick Family Campground
- Price: $28.25 (includes all taxes and fees)
- Check-in for trip: Brunswick Family Campground. Bring a bag lunch to eat upon arrival.
Scout Day Package #4
Survival Hike
April 14th, Saturday
- 11:30 am arrival for a 12pm start at the Brunswick Family Campground
- Minimum age 7 yrs
- FREE: snack, water and guide(s)
- Youth rate for camping! $8 at the Brunswick Family Campground
- Price: $28.25 (includes all taxes and fees)
- Check-in for trip: Brunswick Family Campground. Bring a bag lunch to eat upon arrival.
