Harpers Ferry: A Base Camp for Fun
Over the past week we had the opportunity to use Harpers Ferry as a base camp for our fun and explorations. We chose to stay at the Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA which borders the National Park and were extremely impressed with the facilities! From this point we were able to easily explore many areas that will be highlighted in the next few posts. Stay tuned!!!!!
THE CAMPGROUND
The Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday is directly borders the national park making it easy to explore the area yet it isn’t right in the middle of all the park traffic. When we arrived we were greeted at the entrance station, verified and directed to the check-in station. Here we located an extremely large camp store and were given our site information.
After getting everything set up in the campsite it was off to explore the campground to see what all it had to offer. On this walk we found tons of things we aren’t used to in a campground……and were still finding things when it was almost time to come home!!! Full disclosure………the kids found more than I ever would have noticed!! The park has a large swimming pool, basketball court, bounce pillow, miniature golf course, game room, craft room, sand pit, dog walk and quite a bit more.
Most know that we normally camp in places that are nice but based around outdoor adventure. This campground definitely fit that bill but has SO much more. I must admit that I may have gotten a little spoiled here!
THE TOWN & PARK
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park encompasses a large area with much to see. The main areas are in an area called Lower Town about a mile from the visitor center. Parking in Lower Town is EXTREMELY limited so the park operates shuttle buses from the visitor center constantly.
In Lower Town we found many period buildings that have been preserved by the park with museum pieces to see. The area gives a glimpse into life in the early days of Harpers Ferry. As we continued to stroll through the town we made our way past John Brown’s fort where he made his last stand and then on to “The Point” where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers converge.
At the point we were able to see in all directions while enjoying the breeze from the rivers. From here we walked toward one of the train bridges and quickly realized we were on the Appalachian Trail leading into Maryland. As we started walking across the bridge we got an even bigger surprise……..FALCONS!!!!! That’s right……Peregrine Falcons had nested on top of the bridge and one of the little ones was taking in the sites as well!
Harpers Ferry has SO much to offer in such a small area. Local flavor, history and hiking trails are everywhere along with water sports and other outdoor adventures. I can’t say brag enough about this area and even my electronic hog teen said she’d love to go back! We hiked and explored for days from our base camp for fun! Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss any of the adventure.
In part 2 of this trip series we’ll highlight some of the hiking in the area along with some amazing news about an event that hasn’t happened here in roughly 70 YEARS!!!!! In the meantime head over to see some of the stuff we love to use on our adventures! Until next time……