Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry, WV
The restored 19th-century town where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac, site of John Brown’s 1859 raid. Park at the visitor center and ride the shuttle down; the Appalachian Trail passes through the lower town.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a restored town in West Virginia where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet and three states come together. The rivers run between wooded bluffs. The place is tied to John Brown’s raid: the radical abolitionist tried to seize the town’s arsenal, failed, and was captured, tried and hanged. Historians see it as a spark on the road to the Civil War.
The town has been restored to the way it looked in Brown’s day, and exhibits cover early America and the Civil War. The park has 22 miles (about 35 km) of trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through town. At the viewpoint known as The Point the rivers join, and the C&O Canal towpath leads to Maryland Heights with a view over the town. Thomas Jefferson is said to have called the scenery one of the most stupendous in nature.
For road-trippers: according to Lonely Planet, parking in the town itself is extremely limited. Leave your vehicle at the visitor center north of town on Hwy 340 and take the frequent shuttle. Passes for the museums and historic buildings are issued there. Check prices and hours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Harpers Ferry, WV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.3230, -77.7298
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Harpers Ferry CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Brunswick Family CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Greenbrier State Park - Dogwood CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Greenbrier State Park - Cedar CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park · 40 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposal
- Greenbrier State Park - Birch CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Rock Run Area CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park · 21 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is in Harpers Ferry, WV, at GPS 39.3230, -77.7298. It is about 13 mi from Washington Monument State Park.
Can you camp near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Harpers Ferry Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 39 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Along the Potomac: Mount Vernon, Great Falls and Harpers Ferry.
What is there to see near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Shepherdstown (9 mi), Antietam National Battlefield (10 mi), Fort Frederick State Park (25 mi) and Cunningham Falls State Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)