# Berkeley Springs

> Berkeley Springs is a place where warm mineral springs have drawn visitors since colonial times.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/berkeley-springs/

A small spa town built around warm mineral springs that George Washington is said to have visited. Walk the compact centre and the state park springs, then stay for the local cafes and galleries.

Berkeley Springs is a place where warm mineral springs have drawn visitors since colonial times. The water emerges at a constant 23 °C (74.3 °F), about 7,500 liters (2,000 gallons) per minute. The young George Washington visited the springs in 1748 on a surveying trip and noted in his diary that he had called on "Ye Fam'd Warm Springs"; he returned several times later. In 1776 the Virginia assembly founded the town of Bath; Lord Fairfax had transferred the springs and the surrounding land to Virginia.

Among the first lot buyers were George Washington and several signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The inventor James Rumsey built bathhouses on the town's behalf. The current bathhouse in the state park opened in 1930 and offers baths and massages with the spring water. The town center is small; two to three hours are enough for the park and a stroll.

- **Nearest town:** Berkeley Springs, WV
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 39.6257, -78.2253

## 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

- [Berkeley Springs State Park – Park History (WV State Parks)](https://wvstateparks.com/parks/berkeley-springs-state-park/park-history/)

## Nearby

- [Fort Frederick State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-fort-frederick/) – 12 mi
- [Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-paw-paw-tunnel/) – 14 mi
- [Shepherdstown](https://camping-spirit.com/places/shepherdstown/) – 26 mi
- [Antietam National Battlefield](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-antietam/) – 28 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Berkeley Springs?

Berkeley Springs is in Berkeley Springs, WV, at GPS 39.6257, -78.2253. It is about 29 mi from Cumberland.

### Can you camp near Berkeley Springs?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Leopards Mill, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Berkeley Springs?

Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Frederick State Park (12 mi), Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal (14 mi), Shepherdstown (26 mi) and Antietam National Battlefield (28 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Berkeley Springs?

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)