Overview

THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC CAMPGROUND. ONLY SCOUTS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS MAY USE ROHRBACH CAMPGROUND.

Antietam National Battlefield is the site of the bloodiest one day battle in American history. After twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862, 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

Rohrbach Campground is part of the Antietam National Battlefield. It is a walk-in, primitive camping area available to scouts and civic organization groups only (see "Know Before You Go," below, for individual camping options in the area). The campground has 10 sites, each of which is provided with a fire ring and picnic tables and space to accommodate a maximum of 30 people. The campground is typically open from April through November.

Facilities

All sites are available for advance reservation only. There are no first-come, first-served sites. Each campsite offers a fire ring and picnic tables and space to accommodate a maximum of 30 people. Pit toilets and handwashing stations are available at the campground and indoor facilities are located at the Antietam National Cemetery and the visitor center. Bring your own potable water. Drinking water is not provided at the campground, there is access to a spicket with drinkable water for filling containers located behind the park visitor center at 5831 Dunker Church Rd. Sharpsburg, Maryland 21782. 

Natural Features

The battlefield, located in the Cumberland Valley of western Maryland, encompasses over 3,250 acres of farmland, pastures, woodlots and limestone forests. Antietam's diverse landscape provides a noteworthy habitat for wildlife observation.

During a typical day at the battlefield, visitors are most likely to see woodchucks and white-tailed deer. The open fields provide great habitat for a range of birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, Horned Larks and Grasshopper Sparrows. Small stands of trees and wooded areas attract Pileated Woodpeckers, various owls and Red-Tailed Hawks.

Recreation

Recreational activities in Antietam National Battlefield include hiking and attending a park ranger program or pre-arranging a ranger led activity. There are 15 miles (24 km) of trails to explore with the Bloody Lane and Final Attack Trails being the most popular. Biking the battlefield tour road is another popular activity while visiting Antietam. Riders under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets.

Nearby Attractions

Visit the park's Things to Do page.

Important Notices

• Scout and Civic Groups Only. Rohrbach Group Campground is available for Scout groups and civic organization groups only. Family and individual camping is not available at this facility.

• Bring your own potable water. Drinking water is not provided at the campground. There is a spicket with drinking water located behind the park visitor center. 

• Individual Camping Options. For visitors interested in family/individual campsites (not available at Antietam National Battlefield), try Antietam Creek Campground, located approximately 15 minutes from Antietam National Battlefield. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers several other campgrounds while Catoctin Mountain Park, approximately 45 minutes away, offers Owens Creek Campground and other overnight facilities.

• Campfires. Campfires are only permitted in the provided fire rings at each campsite. Fires may only be ignited using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or preparation of food, such as charcoal or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, aerosol, lighter fluid, or other manufactured or synthetic material is prohibited. 

• Alcohol Prohibited. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

• Entrance Fee. Antietam National Battlefield charges an entrance fee separate from camping fees. You may pay the fee upon arrival or purchase in advance. The park also honors America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands (interagency) passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page. 

• Firewood Restrictions. Antietam National Battlefield and the Rohrbach Campground will no longer be providing firewood to groups. If you bring your own firewood, it must be from the state of MD or USDA certified 'bug-free' firewood. 

• STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood . CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit the National Invasive Species Information Center.  

Available Activities

• HIKING - Hiking
• INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS - Educational Programs
• CAMPING - Camping
• HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
• BIKING - Biking

Directions

<p>The visitor center is located at 5831 Dunker Church Rd. off of MD Rt 65, ten miles (16 km) south of I-70 and one mile north of historic Sharpsburg, Maryland.</p><p>The campground is located at 18316 Burnside Bridge Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782.</p>

Cancellation Policy

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change your reservation. Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Within 48 hours of arrival, a $10 cancellation fee and the first night's fee are charged.

Contact Information

Phone: (301) 432-5124

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip