Rohrbach Group Campground

For Maryland-based scout troops, civic organizations, and other youth groups seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience infused with American history, Rohrbach Group Campground in Sharpsburg presents an exceptional opportunity. Located directly within the hallowed grounds of Antietam National Battlefield, this unique campground offers a serene and beautiful setting for group camping, allowing participants to connect with nature while immersing themselves in a pivotal moment of the Civil War. It’s more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an outdoor classroom and a memorable backdrop for team-building and exploration, right in the heart of Maryland.

Rohrbach Group Campground is a specialized facility, catering exclusively to organized groups, which ensures a focused and supportive environment for educational and recreational activities. This distinction makes it particularly suitable for groups looking to combine an authentic camping experience with historical exploration. As one satisfied camper noted, it's a "great campground!" with "tons of space for tents and there's a fire pit." The opportunity to "hike to the battlefield and explore the monuments" directly from your campsite provides an enriching dimension that few other campgrounds can offer. For Maryland groups committed to fostering learning, camaraderie, and an appreciation for both nature and history, Rohrbach Group Campground stands out as a premier local destination.

Rohrbach Group Campground is strategically located at 18316 Burnside Bridge Rd, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, USA. This address places it directly within the iconic Antietam National Battlefield, a significant historical site in Washington County, Maryland. The campground's proximity to Sharpsburg, a charming historic town, adds to its appeal, offering a blend of natural tranquility and local amenities.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward, with the visitor center for Antietam National Battlefield located at 5831 Dunker Church Rd, easily reachable from MD Route 65. The campground itself is just a short drive from the Burnside Bridge, a historically significant landmark within the battlefield. While the campsites are described as "large areas of mowed grass," providing ample space, a previous visitor noted that the pit toilets are in the parking lot, and some sites are "relatively far away," suggesting a potentially "tough walk" in the middle of the night. This highlights the primitive nature of the camping experience and the importance of being prepared.

The campground is typically open from April through November, allowing groups to experience camping across multiple seasons. For logistical planning, it's important to note that while potable water is not available directly on site, there is a water spigot for filling containers located behind the park visitor center (at 5831 Dunker Church Rd). This necessitates bringing your own water containers and planning for water collection. The campground's location within a national park means good road maintenance, but access to external services like grocery stores or medical facilities would require a short drive into Sharpsburg or nearby towns.

Rohrbach Group Campground offers a primitive camping experience tailored specifically for organized groups, ensuring a focus on essential amenities for a comfortable stay within a historical setting.

• Group-Specific Sites: The campground features 10 dedicated group sites, each designed to accommodate a maximum of 30 people, making it ideal for scout troops, school groups, and civic organizations.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking, along with picnic tables, providing essential facilities for group meals and gatherings.
• Provided Firewood: While foraging for firewood is prohibited to protect the historic landscape, the campground does provide some firewood for campers, a convenient amenity. Bringing your own kindling is recommended.
• Pit Toilets/Latrines: "Relatively nice and sturdy" pit toilets (outhouses) are available in the parking lot area. While clean, their distance from some campsites might require planning, especially at night.
• Handwashing Stations: Handwashing stations are available near the pit toilets.
• Potable Water Access (Off-Site): Drinking water is not available directly at the campsites. However, there is access to a water spigot for filling containers located behind the Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center (5831 Dunker Church Rd). Groups must bring their own water containers. When temperatures are above freezing, park rangers may also provide a water buffalo on-site at the campground.
• Advance Reservations Required: All sites are available for advance reservation only via Recreation.gov. There are no first-come, first-served sites. Booking up to six months in advance is possible.
• Trash Management: While not explicitly detailed, as a National Park Service site, appropriate trash disposal and recycling options are typically provided to maintain the cleanliness of the area.

Rohrbach Group Campground offers a range of unique features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for organized groups in Maryland.

• Historic Setting: The most prominent feature is its location directly within Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. This provides an unparalleled educational experience, allowing groups to camp on hallowed ground.
• Proximity to Battlefield Attractions: Campers are "very close to Sharpsburg and the Antietam battlefield," including the iconic Burnside Bridge. Groups can easily "hike to the battlefield and explore the monuments" directly from their campsite.
• Spacious Mowed Grass Areas: The campsites offer "large areas of mowed grass," providing ample space for tents, group activities, and overall comfort, as noted by previous visitors.
• Educational Opportunities: The National Park Service offers ranger programs and pre-arranged ranger-led activities within the battlefield, which can greatly enhance a group's understanding of the site's history and natural features.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Antietam National Battlefield boasts 15 miles of trails, including the popular Bloody Lane and Final Attack Trails, perfect for group hikes and educational walks. Biking on the battlefield tour road is also a popular activity.
• Wildlife Observation: The battlefield's diverse landscape, encompassing farmland, pastures, and woodlots, provides a noteworthy habitat for wildlife observation, including woodchucks, white-tailed deer, and various bird species.
• Dedicated Group Focus: Being exclusively for scouts and civic organizations ensures a consistent environment for structured group activities without the presence of individual or family campers, fostering a stronger group dynamic.
• Affordable Group Camping: The site offers an affordable way for groups to access a national park experience, with prices starting at $25.00 per night per site.
• Ready Firewood: The provision of firewood (though bringing kindling is advised) is a convenient amenity, saving groups the trouble of sourcing their own.

As a National Park Service (NPS) campground, Rohrbach Group Campground does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Instead, its value lies in its affordable pricing for group camping within a historically significant national park. The base rate for a group site starts at $25.00 per night, which is a very reasonable fee for a large group (up to 30 people) to camp in such a unique and well-maintained environment.

The primary "offer" is the inherent educational and recreational opportunity provided by the location itself. Groups gain direct access to the Antietam National Battlefield, with its extensive trails and historical interpretation, often included or easily accessible as part of their camping experience. Organized youth groups may also find that specific NPS educational programs or ranger-led activities can be pre-arranged, adding significant value to their visit. While there aren't discounted rates beyond the standard group fee, the overall value proposition of a well-maintained, historically rich, and group-focused primitive campground at this price point is highly competitive for Maryland organizations. It is always best to check Recreation.gov or contact the park directly for the most current pricing and reservation policies.

For reservations and inquiries regarding Rohrbach Group Campground, part of Antietam National Battlefield:

• Address: 18316 Burnside Bridge Rd, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, USA (within Antietam National Battlefield)
• Phone: (301) 432-5124 (This is the primary contact number for campground inquiries as provided by the National Park Service).
• Mobile Phone: +1 301-432-5124 (Likely the same line or a direct mobile contact for campground staff).
• Reservations: All reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov.
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 158, Sharpsburg, MD 21782-0158 (For official correspondence to Antietam National Battlefield).

Rohrbach Group Campground stands as an exceptionally suitable and enriching destination for organized groups of locals in Maryland. Its unique position within Antietam National Battlefield offers an unparalleled blend of outdoor adventure and immersive historical education, a combination rarely found elsewhere. For scout troops, school groups, and civic organizations, this campground provides a practical and inspiring setting for team-building, skill development, and fostering an appreciation for American heritage.

The primitive nature of the campground, while requiring some preparation (like bringing your own water containers), encourages self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with the natural environment. The "large areas of mowed grass" and provided fire pits ensure a comfortable base for group activities and camaraderie under the stars. Crucially, the direct access to the battlefield's extensive hiking trails allows groups to literally walk through history, enhancing lessons learned in classrooms or meeting halls with tangible, real-world experiences. This direct connection to such a pivotal historical site is an invaluable asset for educational outings.

Furthermore, the affordability of the group sites makes this experience accessible to a wide range of organizations, allowing more Maryland youth to benefit from this unique opportunity. While a previous camper humorously advised "Just don't play manhunt there" due to the darkness and unexpected wildlife sounds, this adds to the authentic wilderness experience and the stories that groups will take home. Rohrbach Group Campground is more than just a place to sleep outdoors; it’s a living monument and a vibrant natural space where Maryland's future generations can learn, grow, and create lasting memories right in their own state.