You probably haven’t heard of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia unless you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, amazing scenery, and lots of history. It’s a quaint town located where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet and just across the bridge from Maryland.

Harpers Ferry is packed with Civil War history and is best for mature travelers who enjoy quieter trips. However, if you want to visit with your family, then you’ll just have to spend lots of time taking advantage of the beautiful scenery around the town!

This town isn’t on any list of the best places to visit in the world, so it can be difficult to find the best neighborhood to stay in Harpers Ferry close to everything. However, we’re making your trip easier with this comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in this fascinating little town.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Harpers Ferry?

• Where to stay in Harpers Ferry first time – Downtown
• Where to stay in Harpers Ferry on a budget – Bolivar
• Best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for families – Ranson

Where to Stay in Harpers Ferry

Do you just want to book and go? Then check out these top accommodation choices.

Harpers Ferry Neighborhood Guide

Harpers Ferry is a tiny little town, home to less than 300 people. However, despite its size, it packs in a lot of historical attractions dating back to the Civil War which is why it’s a popular holiday destination for history buffs. If you’re ready to book your holiday in this part of West Virginia, then here’s where you should stay.

With lots of shops and restaurants, the Downtown area is the best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for your first time. It’s also right on the river, which means you’ll be able to enjoy lots of water activities during your stay.

If you’re on a tight budget, then look for somewhere to stay in Bolivar. This tiny town is right alongside Harpers Ferry and offers local prices as well as some historical attractions of its own!

The final area in this list is Ranson, the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Harpers Ferry for families. This is a larger city with over 4,000 residents, and it’s just over 10 minutes in the car from Harpers Ferry. So if you want lots of amenities to keep the kids entertained and happy, this is where you’ll find them.

Harpers Ferry’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Each area in Harper Ferry has its own appeal. Here’s just a glimpse into what each of them has to offer.

Neighborhood#1 – Downtown

Where to stay in Harpers Ferry first time

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Take the trail to Shenandoah Falls
• BEST place to visit in Downtown – Jefferson Rock for amazing hiking and views!

Harper Ferry’s Downtown is small, but it’s the center of the area’s historic attractions and local life. This is where you’ll find a small collection of shops, bars, and restaurants, making this is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Harpers Ferry for your first time.

Located close to the river, this pleasant area is perfect for all kinds of travelers. While you still may need a car to get out to some of the historical sites around Harpers Ferry, you won’t need one to enjoy the authentic charm of this tiny slice of West Virginia.

• Check out John Brown’s Fort where the famous abolitionist barricaded himself during the Harpers Ferry raid
• Try some local treats at the Cannonball Deli or Old Fireman’s BBQ and Catering Co
• Explore the history of Lockwood House which has been a prison, hospital, and ballroom throughout the years
• Experience the history of the famous Storer College Campus
• Explore the historic sites and nature areas at the Ruins of Shenandoah Pulp Factory
• Hike part of the Appalachian Trail

Best Budget hotel in Downtown

Light Horse Inn

Located close to the town’s Downtown area, the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Harpers Ferry for your first time, this inn has its own bar and cozy rooms with Wi-Fi. The building is old but quaint and has all the usual modern amenities as well as private bathrooms. It also has a garden and lounge area where you can relax and chat with other travelers.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

Ledge House Bed and Breakfast

Located in the best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for couples who want to experience all the history of this town, this B&B has comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and a delicious breakfast every morning. There are also plenty of common spaces where you can relax and take in the atmosphere, including a beautiful garden and sun terrace.

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Neighborhood#2 – Bolivar

Where to stay in Harpers Ferry on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Bolivar – Take the kids to ride the train and enjoy the exhibits at the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum & Joy Line Railroad
• BEST place to visit in Bolivar – The Bolivar Heights Battlefield for as much Civil War history as you can handle

Bolivar is the best choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Harpers Ferry on a budget. This tiny town is right alongside Harpers Ferry and has a population of just over 1000 people. It’s only three minutes from the center of Harpers Ferry by car and is a more local town with local prices.

Named for South American revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar, Bolivar has its own history and collection of attractions. It also offers some great local restaurants where you can mingle with the locals.

• Hike the Schoolhouse Ridge North trail
• Spend a day on the hiking trails and in the museums at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
• Stop for a meal at the Country Café or the Anvil
• Try zip-lining or tubing at the River Riders Family Adventure Resort
• Take in the views from River Vista
• Go for a walk and enjoy the historic atmosphere at Murphy Farm

Best Budget hotel in Bolivar

Quality Inn

Located in the best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry if you are on a budget, this simple accommodation choice has spacious rooms with seating areas, microwaves, and a dining area complete with a fridge and coffee machine. You’ll have your own private bathroom during your stay as well as a fitness center, 24-hour desk, and free parking in case you decide to hire your own car.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Bolivar

Cantuta Inn

This beautiful accommodation is right in the center of Bolivar and within walking distance of Harpers Ferry. It has rooms with private bathrooms, a freshly cooked hot breakfast on the weekends, and queen or double rooms to suit a variety of travel groups.

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Neighborhood#3 – Ranson

Best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Ranson – Creep yourself out on a Charles Town Ghost Tour
• BEST place to visit in Ranson – Bozzo Family Vineyards for a drink with a view

Located just 12 minutes in the car from Harpers Ferry, Ranson is a larger town with more than 4,000 residents. It’s the best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for families as it has more restaurants and shops than its smaller neighbor, so you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping the kids entertained.

Ranson is also close to Charles Town, so when you stay in this area you can enjoy the attractions of two cities in one!

• Lay your bets at the Charleston Race Track
• Let the kids burn off some energy at Evitts Run Park
• Take a walk through the Cool Spring Nature Preserve
• Have a meal at Rossy’s Place or John’s Café & Grill
• Stop for a drink at The Barn of Harpers Ferry or the White Horse Tavern

Best Budget hotel in Ranson

Holiday Inn Express Charles Town

Located just off the local highways for easy access everywhere, this hotel is located in the best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for nightlife. It has a lovely pool with a whirlpool, a morning buffet breakfast, and large rooms with fridges and microwaves. There’s also an on-site fitness center and laundry facilities at the hotel for a little extra convenience.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Ranson

Hampton Inn & Suites

Perfect for a family or a group of friends, this hotel is located in the best neighborhood in Harpers Ferry for nightlife, close to lots of shops and restaurants. It’s just a short trip from the casino and serves a daily hot breakfast so that you can start every morning well. It also has a heated pool, fitness center, and a business center in case you need to work during your trip.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Ranson

Rodeway Inn and Suites

Ideally located close to the local casino and with its own casino and bar on-site, this hotel is great for couples looking for fun nights out. It has its own restaurant and a 24-hour front desk as well as spacious rooms with microwaves, coffee machines, and private bathrooms. Breakfast is served every morning at the hotel and it also has a business center and vending machines for quick snacks. 

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Best Luxury Hotel in Ranson

The Inn at Charles Town

With a restaurant, fitness center shared lounge, and free parking, this hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Harpers Ferry for families. The rooms are large and have wardrobes, private bathrooms, and work areas, and there’s also a bar at the hotel for a late-night drink once the kids have gone to bed. If you want to do some gambling during your stay, you can take advantage of the hotel’s casino shuttle service.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is small, but this town still sees a lot of visitors. When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Harpers Ferry close to everything, it really depends on whether you have a car and what you most want to do and see while you’re in the area. Once you’ve decided on these two choices, you’re ready to experience more of the history and the charm of this tiny city in West Virginia.

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