The C&O Canal Bicycling Guide

Where can I camp along the towpath? There are plenty of camping options along the towpath. Rustic "Hiker/Biker" Campsites (H/B) are provided about every 5 miles beginning at Mile 16. Each camp site has a water pump, Jiffy John, grill, and picnic table. Officially, these sites are "First Come, First Serve" and only one group is permitted at each site (up to eight persons). However, in practical terms it is often necessary to share campsites as I did in 2004. This is a great way to meet other travellers and share experiences.

If you prefer a few more amenities (like pool, showers), then you can choose some of the nice private campgrounds located near the path.

When choosing H/B campsites, you should consider the distance to the nearest "access point". Some may want easy access (for equipment "drops"), while others may want a remote location for "peace and quiet". Also some sites are located next to a railroad or interstate, so don't expect a good night sleep at these locations.

Fires are restricted to fire rings and grills in all H/B campsites. Portable off-ground grills are also permitted, but coals must be removed from the park after use. Dead wood may be collected solely for use in campsite fires. Wood can not be removed from the park.

Note: Fees are required at Drive-In campsites. Fees are charged on a per site/night basis, and apply even if you do not drive in. All other hiker biker sites are free.

Campsites along the Towpath

Mile	Name	Info
11.6	Marsden Tract Campground (map)	301.299.3613: PERMIT REQUIRED - reserved for civic/scout organizations only. $20/night
16.6	Swain's Lock #21	Five Campsites - nearby vehicle access
26.0	Horsepen Branch H/B (map)	1.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 27.2
30.5	Chisel Branch H/B (map)	0.3 miles from vehicle access at mile 30.8
34.5	Turtle Run H/B (map)	1.0 miles from vehicle access at mile 35.5
38.1	Marble Quarry H/B	1.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 39.6
42.4	Indian Flats H/B	0.3 miles from vehicle access at mile 42.1
47.6	Calico Rocks H/B	0.8 miles from vehicle access at mile 48.2 Located near busy railroad. Subject to noise.
50.3	Bald Eagle Island H/B	0.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 50.8 Located near busy railroad. Subject to noise.
54.0	Brunswick Family Campground (map)	301.834.8050: Private Campground - Showers. Located between Towpath and River, with Shower Facilities. Appears to be VERY popular but expect railroad noise.
58.0	Harpers Ferry Hostel (map)	301.834.7652: On Maryland side across from Harpers Ferry. Cross RR Tracks and make first left. One mile up hill to corner of Keep Tryst and Sandy Hook Roads.
62.9	Huckleberry Hill H/B	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access
69.4	Antietam Creek Recreation Area (map)	Easy vehicle access - 20 Campsites - Fee Area: $10/Night
75.3	Killiansburg Cave H/B (map)	1.3 miles from vehicle access at mile 76.6
79.9	Horseshoe Bend H/B (map)	1.1 miles from vehicle access at mile 81.0
82.5	Big Woods H/B (map)	1.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 81.0
88.1	McMahons Mill (Bike Detour)	RV and Tent Camping
90.9	Opequon Junction H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access
95.2	Cumberland Valley H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access
99.4	Jellystone Park (map)	301.223.7117: Private Campground - Full Service RV and Cabins. Located 2 Miles south of Williamsport along Route 68. Showers, pool, camp store.
99.4	Hagerstown KOA (map)	301.223.7571 : Private Campground - Full Service RV and Cabins. Located 3 Miles north of Williamsport along Kemp Mill Rd. Showers, pool, camp store.
101.2	Jordan Junction H/B (map)	1.9 miles from vehicle access at mile 99.3
109.6	North Mountain H/B (map)	0.4 miles from vehicle access at mile 110.0
110.0	McCoys Ferry Recreation Area (map)	Primitive RV and Tent Camping - Fee Area $10/night
112.4	Fort Frederick State Park (map)	Massive pre-revolution Fort. Easy access from towpath
116.0	Licking Creek H/B	1.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 114.5. Located Near I-70 - Subject to traffic noise.
120.4	Little Pool H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Located Near I-70 - Subject to traffic noise.
126.4	White Rock H/B (map)	1.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 125.2
129.2	Happy Hills Campground (map)	301.678.7760: Private Campground - Full Service RV and Tent Camping (200 Sites). Cabins and Horse Stables available. 12617 Seavolt Rd
129.8	Leopards Mill H/B (map)	0.9 miles from vehicle access at mile 130.7
133.6	Cacapon Junction H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access.
139.2	Indigo Neck H/B (map)	1.6 miles from vehicle access at mile 140.8
140.8	Fifteen Mile Creek Recreation Area (map)	Fee Area: $10 to $20. A Drive-in site with RV and tent sites (Primitive Facilities - No RV Hookups)
140.8	Little Orleans Campground (map)	301.478-2325: Private Campground - RV and tent sites 1/4 mile from the towpath. Showers, pool, camp store.
144.5	Devil's Alley H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access.
149.4	Stickpile Hill H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - Rough access point 0.6 miles away at Mile 150
154.1	Sorrel Ridge H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - Rough access point 0.7 miles away at Mile 153.4
156.2	Paw Paw Tunnel Campground (map)	Easy vehicle access - Tent Campsites - Fee Area: $10/Night
156.9	Purslane Run H/B (map)	0.7 miles from vehicle access at mile 156.2
162.1	Town Creek H/B (map)	0.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 161.9
164.8	Potomac Forks H/B	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access.
166.7	Camp Potomac (map)	301-729-1300: Private camping facility 1.5 mile from the canal. Open to scouts and other youth groups. Two cabins and eight campsites available. Email bsapotom@gmail.com for reservations.
169.2	Pigmans Ferry H/B (map)	Remote Campsite - No vehicle access.
173.3	Spring Gap Recreation Area (map)	Primitive RV and Tent Camping - Fee Area $10/night. Store located on Route 51.
175.4	Iron Mountain H/B (map)	Access from nearby Route 51. Located near railroad trestle. Subject to noise.
180.0	Evitts Creek H/B (map)	0.7 miles from vehicle access at mile 180.7

Bike Washington’s

C&O Canal Bicycling Guide

Camping