Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Star4.53
30 reviews

Quick Facts

194 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service (NPS) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee is required for camping at Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(301) 739-4200CHOH_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouswater

Some mention

noise

"Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite has generally positive reviews with campers appreciating its simplicity and suitability for hikers and cyclists. The average sentiment score is 3.75/5 specifically for the campground."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.1022, -77.4730

Driving directionsChisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite directions and information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Accessibility is via the towpath. No vehicular traffic is allowed. Access by bike and foot is available.
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Spring and fall transform Chisel Branch into a temperate paradise, with mild days perfect for exploring the towpath and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. While winter brings a peaceful solitude to the campsite, adventurers should note that potable water facilities hibernate from November 15 through April 15. The crisp autumn air and blooming spring wildflowers make these seasons particularly magical for those seeking the perfect balance of comfortable weather and natural beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Potable water available seasonally; river access and warm-season wildlife, but mosquitoes noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Overview says fall transforms the site into a temperate paradise with ideal hiking nights.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring described as temperate paradise with mild days and good towpath use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but potable water off Nov 15–Apr 15; quieter solitude but limited services.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campsite operates year-round but potable water is turned off from November 15 to April 15.
  • Current Alerts: Alerts and closures are posted on the National Park Service website (https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) and include periodic detours and maintenance closures. Potable water availability is seasonal.

About Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Nestled along the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience. This free riverside retreat welcomes weary cyclists and hikers with essential comforts: chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, grills for evening cookouts, and iodine-treated drinking water. Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts for its generous space and easy access, the campsite rewards visitors with sweeping views of the mighty Potomac River that have captivated travelers for generations.
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is a free, first-come, first-served hiker-biker campground designed for short stays.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Camping operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not require check-in.
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Stays are limited to one night only.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite offers straightforward recreational opportunities primarily tied to its location along the C&O Canal Towpath. Campers can enjoy riverside access, hiking, and biking. The site appears well-suited for relaxing by the river and observing the natural surroundings.
HikingThe site is part of the C&O Canal Towpath, which provides extensive hiking opportunities. No specific trail details or difficulty ratings are available for this location.
BikingCyclists frequently use the site as a stopover. Reviewer G.S. noted that 'several cyclists camped with plenty of space for all.'
Wildlife viewingSeveral reviews highlight the presence of wildlife, with one camper mentioning 'bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, cardinals, and more.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison ivy and heavy undergrowth during warmer months. Potable water is treated and may not suit all campers; users are advised to bring purification tablets. User reviews mention moderate airplane traffic noise and river traffic from across the Virginia side.
Active AlertsAlerts and closures are posted on the National Park Service website (https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) and include periodic detours and maintenance closures. Potable water availability is seasonal.

Weather at Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Reviews

4.5
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite has generally positive reviews with campers appreciating its simplicity and suitability for hikers and cyclists. The average sentiment score is 3.75/5 specifically for the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the spaciousness of the campsite, availability of potable water (treated with iodine), and the natural surroundings including wildlife. Specific comments include 'great place to bike...
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Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mentioned noise from nearby air traffic and road traffic, as well as seasonal limitations of water availability. One review noted 'airplane traffic for both DCA and IAD,' and another...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water purification tablets, as the water provided is treated with iodine. Additionally, since water is unavailable from November 15 to April 15, carrying extra water is...
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Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers in colder months may find water unavailable as it is turned off seasonally. Mosquito populations vary, as one reviewer noted fewer mosquitoes after a storm. Visitors during warmer months...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

'A beautiful view of the Potomac River...level and grassy space for numerous tents.' - John Peconom; 'Right off the C&O Canal Towpath, this area has 2 camp sites with 1 picnic table and 1 fire pit...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There is no information on specific numbered sites as the campsite does not have dedicated or numbered sites.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility features.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioned pets or pet policies.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite