Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

4.00

7 reviews

Quick Facts

390 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens "C&O Canal National Historical Park" site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

390 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens "C&O Canal National Historical Park" site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is free to use with no associated fees.

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

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

Some mention

noise

"Mixed reviews suggest that the Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is well-maintained and simple but can be noisy due to activity across the river."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.5621, -77.8531

Driving directionsDirections to Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite are provided at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

The site is walk-in only and lacks vehicle access, indicating a need to travel by foot. Roads leading to proximity may vary in quality; details of seasonal accessibility are unspecified.

Nearby places

Williamsport is the closest nearby city, but specific distances in miles are not provided.

Nearby supplies

Details about grocery, fuel, or camping supplies location are unspecified, requiring visitors to plan accordingly.

Best Time to Camp at Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Experience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as nature transitions through the year. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows at the site, making these months ideal for comfortable camping. During the cooler months when water service pauses, the campsite transforms into a more rugged experience for prepared adventurers who bring their own supplies. Each season paints the canal corridor in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's golden tapestry.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Water available mid-April–Nov, good for camping, but summer noise and parties reported in reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Water still available through mid-Nov; fall foliage and cooler weather likely enhance the experience.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Fresh water returns mid-April and hiking/biking conditions are favorable in spring shoulder season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Water is turned off Nov 15–Apr 15; limited services and cold weather reduce winter appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season may correspond to the period when water is available, from April 15 to November 15, but is not explicitly defined as such.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year, implying potential seasonal impacts.
Current Alerts: "Multiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance within the park." Specific alerts for the campsite itself are not provided.

About Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Discover the charm of simple adventure at this hidden gem along the historic C&O Canal towpath. This no-fee, first-come, first-served walk-in campsite welcomes weary travelers and weekend warriors alike, offering a peaceful respite for those exploring the canal's storied route by foot or bicycle. With no reservations required, it's the perfect spot for spontaneous adventurers seeking an authentic connection with nature and history.

The Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is a primitive, free, walk-in campground designed specifically for hikers and bikers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you camp within the boundaries of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, where the echoes of America's transportation revolution still resonate. This campsite offers more than just a place to rest—it's your gateway to experiencing the living history of the canal that once connected the eastern seaboard to the western frontier. Though the mules and canal boats have long since departed, the towpath remains a testament to the dreams and determination of those who built this engineering marvel.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as nature transitions through the year. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows at the site, making these months ideal for comfortable camping. During the cooler months when water service pauses, the campsite transforms into a more rugged experience for prepared adventurers who bring their own supplies. Each season paints the canal corridor in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's golden tapestry.

ElevationNestled along the gentle grades of the historic canal route, this campsite follows the waterway's carefully engineered path through the Potomac River valley. The relatively level terrain makes it accessible for cyclists and hikers of all abilities, while subtle changes in elevation reveal new perspectives of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where human history and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. Towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, their roots intermingling with weathered stones from canal locks and historic structures. The campsite offers intimate woodland settings where morning mist drifts through the trees and evening light filters through leaves, creating an ever-changing tableau of light and shadow along the historic waterway.

Geological RegionSet within Maryland's diverse Potomac River corridor, this campsite showcases the unique marriage of natural and engineered landscapes that defines the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The surrounding woodlands tell a geological story millions of years in the making, while the canal infrastructure represents a more recent chapter in the land's evolution. This dynamic environment offers campers a front-row seat to both ancient natural processes and 19th-century American ingenuity.

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Stay Limit

"Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip."

Guests Allowed Per Site

Details about the number of guests per site are unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe layout consists of fundamental amenities: chemical toilet, water pump (seasonal availability), picnic table, and grill.

Reservation PlatformsThis site does not allow reservations. Information is available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come first-served walk-in campsite.

Cancellation PolicyAs a first-come first-serve site, reservations and cancellations do not apply.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information available about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe site sizes are not explicitly mentioned, but they are designed for walk-in hikers and bikers.

PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy levels for individual sites, but as a hiker-biker campsite, it is likely to be more communal and open.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe campsite experience is influenced by its first-come-first-serve policy and walk-in access, so arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is primarily geared towards hikers and bikers who traverse the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. There are no structured recreational activities mentioned at the campsite.

HikingThe campsite's location on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath makes it ideal for hiking. The towpath offers a flat and scenic route suitable for all levels of hikers.

BikingThe campsite is directly accessible from the C&O Canal Towpath, which is a popular route for bikers due to its even terrain and scenic views.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the seasonal absence of potable water and the need for purification. Wildlife hazards are not explicitly noted.

Active Alerts"Multiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance within the park." Specific alerts for the campsite itself are not provided.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted at established fire rings, but they must be completely extinguished upon departure. Unauthorized cutting or defacing of growth is prohibited.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be reached by calling (866) 677-6677 or 911. Additional service availability is unspecified.

Trash & RecyclingThe park operates under a 'Trash Free Park' policy, meaning campers must carry out all trash. Trash cans are not provided on-site.

Water Features"Potable water is treated with iodine at the campsite. Water is unavailable during colder months." General proximity to the Potomac River is implied through its location within the C&O Canal National Historical Park.

Weather at Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Reviews

4.0

7 reviews

Satisfactory

Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews suggest that the Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is well-maintained and simple but can be noisy due to activity across the river.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the maintenance of the site, including the fire ring, water pump, picnic table, and outhouse. "Great campsite only around five miles downriver from Williamsport. Well maintained."

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise was a recurring concern in user reviews: "The only drawback is it's kinda noisy across the river until dark. Lawnmowers and weed wackers and the occasional party." Another reviewer noted, "Nice...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water purification tablets, as water is treated with iodine and may not always be available. Plan to camp early to secure your spot, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Water is unavailable from November 15 to April 15, which could affect usability in the winter months. Summer months have noise complaints due to parties and activities across the river.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campsite only around five miles downriver from Williamsport. Well maintained." "The only drawback is it's kinda noisy across the river until dark."

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No individual sites are numbered or reviewed separately; the entire campground is treated as a single unit.

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.

Based on 7 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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