Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

3.63

25 reviews

Quick Facts

577 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

577 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee to use Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite. No reservation is required.

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

3.63

Mixed Reviews

Based on 25 reviews

21 Google reviews

Some mention

noisemosquitoestrain

"Reviews of Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offer mixed sentiments, mainly focusing on train noise, the condition of facilities, and the water pump functionality."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

39.6170, -78.7326

Driving directionsDirections for Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm

The access quality includes paved roads leading to the campsite, but the reachability from major roads is not specifically detailed.

Nearby places

Cumberland (approx. 1 mile from the canal towpath entrance), Hagerstown (approx. 60 miles)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can likely be sourced from Cumberland, MD, the nearest town approximately 1 mile from the campsite entrance.

Best Time to Camp at Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

The campsite transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From mid-November through mid-April, water sources hibernate as temperatures dip, with winter bringing crisp mornings where dew points hover around 24°F and afternoon highs reach a moderate 43°F. Summer visitors should come prepared for nature's less welcome committee—mosquitoes that thrive in the canal's humid environment. The rhythmic rumble of passing trains provides a unique soundtrack to your stay, reminding campers of the area's enduring role as a transportation corridor.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Water on in summer and towpath access; mosquitoes and train noise commonly noted in reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall offers cooler weather and scenic towpath use; fewer seasonal negatives than summer/winter.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Towpath access and awakening scenery; mosquitoes may increase as season warms.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Water turned off mid-Nov to mid-April; winter camping noted as less favorable in reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April. Camping remains open throughout the year.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts were provided for this campsite, although general park-related closures and detours might apply. Visitors should consult the official C&O Canal website for updates.

About Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

Nestled at Mile 180.1 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers seeking a simple overnight refuge. This no-frills, first-come-first-served sanctuary requires neither fees nor reservations, embodying the spirit of adventure that draws cyclists and hikers to this legendary trail. While amenities remain purposefully basic—a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, grill, and a water source that requires treatment—the site offers exactly what trail-weary adventurers need for a restorative night's rest. Remember to pack light and move on after one night, as this waystation is designed for those passing through on longer journeys.

Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offers primitive camping with minimal facilities designed for hikers and bikers. Reservations are not required.

Historical SignificanceYour tent stakes claim to ground steeped in American history, as this campsite forms part of the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Once the lifeblood of commerce and transportation, this canal witnessed the dreams and toils of countless travelers, traders, and canal workers who helped build a young nation. Today's cyclists and hikers follow in the footsteps—or rather, the mule paths—of those who once guided cargo-laden boats through these waters, connecting the Potomac tidewaters to the western frontier.

Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From mid-November through mid-April, water sources hibernate as temperatures dip, with winter bringing crisp mornings where dew points hover around 24°F and afternoon highs reach a moderate 43°F. Summer visitors should come prepared for nature's less welcome committee—mosquitoes that thrive in the canal's humid environment. The rhythmic rumble of passing trains provides a unique soundtrack to your stay, reminding campers of the area's enduring role as a transportation corridor.

ElevationThe campsite rests on the canal's characteristically level terrain, offering weary legs a merciful respite from climbs and descents. This pancake-flat topography, engineered by 19th-century canal builders, creates an accessible haven where setting up camp requires no battle against slopes or uneven ground—just smooth, even surfaces that make for comfortable tent placement and easy midnight trips to facilities.

Natural Features and SceneryEvitts Creek campsite occupies a unique slice of engineered wilderness where human history and nature intertwine. The still waters of the canal create mirror-like reflections of overhanging trees, while the adjacent towpath stretches endlessly in both directions, beckoning tomorrow's journey. Though power lines and railroad tracks serve as reminders of civilization's proximity, the dominant atmosphere remains one of pastoral tranquility. The canal's stagnant waters, while picturesque, do nurture a healthy mosquito population—consider this nature's way of ensuring you don't linger too long in this transit-oriented paradise.

Geological RegionSituated within the Potomac River corridor, the campground occupies a fascinating geological intersection where the ancient river valley meets human engineering. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and water—the Potomac's patient carving through Appalachian ridges created the natural pathway that canal builders later followed. This ribbon of relatively flat land sandwiched between river and ridge provides a gentle corridor through otherwise challenging terrain, making it as valuable to modern adventurers as it was to 19th-century merchants.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Visitors can arrive anytime as there is no official check-in time.

Check-out

Overnight stays limited to one night
visitors are expected to vacate the site within this timeframe.

Stay Limit

Overnight stays are limited to one night.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates one group per night.

Groups

No group camping facilities mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle campsite for hiker-biker visitors, including a picnic table, grill, and chemical toilet. Located directly off the towpath.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-up basis only; no reservations required.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not required.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned.

Site SizeSize of sites not detailed.

PrivacyNo information on campsite privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring earplugs for train noise" and a water filtration system due to non-potable water. Visitors seeking hammock camping appreciated tree availability for setup.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities available include hiking and biking along the towpath. Fishing opportunities are available nearby with proper permits. Wildlife viewing and camping are prominent activities.

HikingThe Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath offers accessible hiking opportunities nearby at various difficulty levels.

FishingFishing is permitted. Visitors must acquire a Maryland fishing license for those aged 16 and older.

BikingPopular trails include the C&O Canal Towpath.

Wildlife viewingGeneral wildlife viewing opportunities exist but species and specific viewing areas are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews as a significant nuisance. The water pump is non-functional at times, and the canal is an unmoving water body prone to stagnant conditions. Proximity to trains and power lines may detract from sleep quality and ambiance.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts were provided for this campsite, although general park-related closures and detours might apply. Visitors should consult the official C&O Canal website for updates.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in grill or fire ring areas. Fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be accessed via National Capital Region Communications Center at (866) 677-6677 or 911.

Trash & RecyclingThis park operates under a 'Trash Free Park' policy, requiring all visitors to carry out their trash. Trash cans are not provided.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal; however, water is non-potable and unsuitable for drinking without treatment.

Camp HostThere are no hosts or dedicated staff at this campsite. It operates as a self-service location.

Weather at Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

Reviews

3.6

25 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offer mixed sentiments, mainly focusing on train noise, the condition of facilities, and the water pump functionality.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the availability of basic facilities (picnic table, fire ring, and grill) and its free access for hikers and bikers.

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include non-functional water pumps, frequent and loud train noise, mosquitoes, and proximity to high voltage power lines.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing ear plugs to mitigate train noise, bringing sufficient potable water due to pump issues, and treating the water if necessary.

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is less favorable due to water being turned off from mid-November to mid-April.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Great campsite along the C&O. Train noise can be a problem, so bring ear plugs for sleeping." - Matt Stevenson - "Adequate for a free primitive campground. Minimal train noises at night from...

Based on 25 reviews