Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Star4.54
28 reviews
Stargazing

Quick Facts

230 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Water turned off fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees required for use.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationwater

"The Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Campsite receives generally positive reviews, emphasizing its rustic charm and suitability for hikers and bikers. However, some reviews note limitations, such as low-lying areas prone to rain accumulation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.0694, -77.3980

Driving directionsDirections can be accessed via https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
The directions suggest access via nearby major roads to Poolesville, MD, but lack details.
Nearby places
Poolesville, MD (Exact distance and travel time unavailable)
Nearby supplies
Specific supply locations not stated, likely accessible in Poolesville, MD.

Best Time to Camp at Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Experience the full spectrum of Mid-Atlantic seasons at Horsepen Branch, where spring wildflowers give way to summer's verdant canopy, autumn paints the towpath in brilliant golds and crimsons, and winter brings a stark, peaceful beauty to the canal. As temperatures dip below freezing, the campground's water system shuts down for the season, transforming this spot into a more primitive winter camping experience. Pack accordingly and embrace the seasonal rhythms that have shaped this historic waterway for generations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Water available Apr 15–Nov 15 and a verdant canopy provide shade and good summer conditions.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MD

Autumn 'paints the towpath in brilliant golds and crimsons' — excellent foliage seasonality.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and reopening of water (after Apr 15) make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Potable water turned off Nov 15–Apr 15 and maintenance reduced; winter camping less convenient.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Water availability suggests an April 15 to November 15 peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Water turned off from November 15 to April 15.
  • Current Alerts: No alerts specific to the Horsepen Branch HBO Campsite mentioned.

About Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Nestled at Mile 26.1 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite offers weary cyclists and backpackers a welcome respite without the price tag. This free wilderness retreat provides essential amenities for the modern adventurer: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, campfire grill for evening meals, and treated drinking water to refill your bottles. During warmer months, the iodine-treated water flows freely, though winter visitors should plan to pack their own as the taps run dry when temperatures drop.
Horsepen Branch Campsite is a hiker-biker-only site designed for primitive camping along the towpath.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not applicable.
Check-out
Not applicable.
Stay Limit
Guests are limited to staying one night per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Horsepen Branch Campsite offers opportunities for hiking and biking along the towpath, which provides a scenic and historical experience. The site is primarily focused on facilitating overnight stays for those traveling by foot or bicycle.
HikingThe campsite is situated along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, which offers a mix of recreational and historical experiences. The towpath is ideal for bikers and hikers at all skill levels.
BikingThe towpath serves as a long, scenic biking trail, connecting multiple campsites and points of interest.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited water availability during winter months and reliance on iodine-treated water pose risks.
Active AlertsNo alerts specific to the Horsepen Branch HBO Campsite mentioned.

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

Reviews

4.5
28 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Campsite receives generally positive reviews, emphasizing its rustic charm and suitability for hikers and bikers. However, some reviews note limitations, such as low-lying areas prone to rain accumulation.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments praise the campsite's accessibility and convenient location along the towpath, as well as the provision of basic amenities like a water pump and chemical toilets. One user noted,...
Show more
Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users highlighted issues such as low-lying spots at the campsite, which could be problematic during rainy conditions. Another noted that the water spigot is turned off in winter, limiting water...
Show more
Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to choose high ground for their tents if rain is expected and to bring water purification tablets, as the water is treated with iodine. Additionally, they should plan for the...
Show more
Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping may be less convenient due to the unavailability of potable water from November 15 to April 15. Campers should also prepare for reduced maintenance during colder months.
Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Good campground has some low spots. Pick wisely if you expect rain.' 2. 'It's a small campsite but I don't imagine it gets much use. There is a water spigot but they have it turned off in the...
Show more
Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or areas are highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews are available regarding accessibility for disabled campers.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews are available regarding pet policies or experiences from pet owners.
Based on 28 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Maryland

Campgrounds
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite