Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite

Rock Creek Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Escape the bustle of the nation's capital at Marsden Tract Group Campsite, where six spacious woodland sites welcome groups of up to 30 adventurers each. Just minutes from Washington D.C., this riverside retreat serves as your basecamp for conquering the legendary Billy Goat Trail, casting lines into the historic Potomac, and discovering the dramatic geological wonders that define the Great Falls region. Here, ancient rock formations tell stories millions of years in the making, while the forest canopy provides a peaceful sanctuary for memorable group gatherings.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Where the historic C&O Canal meets the rushing Potomac at Mile 16.6, Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience just minutes from civilization. This cherished primitive campground draws outdoor enthusiasts with its chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, fire grills, and access to untreated water—though seasoned visitors recommend bringing a filter. Free and first-come, first-served, this popular spot fills quickly on weekends as cyclists, hikers, and paddlers converge, drawn by its proximity to the spectacular Great Falls and the limited parking that keeps crowds naturally in check.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 34.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons weary travelers with its rustic charm and riverside tranquility. This free wilderness retreat caters exclusively to those exploring the towpath on foot or two wheels, offering essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table for trail-side meals, and a grill for evening cookouts. A water source is available on-site, though adventurers should come prepared with purification tablets or filters, as treatment is required before drinking. Note that water access hibernates with the cold, shutting off from mid-November through mid-April when frost grips the region.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 38.2 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Marble Quarry Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a welcome respite on their journey. This first-come, first-served site provides essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water source, making it an ideal overnight stop for those exploring the canal's storied path—though you'll want to keep moving after your one-night stay to discover what lies ahead.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 47.6 along the legendary C&O Canal Towpath, Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons weary travelers with its peaceful solitude and essential comforts. This hidden gem offers complimentary camping with thoughtfully provided amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, cooking grill, and access to treated water. Far from the crowds, this tranquil waypoint serves as an ideal rest stop for adventurous souls journeying along the historic towpath by foot or bicycle.

Sweet Run State Park

Virginia State Parks has overnight accommodations in most parks.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 50.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with open arms and no reservation hassles. This free wilderness haven invites adventurers to rest their heads for a night under the stars, offering essential amenities without the fuss of fees or lengthy stays. Whether you're pedaling through on two wheels or trekking the towpath on foot, this rustic retreat provides the perfect pause in your journey.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 62.0 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite without the burden of fees. This charming waypoint provides everything essential for a comfortable night under the stars: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, convenient grill for evening meals, and access to non-potable water for basic needs. Perfect for cyclists and hikers traversing the legendary towpath, this unpretentious site embodies the spirit of simple, authentic outdoor adventure.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover your perfect riverside retreat at Antietam Creek Campsite, where the gentle waters of the C&O Canal meet the mighty Potomac River at Mile 69.4. This peaceful tent-only sanctuary invites you to unplug and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Cast a line into the tranquil waters, launch your kayak for a morning paddle, or set off on foot to explore miles of scenic towpath trails. History buffs will find themselves perfectly positioned to step back in time, with the hallowed grounds of Antietam Battlefield just a short journey away.

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Nestled at Mile 75.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Killiansburg Cave Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite on their towpath journey. As part of a thoughtfully spaced network of primitive campsites positioned every 5-7 miles, this riverside haven provides essential amenities for adventurers exploring the 184.5-mile corridor between Cumberland and Georgetown.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Perched on a wooded ridge in the Catoctin Mountains, Gambrill State Park's campground welcomes you to a tranquil forest retreat where towering trees shade your site and historic stone overlooks frame breathtaking valley panoramas. This peaceful haven attracts hikers and nature lovers seeking a genuine mountain experience, complete with well-kept facilities and friendly camp hosts ready to help you settle in. Pack everything you'll need—the park keeps things refreshingly simple with no on-site store, letting the forest take center stage.

18316 Burnside Bridge Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Step into history at Rohrbach Group Campground, where young scouts and civic groups can experience the hallowed grounds of Antietam National Battlefield under starlit skies. This rustic, walk-in camping retreat offers an authentic wilderness experience for groups of up to 30 adventurers per site. Here, modern conveniences give way to the simple pleasures of primitive camping – pack your water bottles and prepare for an unforgettable journey where nature and history converge. The absence of running water only adds to the authentic frontier experience, teaching self-reliance while fostering deeper connections with both the land and your fellow campers.

, Mercersville, MD, 21782, USA

Horseshoe C welcomes adventurous spirits and cycling enthusiasts to a peaceful riverside retreat where the historic C&O Canal towpath meets the mighty Potomac River. This biker-friendly campground offers the perfect basecamp for two-wheeled explorers seeking both natural beauty and a touch of American history.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 82.7 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite serves as a welcome respite for adventurous souls traversing this storied waterway. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to hikers and cyclists exploring the canal's scenic route, offering essential amenities in a pristine natural setting. Best of all, this hidden gem comes with no price tag and no reservation hassles—simply arrive, set up camp, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

, USA

Escape to a tranquil riverside retreat where history meets natural beauty. This charming campground offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure along one of America's most storied waterways. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Greenbrier State Park welcomes families to its sparkling man-made lake, where a sandy beach and designated swim area create the perfect setting for summer days filled with swimming, boating, and lakeside picnics. Multiple campground loops nestle among the trees, connected by scenic trails that wind through the park's well-maintained grounds. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends, when this popular destination draws crowds eager to claim their spot by the water.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

, Mercersville, MD, 21782, USA

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

18316 Burnside Bridge Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Sweet Run State Park

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Picture your tent pitched just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, where wild horses wander freely past your campsite and sea breezes carry the sound of crashing waves. Assateague State Park offers a rare barrier-island camping experience where you'll sleep behind gentle dunes with the beach at your doorstep, all while sharing this windswept coastal paradise with the island's famous free-roaming horses.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to a secluded island paradise where towering pines whisper in the salt breeze and every campsite feels like your own private retreat. Accessible only by boat, this intimate marine campground offers primitive camping beneath a canopy of evergreens, with dramatic bluff-top perches and rocky shoreline camps that open onto sweeping views of the surrounding strait.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Point Lookout State Park campground is a family-friendly, beachside campground with direct access to the ocean and an easy walk over a small sand dune to the beach. Sites range from exposed, dune-side pitches to tree-lined sites and the campground offers amenities such as hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and on-site sales of ice and firewood.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to Big Run State Park, where primitive campsites nestle along a babbling creek at the edge of Savage River Reservoir. This hidden gem in Western Maryland's forested valleys offers the perfect rustic retreat for paddlers, anglers, and stargazers seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled along the rushing Youghiogheny River, Swallow Falls State Park Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering hemlocks where the soundtrack is provided by cascading waterfalls just a short hike away. The wooded sites offer a peaceful retreat with varying levels of privacy, though it's worth noting that some are cozy neighbors and drainage can be challenging after heavy rains.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled among the rugged mountains of western Maryland, Rocky Gap State Park wraps around the sparkling waters of Lake Habeeb, creating a perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're settling into a private wooded campsite, a cozy cabin, or a unique yurt, you'll find everything from sandy beaches and scenic trails to a convenient camp store and nearby resort amenities—all waiting to make your stay unforgettable.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to the wild heart of the Appalachians at Savage River State Forest, where rugged high-elevation terrain meets pristine waterways and some of Maryland's darkest night skies. This expansive forest sanctuary offers truly primitive camping experiences along the Savage River, meandering tributaries, and a peaceful reservoir—perfect for those seeking solitude far from the buzz of modern life. Come prepared for rustic conditions: basic facilities, no hookups, and gloriously unreliable cell service.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 82.7 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite serves as a welcome respite for adventurous souls traversing this storied waterway. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to hikers and cyclists exploring the canal's scenic route, offering essential amenities in a pristine natural setting. Best of all, this hidden gem comes with no price tag and no reservation hassles—simply arrive, set up camp, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 133.6 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight beckons weary travelers with its simple yet essential amenities. This free, first-come, first-served sanctuary caters specifically to those exploring the towpath on foot or by bicycle, offering a peaceful respite complete with a picnic table for evening meals, a grill for campfire cooking, treated water to refill bottles, and a chemical toilet. Here, the journey becomes the destination as cyclists and hikers pause to rest beneath the stars, sharing stories of the trail with fellow adventurers.

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Where wild horses roam free and ocean waves kiss pristine shores, Assateague Island National Seashore Campground beckons adventurers to experience one of the East Coast's most enchanting barrier islands. This remarkable destination seamlessly blends tent and RV camping with unparalleled natural beauty, offering campers the rare opportunity to fall asleep to the rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic while knowing that legendary wild horses might graze just beyond their campsite. Whether you choose the dramatic oceanside sites or the tranquil bayside locations, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where coastal wilderness meets accessible adventure, with winding nature trails and historic attractions waiting just beyond the dunes.