Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

4.00

6 reviews

Quick Facts

512 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

512 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee charged for utilizing this 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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(301) 739-4200CHOH_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 6 reviews

4 Google reviews

Some mention

train

"User reviews generally appreciate the site's location along the towpath and its suitability for hiker/biker guests. However, train noise at night is a recurring complaint."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.6267, -78.3587

Driving directionsDirections provided in the authoritative content mention the recreation area's website (http://www.nps.gov/choh/) for more information, but detailed directions specific to the campsite are not listed.

The campsite is accessible via the C&O Canal Towpath, suitable primarily for hikers and bikers; vehicle access details are not provided.

Nearby places

Little Orleans is the closest city, but specific distances or travel times from other population centers are not provided.

Nearby supplies

The campsite warns visitors to bring water purification tablets and does not specify nearby grocery or camping supply stores.

Best Time to Camp at Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

The campsite transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring through fall brings the convenience of running water and lush greenery, while winter months (November 15 to April 15) challenge visitors with turned-off water systems but reward them with stark beauty and solitude. The shoulder seasons offer perhaps the best camping weather, with mild temperatures perfect for cycling the towpath or hiking the surrounding trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Running water available; lush greenery and summer river views make it appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Accessible with water until Nov 15; fall foliage likely enhances riverside scenery.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Running water resumes Apr 15; spring greenery and towpath access make it attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Water turned off Nov 15–Apr 15; site less suitable for winter camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year, indicating seasonal considerations for visitors.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts were mentioned for this particular campsite.

About Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Tucked away at mile marker 139.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite from their journey. This free, first-come, first-served haven welcomes hikers and bikers with essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill. A water spigot provides iodine-treated water during the warmer months, though savvy adventurers always pack purification tablets as backup. From mid-November through mid-April, the water supply hibernates with the cold, making self-sufficiency essential for winter explorers.

This campsite caters specifically to hiker/biker overnight visitors. It operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations.

Historical SignificanceAs part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Indigo Neck sits along a waterway that once served as America's commercial lifeline. Where mules once pulled cargo boats laden with coal and lumber, modern adventurers now pedal and hike, following the same routes that helped build a nation. The towpath beneath your feet echoes with nearly two centuries of American history, from the canal's ambitious beginnings in 1828 to its transformation into one of the country's most beloved recreational corridors.

Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring through fall brings the convenience of running water and lush greenery, while winter months (November 15 to April 15) challenge visitors with turned-off water systems but reward them with stark beauty and solitude. The shoulder seasons offer perhaps the best camping weather, with mild temperatures perfect for cycling the towpath or hiking the surrounding trails.

ElevationThe campsite rests at the gentle grade characteristic of the C&O Canal towpath, providing an accessible retreat for cyclists and hikers of all skill levels. The minimal elevation change makes it an ideal stopping point for those covering long distances along the canal.

Natural Features and ScenerySecluded between Little Orleans and Pearre Station, this hidden gem offers campers a front-row seat to the Potomac River's timeless performance. Summer visitors are treated to glimpses of the river through the leafy canopy, while the soothing soundtrack of flowing water provides nature's own white noise machine. The campsite's easy river access invites morning coffee contemplation or evening stargazing by the water's edge. The surrounding forest creates a natural privacy screen, making this spot feel like your own secret discovery despite its location along the popular towpath.

Geological RegionNestled in the Potomac River Valley, Indigo Neck showcases the diverse Mid-Atlantic landscape where ancient ridges meet meandering waterways. The campsite sits within a rich tapestry of deciduous forest and riparian habitat, where the geological story of the Appalachian region unfolds along the riverbank. This convergence of forest, river, and historic canal creates a unique ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and offers campers an immersive natural experience just steps from the towpath.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable as the site is first-come, first-served.

Check-out

Visitors are limited to one-night stays.

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Specific guest limits per site are not indicated.

Groups

No group sites are available at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campsite is described as wide open with two fire pits and only one picnic table. It is designed for hiker/biker usage.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available; the campsite operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campsite operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

AccessibilityThe site is accessible by foot or bike, primarily catering to hiker/biker overnight visitors.

Site SizeNo specific details about site dimensions are provided.

PrivacyDescribed as open and less private, with mentions of proximity to the river and openness in user reviews.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest bringing earplugs due to train noise across the river and ensuring water purification tablets are carried.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at this campsite are focused on the natural surroundings. Notable mentions include hiking and enjoying the river's presence (audibly and visually).

HikingThe campsite sits along the C&O Canal Towpath, providing easy access to hiking trails.

BikingBiking is a common activity along the C&O Canal Towpath. The campsite caters specifically to hiker/biker visitors.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine." Visitors are cautioned about water scarcity and advised to carry purification means.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts were mentioned for this particular campsite.

Fire PolicyA grill is available at the campsite, but specific fire policies are not outlined.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be contacted at (866) 677-6677 or 911. Specific locations of hospitals or ranger stations are not mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingThe site follows a 'Pack-in, Pack-out' policy. No trash cans or recycling facilities are provided.

Water Features"Easy river access" is mentioned in reviews, and the campsite provides views and sounds of the Potomac River during summer.

Camp HostNo campsite host is mentioned.

Weather at Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Reviews

4.0

6 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews generally appreciate the site's location along the towpath and its suitability for hiker/biker guests. However, train noise at night is a recurring complaint.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have highlighted the campsite's secluded nature, ease of river access, and its placement directly along the towpath as positive attributes. One reviewer noted, 'It's pretty secluded and has...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

The proximity of train tracks and associated noise, especially late at night, is frequently mentioned as a negative factor. One user stated, 'Trains would blow their horns until 1-2am, I woke up each...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring water purification tablets due to treated iodine water. Prepare for potential train noise with earplugs.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Water availability is seasonal and is turned off from November 15 to April 15, making the site less suitable for winter camping.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a nice hiker/biker campsite on the towpath between Little Orleans and Pearre Station. It's pretty secluded and has easy river access.' - Thomas Aitken 2. 'This is a good hiker/biker...

Based on 6 reviews