Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

4.53

20 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Maryland Mountain Camping Maryland Spring Camping Maryland

Quick Facts

364 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

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

364 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

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

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee is required to stay at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker 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

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"Reviews suggest that Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite is a convenient spot for bikers and hikers, particularly for short overnight stays. Opinions on the water availability are mixed, and some highlight the absence of a pump handle or functional water source at times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

39.6092, -77.8528

Driving directionsMore information is available at the official site: http://www.nps.gov/choh/

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite is accessible off the C&O Canal Towpath. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath, and access is by foot or bike only.

Nearby places

Williamsport, MD (closest city, distance null)

Nearby supplies

Nearby supplies may be available in Williamsport, MD, but specific distances or locations are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

Time your adventure wisely to make the most of Jordan Junction's seasonal rhythms. From mid-April through mid-November, the campsite's water pump springs to life, making these months ideal for your towpath expedition. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while summer offers long days perfect for extended rides. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter adventurers should note that water sources become inaccessible during colder months, requiring extra preparation. The region's variable humidity and precipitation patterns create an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Water pump is on mid‑Apr to mid‑Nov; summer reviews highlight convenience and use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mid‑Apr to mid‑Nov water availability and Appalachian foliage make fall a strong season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Water turned on mid‑April; spring (after mid‑Apr) is good, but early spring has limited water.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Water is turned off mid‑Nov to mid‑Apr; reviews note water unavailability in colder months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-April to mid-November when water is turned on.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year. No water is available during these months.
Current Alerts: User reviews mention missing water pump handles, leading to limited water availability.

About Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

Discover your perfect trailside retreat at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite, a welcoming waypoint at mile 101.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This thoughtfully designed campsite caters exclusively to adventurous souls traveling by foot or bicycle, offering a peaceful respite without the hassle of fees or reservations. Your home for the night includes essential comforts: chemical toilets, a sturdy picnic table for evening meals, a grill for cooking up trail favorites, and access to non-potable water. True to its hiker-biker spirit, stays are limited to one night, encouraging you to continue your journey along this legendary pathway.

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground designed specifically for hikers and bikers traveling along the C&O Canal Towpath. It offers simple amenities and does not require reservations.

Historical SignificanceCamp where history flows alongside the Potomac at this site within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Here, you're sleeping on grounds that once echoed with the clip-clop of mule teams and the calls of canal boat captains during the 19th century's bustling era of water-based commerce. The towpath beneath your feet served as a vital transportation artery, connecting communities and carrying coal, lumber, and agricultural goods between the Allegheny Mountains and the nation's capital. Today, this preserved corridor offers modern adventurers a chance to pedal or hike through living history.

Weather and SeasonsTime your adventure wisely to make the most of Jordan Junction's seasonal rhythms. From mid-April through mid-November, the campsite's water pump springs to life, making these months ideal for your towpath expedition. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while summer offers long days perfect for extended rides. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter adventurers should note that water sources become inaccessible during colder months, requiring extra preparation. The region's variable humidity and precipitation patterns create an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor experience.

ElevationThe campsite rests at a gentle elevation along the canal's historic water level, providing easy access for weary travelers while maintaining the towpath's characteristic flat profile that makes it beloved by long-distance cyclists and hikers.

Natural Features and SceneryEmbrace the tranquility of your woodland sanctuary, where towering trees create a natural cathedral above your campsite. The nearby Potomac River whispers ancient stories as it flows past, while the surrounding Appalachian ecosystem comes alive with the rustle of wildlife at dawn and dusk. Watch for deer emerging from the forest edge, listen for the distinctive call of barred owls at night, and wake to a chorus of songbirds greeting the morning sun. The interplay of river, forest, and historic canal creates a uniquely peaceful atmosphere that rejuvenates trail-weary spirits.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape where the Potomac River carves through the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Jordan Junction occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. The campground sits along the C&O Canal Towpath in a region shaped by millions of years of river erosion, creating the water gap that made the canal route possible. This Appalachian setting showcases exposed rock formations, river terraces, and the enduring power of water to shape landscapes, offering observant campers a glimpse into the Earth's dynamic history.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable

Check-out

Not applicable

Stay Limit

Overnight stays are limited to one night.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not explicitly provided beyond general group tent site descriptions.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutStandard layout includes a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and non-potable water.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; walk-in availability only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations or fees are required.

Cancellation PolicyNot Applicable; reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide detailed accessibility features. The primitive setup may present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeThe sites are designed for hiker-biker use, which implies limited space appropriate for small tents and gear.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not detailed, but the description suggests proximity to a towpath, likely reducing seclusion.

Recommended SitesInformation not provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Typical activities at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite include hiking and biking along the C&O Canal Towpath. Opportunities for wildlife observation are likely due to the park's natural setting, though specific wildlife or activity details aren't given.

HikingHiking is a key activity as the campsite is located along the C&O Canal Towpath. The towpath offers scenic views and various terrains suitable for walkers of all levels.

BikingThe campsite is part of the C&O Canal Towpath, making it a popular spot for biking enthusiasts traveling through the park.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNon-potable water requires treatment before use. Seasonal water availability may pose challenges for visitors.

Active AlertsUser reviews mention missing water pump handles, leading to limited water availability.

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

Fire PolicyGrills and fire rings are provided. Fires are permitted only in established fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified in official resources.

Emergency ServicesContact for Park Emergencies: (866) 677-6677 or 911. Emergency services available in Williamsport, MD.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'Trash Free Park,' so campers must pack out all trash and leave the area clean.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Potomac River and along the C&O Canal Towpath.

Camp HostThere is no campsite host or staff at this location.

Weather at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

Reviews

4.5

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews suggest that Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite is a convenient spot for bikers and hikers, particularly for short overnight stays. Opinions on the water availability are mixed, and some highlight the absence of a pump handle or functional water source at times.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciate the convenience of the campsite’s location, especially for those traveling along the towpath. The presence of picnic tables and grills is noted as an added benefit.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

A recurring issue mentioned in reviews is the lack of potable water, with several users reporting the pump handle being missing or water unavailable. Some also mention limited facilities and space...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own potable water due to the non-potable status of the water source. It’s also recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, as the campsite operates on a...

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campsite’s water supply is seasonal, turned off from mid-November to mid-April, which may affect usability during colder months. Summer reviews highlight convenience, while winter reviews point...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is an awesome campsite. So convenient to Williamsport.' – Mark Perschel 2. 'Good campsite just outside of Williamsport BUT future campers and NPS be aware that as of 8/29 the water pump is...

Based on 20 reviews