Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Star4.58
8 reviews

Quick Facts

512 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

"Water is turned off...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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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
Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
"This is a fee-free 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
30173942000CHOH_information@np.gov
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

10 Google reviews

"The campsite is appreciated for its simplicity and strategic location along the C&O Canal Towpath. Hikers and bikers value the convenience and natural setting, but some note the lack of signage visible from the Potomac River."

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Campground Map

Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.6519, -78.2402

Driving directionsMore information is available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
"No driving access to this campsite. Accessibility is by foot only."
Nearby places
"The nearest city is Hancock, Maryland, located approximately 5 miles from the campsite."
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Experience the changing moods of the Potomac River valley throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds along the towpath, while summer's leafy canopy provides welcome shade for cyclists and hikers. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a spectacular display of autumn colors, and winter reveals the canal's historic structures through bare branches, offering unique photographic opportunities and peaceful solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Leafy canopy provides shade in summer; site visibility from river reduced by foliage.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal 'changing moods' suggest strong fall scenery along the towpath.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

'Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds along the towpath.'

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

'Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15'; winter visitors note cold and access issues.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: "Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15."
  • Current Alerts: null

About Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Escape to a tranquil riverside retreat at Mile 129.9 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, where primitive camping meets timeless natural beauty. This secluded campsite offers adventurers a perfect basecamp with essential amenities including a chemical toilet, iodine-treated water, and a picnic area complete with table and grill for memorable outdoor meals. Here, you'll discover the simple pleasures of backcountry camping while remaining connected to one of America's most storied waterways.
Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is a primitive campsite designed specifically for hikers and bikers along the C&O Canal Towpath. It offers a self-sufficient camping experience with minimal facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in: Any preferred time as per arrival provided there is no one else. For emergencies, call US Park Police.
Check-out
12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
"One night per site, per trip"

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite offers a very basic, natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The site is ideally located for hikers, bikers, and paddlers exploring the C&O Canal Towpath and Potomac River. The primary focus is on self-reliant outdoor activities.
HikingHiking is a key activity at this campsite due to its location on the C&O Canal Towpath, which offers well-maintained and historic trails for exploration.
BikingBiking is a significant activity here, as the campsite is situated on the towpath, which caters to long-distance bikers.
BoatingBoating is a viable activity due to the site's proximity to the Potomac River. However, there is no formal boat ramp, and access may involve climbing the riverbank.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alertsnull
Active Alertsnull
Food Storage Requirednull

Weather at Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Reviews

4.6
8 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campsite is appreciated for its simplicity and strategic location along the C&O Canal Towpath. Hikers and bikers value the convenience and natural setting, but some note the lack of signage visible from the Potomac River.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campsite's accessibility for hikers and bikers and its placement along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath. The primitive amenities are adequate for short overnight stays.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users expressed concerns about the lack of signage visible from the Potomac River, making it hard for paddlers to locate the site. Others mentioned the absence of potable water in winter and the...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring your own water purification tablets or a backup water supply, especially if visiting in winter." "Look for the site from the trail, as signage from the river is limited."
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors note the difficulty of water access and the colder conditions for camping. Summer visitors might find the site less visible from the riverbank due to full foliage.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Love these little primitive campsites along the towpath... great idea!" - Crafty TrebleChef. "There's no sign on the side of the river that you're on Leopards Mill Campsite. However, if you're on...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific details about numbered sites or their differences are provided.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not provided in the source material.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite