Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

3.47

17 reviews

: null

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

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

420 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

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

Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground does not charge a fee.

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See something outdated or incorrect?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

3.47

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

14 Google reviews

Some mention

noise

"The campsite receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating the convenience and basic facilities for hikers and bikers, while others noted issues like noise and maintenance concerns."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

: null

Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

: null

Driving directionsDriving directions are available on the official C&O Canal website: http://www.nps.gov/choh/.

The campsite is accessible via the C&O Canal Towpath.

Nearby places

: null

Nearby supplies

Groceries and supplies, as well as emergency services, are not specifically detailed for this campground.

Best Time to Camp at Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

Experience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as nature dictates the pace of your stay. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows freely for your camping needs, though it requires treatment before drinking. As autumn's last leaves fall and winter approaches, the water supply hibernates until spring's return, transforming the camping experience into a more self-sufficient adventure. Winter visitors should pack extra water and embrace the quiet solitude of the off-season, when frost decorates the canal and fewer travelers share the towpath.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Water available mid-April to mid-November and towpath access make summer stays convenient.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage along the C&O Canal and water availability through mid-November suit fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Water returns mid-April; early spring may lack water, but trail access is good once open.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Water turned off mid-Nov–mid-Apr, reducing convenience for winter camping; noise remains an issue.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Open year-round; water availability from mid-April to mid-November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts for this campsite.

About Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

Discover the simple charm of Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite, a hidden gem where adventure meets accessibility along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This complimentary, first-come, first-served sanctuary welcomes weary travelers with thoughtfully placed amenities—a chemical toilet for convenience, a sturdy picnic table for trail-side dining, a grill for evening cookouts, and water access to refresh and replenish. Whether you're pedaling through on a multi-day journey or hiking the towpath's scenic miles, this peaceful stopover offers everything you need and nothing you don't.

Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite caters to hikers and bikers traveling along the C&O Canal Towpath, offering free, basic amenities for overnight stays.

Historical SignificanceCamp where history flows alongside the water at this treasured site within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Once the lifeline of American commerce, this 184.5-mile corridor carried coal, lumber, and agricultural goods between Cumberland and Georgetown. Today, the preserved towpath tells stories of mule-drawn boats, lock keepers' dedication, and the canal era that shaped the nation's growth. Your tent stakes claim to the same ground where canal workers once toiled and traders once traveled, connecting you to centuries of American heritage.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as nature dictates the pace of your stay. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows freely for your camping needs, though it requires treatment before drinking. As autumn's last leaves fall and winter approaches, the water supply hibernates until spring's return, transforming the camping experience into a more self-sufficient adventure. Winter visitors should pack extra water and embrace the quiet solitude of the off-season, when frost decorates the canal and fewer travelers share the towpath.

ElevationThe campsite rests at the gentle grade of the C&O Canal Towpath, where the historic waterway maintains its near-level route that once allowed boats to navigate between the Potomac's falls and the Appalachian foothills.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where human history and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. The mighty Potomac River flows nearby, its waters whispering tales of time while providing a stunning backdrop for your outdoor escape. Towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, their branches forming nature's cathedral along the historic canal. Morning mists often drift between the forest and water, while evening light filters through leaves to paint the towpath golden. Wildlife thrives in this corridor—watch for great blue herons fishing in the canal, deer emerging at dusk, and the occasional beaver working along the waterway.

Geological RegionNestled within the Potomac River Valley's remarkable geological tapestry, the campsite occupies a unique intersection where the ancient river carved its path through varied terrain over millions of years. The C&O Canal Towpath follows this natural corridor, taking advantage of the river's patient work in creating a relatively level route through otherwise challenging topography. Here, the enduring partnership between water and stone has created an ecological haven where riparian forests thrive and the canal's historic infrastructure harmonizes with the timeless rhythms of the Potomac watershed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable due to first-come, first-served availability.

Check-out

Overnight stays are limited to one night.

Stay Limit

Overnight stays are limited to one night.

Guests Allowed Per Site

:null

Groups

No group camping options mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle site layout designed for hiker-biker use.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeStandard campsite sizes suitable for individual hikers and bikers.

PrivacyNo specific details about site privacy provided.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring portable water filters or purification methods to treat non-potable water.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite is primarily used as a stopover for hikers and bikers exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. Recreational activities like fishing and wildlife viewing may be possible in the nearby areas but are not the primary focus of this facility.

HikingThe campsite is located along the C&O Canal Towpath, offering a continuous hiking and biking route along the historic canal.

BikingAs a part of the C&O Canal Towpath, the campsite supports biking activities with its proximity to the trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNon-potable water requires treatment before use. Wildlife encounters are possible.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts for this campsite.

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

Weather at Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

Reviews

3.5

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campsite receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating the convenience and basic facilities for hikers and bikers, while others noted issues like noise and maintenance concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers liked that the campsite was easily accessible along the C&O Canal Towpath and appreciated the inclusion of a grill and picnic table. One user remarked, 'A great campsite along the C&O...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the maintenance of the grass and noise from nearby I-70 traffic. A reviewer noted, 'Almost stopped at this campsite. The water works, the grass is a little...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring adequate water filtration or purification methods, as the water is non-potable. Campers should also bring earplugs if they are sensitive to traffic noise.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April, which may affect usability for winter campers. Additionally, the site's proximity to I-70 may result in louder noise levels during busier travel...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'A great campsite along the C&O Canal...Such an awesome ride!!!' - Mark Perschel. - 'Almost stopped at this campsite. The water works, the grass is a little bit tall, all being on the good side....

Based on 17 reviews