How much does camping cost at Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Camping fees at Mccoy's Ferry Campground range from $10-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mccoy's Ferry Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mccoy's Ferry Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mccoy's Ferry Campground before I book?

Yes! Mccoy's Ferry Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Mccoy's Ferry Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Mccoy's Ferry Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mccoy's Ferry Campground have?

Mccoy's Ferry Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mccoy's Ferry Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Mccoy's Ferry Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Popular activities at Mccoy's Ferry Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mccoy's Ferry Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

Fire policies at Mccoy's Ferry Campground: Campfires. Fires are permitted in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area. The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

224 reviews

Fishing

Featured in:Boating Camping Maryland Mountain Camping Maryland Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Maryland +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

436 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open April 16 - Dece...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

436 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open April 16 - Dece...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Mccoy's Ferry Campground

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Campground Map

Mccoy's Ferry Campground

39.6094, -77.9699

Nearby places

Hagerstown (approximately 20 minutes by car)

Weather at Mccoy's Ferry Campground

Current alerts(10)

Check in and Out. Check in time is 1:00 p.m. ET. Check out time is 12:00 noon ET.
Emergencies. If someone is "squatting" in your campsite OR for emergencies, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.
McCoys Ferry has a tunnel access which limits vehicle height to 10' 3" (3.1 m).
No Alcohol or Marijuana. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Marijuana is illegal on federal property.

Best Time to Camp at Mccoy's Ferry Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and best overall conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F with crisp nights around 30–45°F — producing peak hardwood color that reflects off the Potomac and the C&O Canal. Paddle trips, smallmouth fishing, towpath biking, and ridge-hugging hikes are at their best, and wildlife is very active as animals prepare for winter. Expect higher weekend crowds during peak color (especially late September through October) but quieter mid Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Opens mid-April; towpath, paddling and milder weather make spring a strong season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 16 - December 31, potable water available April 15 - November 1.

About Mccoy's Ferry Campground

McCoy's Ferry Campground sits along the Potomac River within Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, operated by the National Park Service. This small seasonal campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with direct access to the C&O Canal Towpath for biking and hiking. Fall brings peak hardwood color reflected in the canal and river, drawing paddlers, anglers targeting smallmouth bass, and towpath cyclists.

McCoy's Ferry Campground caters to various camping preferences, from tent camping to small RVs and trailers. It offers both individual and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and best overall conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s°F with crisp nights around 30–45°F — producing peak hardwood color that reflects off the Potomac and the C&O Canal. Paddle trips, smallmouth fishing, towpath biking, and ridge-hugging hikes are at their best, and wildlife is very active as animals prepare for winter. Expect higher weekend crowds during peak color (especially late September through October) but quieter mid Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: January, February, March

Elevation436 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a river valley at 436 feet elevation, hemmed in by weathered Appalachian ridges. Hardwood forest. Maples, oaks. Shades most sites and frames views of the Potomac and the canal corridor. Great blue herons stalk the shallows. Morning fog lifts off the water. In late September and October the hillsides turn crimson and gold, and the color reflects off both river and canal. The terrain is classic ridge-and-valley: old mountains, a river-carved gap, and the flat towpath running alongside.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging or glamping accommodations available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered directly at the campground. However, nearby Fort Frederick State Park offers living history programming on summer weekends.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground and up to 30 nights total in one year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people for individual sites and up to 30 people for the group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 30 people and provides four picnic tables, a fire pit, and space for up to two vehicles and a small trailer or support vehicle less than 20 feet long.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible portable toilets and pit toilets. However, no further information about ADA-compliant features is available.

Site SizeThe campground features 12 single drive-in campsites that can accommodate small RVs or trailers up to 20 feet long. One group site is also available, which is larger and can host up to 30 people.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is limited, as there is minimal vegetation separating sites. Some users report that sites are closely packed, reducing seclusion.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesBring your own firewood, toilet paper, and potable water as backups. Avoid the campground if you are sensitive to train noise.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 2, and 6 get river views. The group site offers more space and some separation from the single-site loop.

Need help booking Mccoy's Ferry Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

McCoy's Ferry Campground offers a range of basic amenities suitable for campers looking for a rustic experience. These include fire rings, picnic tables, and grills at each site. Protected pit toilets and portable toilets are available, and potable water is accessible seasonally via a hand pump from April 15 to November 1. Campers should note that water availability may be inconsistent due to maintenance issues, and it is advised to bring backup water supplies.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

McCoy's Ferry Campground offers various recreational activities, primarily centered around its riverside location. The Potomac River provides opportunities for boating and fishing, while the nearby C&O Canal Towpath is ideal for hiking and biking. Wildlife enthusiasts can also enjoy the natural surroundings.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, the campground provides portable toilets and pit toilets, which are intermittently cleaned. Some reviewers mention that the portable toilets can be unpleasant during warmer months.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires. Fires are permitted in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area. The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground is a 'trash-free park,' meaning no trash cans are provided. Campers must pack out all trash and leave their sites clean before departure.

Cell CoverageCell phone service quality is not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or authoritative data, but the remote nature of the campground may limit reliable connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

224 reviews

Satisfactory

Mccoy's Ferry Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic riverside location and its suitability for boating, fishing, and hiking. However, users have mixed sentiments about maintenance, noise levels from trains, and the lack of supervision.

Review Summaries

Based on 224 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the natural beauty, proximity to the Potomac River, and access to the C&O Canal Towpath. "A beautiful, well-maintained group of campsites!" is a common sentiment.

Based on 224 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include train noise, lack of privacy, and maintenance issues with portable toilets. "Train horns and screeching breaks all through the night make you want to rip your ears off so...

Based on 224 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 3, and 6 are noted for their scenic river views. The group site (#8) is highly praised for its spaciousness and seclusion.

Based on 224 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood, water, and earplugs due to the train noise. Visiting in the fall is highly recommended for its stunning foliage.

Based on 224 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is a favorite season due to the beautiful foliage and cooler weather, while summer reviews mention issues with insects and odor from portable toilets. Winter experiences are quieter but require...

Based on 224 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing views. Yes, the sites are a little close together, but it didn’t really feel intrusive." "We packed up and left not wanting to stay in a forest by ourselves where people come to hang...

Based on 224 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users with disabilities have not provided specific feedback on accessibility, but the presence of accessible portable toilets indicates minimal accommodations.

Based on 224 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, but must be kept on a leash. "Pets are allowed, and their waste must be picked up and taken with the owner."

Based on 224 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable river access, fall color, and towpath biking or hiking in a national park setting.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites, quiet nights free of train noise, or alcohol-permitted camping.

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North Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite sits along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath near Clear Spring, Maryland, operated by the National Park Service as part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. This primitive walk-in campsite serves long-distance cyclists and hikers traveling the 184.5-mile canal corridor, offering vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables with a one-night stay limit. Fall brings peak conditions with comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage along the towpath.