How much does camping cost at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Camping fees at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite before I book?

Yes! Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite has 14 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite have?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite. 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite offers: Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Popular activities at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Q: Can I have a campfire at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Fire policies at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite: 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.

3.89

117 reviews

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Camping

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open April 16 - Dece...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open April 16 - Dece...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

877-444-6777choh_information@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Nearby places

Cumberland, MD (25 miles west), Paw Paw, WV (across Potomac River, near campground)

Weather at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Current alerts(9)

Alcohol & Marijuana. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Marijuana is illegal on federal property.
Check-in and Check-out. Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. ET. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m. ET.
Emergencies. If someone is "squatting" in your campsite OR for emergencies, please call the National Capital Region Communications Center at 1-866-677-6677.
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds. They must be restrained by a 6 ft. leash at all times and their waste must be picked up and taken with the owner.

Best Time to Camp at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage, and excellent trail conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s. Leaf color peaks in mid-to-late October along the C&O Canal and Paw Paw Tunnel, making hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography especially rewarding; fishing and boating remain pleasant with fewer bugs than summer. Crowds increase on peak weekends but overall visitation is lower and more plac Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Autumn highlighted as best season with vibrant foliage and excellent conditions for hiking/views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 16 - December 31 annually. Water availability April 15 - November 1.

About Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite sits along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath near Paw Paw, West Virginia, operated by Recreation.gov as part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. This primitive, low-elevation campground serves hikers and bikers exploring the canal trail and the nearby brick-lined tunnel carved through the mountain in the 1850s. Reviewers praise clean facilities and direct trail access, though road and train noise can intrude during busy periods.

The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is a primitive camping site offering basic facilities for tent camping. RVs are not accommodated, and the campground is suitable for small group camping. No cabins or glamping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak foliage, and excellent trail conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s. Leaf color peaks in mid-to-late October along the C&O Canal and Paw Paw Tunnel, making hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography especially rewarding; fishing and boating remain pleasant with fewer bugs than summer. Crowds increase on peak weekends but overall visitation is lower and more plac Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: January, February, March

Elevation554 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies an open grassy field at 554 feet elevation, bordered by the 70,000-acre Green Ridge State Forest and the Potomac River. The surrounding landscape shows classic Appalachian geology. Ridges and valleys carved by water through ancient rock formations. Hardwood forests dominate the ridgelines. River mist is common in early mornings. The open field layout means little tree cover at the campsites themselves, though forested trails begin nearby. Eagles occasionally soar overhead.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodge-style accommodations at this campground. It is limited to primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no indication of organized cultural or educational programs at this campground.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights allowed per visit
annual maximum stay is 30 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each single site accommodates up to 8 people.

Groups

No designated group sites
larger groups may book multiple adjacent individual sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. The campground is described as primitive with no paved paths. Portable toilets and hand-pump water access may pose challenges to individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are generally considered small to medium-sized, and each accommodates up to eight people.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as campsites are located in an open grassy field with no significant tree cover or natural barriers.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 10 offers proximity to the trailhead and the river but lacks privacy. Site 2 is spacious with room for multiple tents.

Best CampsitesSite 2 gets mentioned in reviews as particularly spacious, with room for multiple tents. Early arrival matters. The parking lot fills quickly, especially during fall foliage season.

Need help booking Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is a small and primitive camping facility located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath, in Maryland. It provides basic amenities such as 10 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Potable water is available from a hand pump, although it is operational only seasonally between April 15 and November 1. Portable toilets are available on-site and are cleaned twice weekly. There are no trash facilities, so campers must pack out all waste. 'The campground is situated in an open grassy field with limited privacy between sites,' as one user review noted. Additionally, there is no electricity, sewer, or Wi-Fi service at the campground. Cell phone service is also reportedly unreliable. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings, and campers are advised to bring their own hand saws to cut dead timber, as chainsaws are prohibited. Alcohol is banned, and pets are allowed as long as they are restrained by a 6-ft leash at all times. Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground can enjoy several outdoor activities. These include hiking on the Paw Paw Tunnel trails and the C&O Canal Towpath, biking along the towpath, kayaking on the Potomac River, and fishing (Maryland Fishing License required for those aged 16 and older). The campground's location near the Potomac River offers opportunities for nature observation. 'The tunnel trail is amazing, offering scenic views of the Potomac River and valley,' according to one review. Reviews also highlight bird-watching opportunities, including sightings of deer, turkeys, woodpeckers, and geese. Swimming in the Potomac River is accessible but not officially designated as an activity.

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 at this campground. Portable toilets are the only option.

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.

Fire PolicyFires 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 & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. The campground follows a 'Leave No Trace' policy, and campers are required to pack out all trash and waste.

Cell CoverageCell phone service coverage is limited and not explicitly reliable; no specific provider information is available.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

117 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Paw Paw Tunnel Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.57 specifically for the campground experience. Positive comments highlight the natural beauty of the location, proximity to the Paw Paw Tunnel, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Negative feedback often points to the lack of privacy, maintenance issues (e.g., non-functioning water pump), and noise from nearby roads and trains.

Review Summaries

Based on 117 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include: 'Clean and well-maintained,' 'Convenient access to hiking trails and the Potomac River,' and 'Great for family or group camping.' Several reviewers...

Based on 117 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include: 'Non-functioning water pump,' 'Limited privacy between campsites,' 'Noise from the nearby road and train tracks,' 'Inadequate enforcement of camping permits,' and 'Trash...

Based on 117 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 2: 'Large enough to fit multiple tents, but was left in a dirty condition by previous campers.' Campsite 10: 'Chose it for privacy, but it was less than 15 feet from the next site.' Campsite...

Based on 117 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own potable water and hand sanitizer. A flashlight is essential for exploring the Paw Paw Tunnel. Early arrival is advised to secure parking, as the lot fills quickly....

Based on 117 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Autumn is highlighted as the most beautiful season due to vibrant foliage. However, summer reviews note increased crowding and maintenance issues. Winter stays are less common due to the seasonal...

Based on 117 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The tunnel trail is amazing, offering scenic views of the Potomac River and valley.' 2. 'The campground is situated in an open grassy field with no significant tree cover or natural barriers.' 3....

Based on 117 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed accessibility reviews are available, but the primitive nature of the campground and lack of paved paths may limit ease of access for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 117 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users note the convenience of bringing dogs. However, owners must ensure pets are leashed and waste is packed out.

Based on 117 reviews

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Go if

You're hiking or biking the C&O Canal towpath and want a budget-friendly base near the Paw Paw Tunnel.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, flush toilets, or a campground insulated from road and rail noise.

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Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite sits along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath near Hagerstown, operated by the National Park Service for cyclists and backpackers traveling the historic canal corridor. This primitive site offers vault toilets, picnic tables, and a short trail to the Potomac River. Stays are limited to one night, making it a stopover for multi-day towpath trips rather than a destination campground.