Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

4.15

13 reviews

Quick Facts

581 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

581 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

Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee or reservations required for the Pigmans Ferry 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

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocation

Some mention

noisetrain

"The campsite is generally well-received, with users emphasizing its quieter location and suitable amenities for hikers and bikers. "Nothing extra special about Pigmans Ferry Campsite, but it does fall into one of my top 5 favorite sites.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

39.5390, -78.6504

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

The campground is located along the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The towpath is accessible, but it is not explicitly stated if roads leading to the area are paved or unpaved. Accessibility may be affected during the mid-November to mid-April period when water is shut off and possibly due to seasonal conditions.

Nearby places

Hagerstown, MD

distance and travel times are not explicitly provided in source materials

Best Time to Camp at Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

The campsite transforms with each passing season, offering unique experiences throughout the year. During surveyed periods, visitors can expect partly cloudy skies with about 52% cloud cover, creating dramatic sunsets and comfortable shade. Temperatures typically dance between a crisp 28.5°F and a mild 41.8°F, with light precipitation adding atmosphere to the journey. Winter brings a crystalline beauty with occasional snowfall, though camping becomes more challenging. The sweet spot for visiting falls between late spring and early autumn, when wildflowers bloom along the towpath and the forest canopy provides natural shelter. Note that water facilities hibernate from mid-November through mid-April, so winter warriors should plan accordingly.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Water available seasonally, quiet setting and towpath access make summer appealing; mosquitoes reduced by setback.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformation and forest setting imply strong fall appeal (foliage, cooler hiking/biking conditions).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is attractive for towpath use, but water availability is seasonal and may be off into April.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Water is turned off mid-Nov to mid-April; primitive winter use possible but limited amenities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April, and campers must filter, treat, or boil non-potable water during other months.
Current Alerts: Towpath closures and detours due to hazardous conditions or maintenance affect accessibility in certain areas, but specific impacts to Pigmans Ferry Campsite are not stated. Alerts related to closures were posted on 6/22/2025.

About Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

Nestled along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite offers a refreshing escape into simplicity. This free, first-come-first-served haven welcomes weary travelers with essential amenities including chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and grills perfect for evening cookouts. While water is available on-site, adventurers should come prepared to treat it before drinking. The campsite's strategic riverside location creates a natural barrier against mosquitoes, allowing for peaceful evenings under the stars. Visitors consistently praise the remarkable tranquility here, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and the gentle flow of the nearby Potomac.

Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite is a free, first-come, first-served camping option designed specifically for hikers and bikers. It is a primitive camping site with very basic amenities.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Pigmans Ferry, where every footfall on the towpath echoes with the memories of mule-drawn canal boats that once navigated these waters. As part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this campsite serves as a living museum to America's ambitious canal era. The weathered towpath beneath your feet once witnessed the dreams of merchants, the determination of canal workers, and the transformation of a young nation. Today, it offers modern adventurers a chance to connect with this rich heritage while creating their own stories along the historic waterway.

Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with each passing season, offering unique experiences throughout the year. During surveyed periods, visitors can expect partly cloudy skies with about 52% cloud cover, creating dramatic sunsets and comfortable shade. Temperatures typically dance between a crisp 28.5°F and a mild 41.8°F, with light precipitation adding atmosphere to the journey. Winter brings a crystalline beauty with occasional snowfall, though camping becomes more challenging. The sweet spot for visiting falls between late spring and early autumn, when wildflowers bloom along the towpath and the forest canopy provides natural shelter. Note that water facilities hibernate from mid-November through mid-April, so winter warriors should plan accordingly.

ElevationThe campsite rests along the famously gentle Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, where the terrain flows as smoothly as the historic canal once did. This relatively flat landscape makes it an ideal basecamp for cyclists and hikers of all skill levels, offering easy access to miles of scenic exploration without the challenge of steep climbs. The level ground also ensures comfortable tent placement and peaceful nights of sleep.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in Maryland's natural splendor at this riverside sanctuary, where towering forests create a living cathedral of green. The mighty Potomac River flows nearby, its waters reflecting the changing moods of the sky and providing a soothing soundtrack to your camping experience. Spring arrives with bursts of wildflower color, summer brings a lush canopy of shade, autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, and winter reveals the elegant architecture of bare trees against pewter skies. The ecological diversity here supports abundant wildlife, from melodious songbirds at dawn to deer silently grazing at dusk.

Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park corridor, the campsite occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the Potomac River has carved its ancient path through Maryland's diverse landscape. This region showcases the harmonious blend of riparian ecosystems and upland forests, creating a rich tapestry of habitats. The interplay between the historic canal infrastructure and the natural river valley offers campers a unique perspective on how human ingenuity and natural forces have shaped this distinctive Mid-Atlantic landscape over centuries.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Overnight stays are limited to one night.

Groups

Group camping specifics are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe site is a singular hiker-biker campsite along the towpath, with basic amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required for this campsite.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as reservations are not required.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not required; hence, no cancellation policies apply.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the information provided.

Site SizeThe campsite offers a chunk of camp area away from the river, which helps reduce mosquito population.

PrivacySites are noted to be quieter, with trains and traffic farther away, providing a more secluded experience.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers are advised to treat the water on-site and to plan visits outside the mid-November to mid-April period when water is unavailable. The campsite is quieter and away from traffic.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campsite is located along the towpath, making it ideal for hikers and bikers. Its placement away from the river reduces mosquito activity, and users have generally noted its quieter location away from trains and traffic.

HikingHiking opportunities are a key feature, as the campsite is directly accessible from the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath.

BikingThe campsite's location along the towpath makes it well-suited for bikers.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNon-potable water poses a risk if not treated. Seasonal closures from mid-November to mid-April limit water availability. Mosquito risks are mitigated due to distance from the river, as per user reviews.

Active AlertsTowpath closures and detours due to hazardous conditions or maintenance affect accessibility in certain areas, but specific impacts to Pigmans Ferry Campsite are not stated. Alerts related to closures were posted on 6/22/2025.

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

Fire PolicyGrills are available for campfires at the site. No further information on fire restrictions was provided.

Emergency ServicesHagerstown, MD; exact emergency services like hospitals or ranger stations are not detailed in the source materials.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling information is not mentioned, so it is unclear whether these facilities exist at this campsite.

Water FeaturesThe campsite is near the Potomac River but sufficiently distanced to mitigate mosquito risks. The water provided on-site is non-potable and seasonal.

Camp HostNo campground host is mentioned in the source materials.

Weather at Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

Reviews

4.2

13 reviews

Satisfactory

Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campsite is generally well-received, with users emphasizing its quieter location and suitable amenities for hikers and bikers. "Nothing extra special about Pigmans Ferry Campsite, but it does fall into one of my top 5 favorite sites."

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quieter location, away from trains and traffic, and the placement away from the river, which reduces mosquitoes. "Its a pretty good chunk of camp area, also away from river,...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no specific complaints mentioned in the user reviews provided.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider treating or filtering the water before use, as it is non-potable. The campsite's proximity to the towpath makes it ideal for hikers and bikers.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Water availability is seasonal, turned off from mid-November to mid-April, which could affect usability during colder months.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nothing extra special about Pigmans Ferry Campsite, but it does fall into one of my top 5 favorite sites." "Its a pretty good chunk of camp area, also away from river, which helped keep the...

Based on 13 reviews