Is Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is open Water fixtures are turned off from November 15 to April 15 annually. Campers should bring water purification systems.. 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 Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite have?

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

Pets are not allowed at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

3.40

10 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Maryland

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water fixtures are t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water fixtures are t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.5352, -78.4641

Nearby places

The nearest city is Hagerstown, MD. Additional nearby towns are not specified.

Weather at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Best Time to Camp at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm weather (daytime highs commonly 75–90°F, nights in the mid-50s to upper-60s) and full site amenities—on-site drinking water is available and the chemical toilet and grill are in service—making multi-day hiker-biker trips easiest. Towpath traffic is lively and trail conditions are dry, so biking and longer day-hikes are at their peak and river views are pleasant for evening breaks. Expect moderate weekend crowds (especially holidays) but plenty of solitude on weekday n Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Listed as best season; on-site drinking water available and reliably warm summer temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water fixtures are turned off from November 15 to April 15 annually. Campers should bring water purification systems.

About Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

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.

This is a primitive campsite designed for hikers and bikers requiring minimal facilities. It is not reservable and is intended for short stays only.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm weather (daytime highs commonly 75–90°F, nights in the mid-50s to upper-60s) and full site amenities—on-site drinking water is available and the chemical toilet and grill are in service—making multi-day hiker-biker trips easiest. Towpath traffic is lively and trail conditions are dry, so biking and longer day-hikes are at their peak and river views are pleasant for evening breaks. Expect moderate weekend crowds (especially holidays) but plenty of solitude on weekday n Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation574 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested river terrace where the Potomac River runs parallel to the historic canal. Mature hardwoods provide canopy shade, and a short trail leads down to a secluded stretch of Potomac shoreline that reviewers describe as a private beach. The elevation sits at 574 feet in a geological transition zone where the Atlantic Coastal Plain meets the Appalachian foothills. River views peek through breaks in the trees, and the dual waterway system attracts herons, deer, and songbirds.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information on additional lodging or accommodations such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly offered at this campsite.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limited to 1 night per site, per trip.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified, but the campsite is optimized for small groups.

Groups

There are no group-specific camping options provided for Purslane Run.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required.

Site SizeThe site size is not explicitly documented, but it is designed to accommodate hikers and bikers.

PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy, though the campsite is noted to have basic facilities.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers are advised to bring water purification tablets and plan for a singular overnight stay.

Best CampsitesOnly one site is available. Reviewers mention it offers reasonable privacy despite being a single designated area. The nearby trail to the Potomac beach provides a quieter alternative to the main camping zone if you want separation from the picnic table and grill.

Amenities available

Well water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable . Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

The campground offers a rustic outdoor experience with emphasis on hiking and cycling along the canal towpath. Recreational opportunities are limited to self-guided activities given the lack of organized programs or events.

Hiking4.0/5

Located on the C&O Canal Towpath — a well-known, scenic long-distance trail for hikers.

Biking4.0/5

Designated hiker-biker overnight site located on the C&O Canal Towpath for cyclists.

Water Sports2.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5C&O Canal vistas, Potomac shoreline and hardwood canopy provide varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at this site. The campsite is equipped with chemical toilets.

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).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Purslane Run is considered a basic, less-visited campsite with mixed user sentiments. The average sentiment for campgrounds is 3.5 stars.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Some users appreciated the campsite's privacy and its location close to the Potomac River, with one user highlighting the 'trail to a private beach on the Potomac.'

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Users mentioned issues such as daddy longlegs spiders outside tents and the lack of comprehensive facilities as common drawbacks.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommended for those needing a quick one-night stop while biking or hiking along the towpath. Carry purification tablets for water.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campsite is not available for use during winter (November 15 to April 15) due to the water being turned off.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very nice campsite. A little more private than others because there is a short entry way from the trail to the campsite.' - Andrew Baker 2. 'We did awake to many daddy longlegs on the outside of...

Based on 10 reviews

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Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov

Go if

You're biking or hiking the C&O Canal towpath and need a single overnight between longer segments.

Skip if

You want a multi-night basecamp, vehicle access, or guaranteed privacy between sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

3.9

(117)

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.

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Best Time to Camp at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Planning Tips

About Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

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Amenities available

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Best Time to Camp at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns