Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

4.25

10 reviews

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water fixtures are t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Water fixtures are t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for this 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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 10 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacylocationbeach

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.5352, -78.4641

Driving directionsDriving directions are available on the official site: http://www.nps.gov/choh/. The campsite is situated at Mile 156.9 along the C&O Canal Towpath.

Access to the campground is along the towpath trail. No vehicle access is directly available.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Closest supply locations are not mentioned. Campers are advised to bring water purification tablets as water is treated with iodine at site.

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

Experience the changing face of the Potomac Valley as seasons transform this woodland sanctuary. From mid-November through mid-April, water systems are winterized to protect against freezing temperatures, reminding visitors to pack extra water during these months. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer offers lush green canopies and warm evenings perfect for stargazing. Autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise. Smart campers come prepared with seasonal gear to fully embrace whatever Mother Nature offers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer access with water active; towpath recreation (hiking/biking) is prime in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Hardwood forest likely offers fall color; water remains on until Nov 15 but fewer services noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring access resumes after Apr 15; pleasant season but can be muddy and water limited early spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site is effectively closed/limited Nov 15–Apr 15 due to winterized water fixtures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season not mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water fixtures are turned off from November 15 to April 15 annually. Campers should bring water purification systems.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts, though water fixtures are unavailable during colder months.

About Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Nestled at Mile 156.9 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Purslane Run Campsite offers weary hikers and cyclists a peaceful overnight retreat in the heart of Western Maryland. This rustic hiker-biker site embraces the simplicity of outdoor living, featuring essential amenities including a sturdy picnic table for evening meals under the stars, a grill for campfire cooking, and a chemical toilet for convenience. Fresh drinking water is available on-site, treated with iodine to ensure safety for all adventurers passing through.

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

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this campsite within the storied C&O Canal National Historical Park, where the echoes of mule-drawn canal boats and the dreams of 19th-century commerce still linger. This preserved transportation corridor once connected the bustling port of Georgetown to the coal fields of Cumberland, serving as a vital lifeline for growing America. Today, the towpath tells tales of canal lock keepers, boat captains, and the mules that pulled cargo-laden vessels through 184.5 miles of American history.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing face of the Potomac Valley as seasons transform this woodland sanctuary. From mid-November through mid-April, water systems are winterized to protect against freezing temperatures, reminding visitors to pack extra water during these months. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer offers lush green canopies and warm evenings perfect for stargazing. Autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise. Smart campers come prepared with seasonal gear to fully embrace whatever Mother Nature offers.

ElevationThe campsite rests at a gentle elevation along the Potomac River corridor, where the landscape begins its gradual rise toward the Appalachian ridges. This prime positioning offers comfortable camping conditions while providing easy access to the level towpath that has welcomed travelers for generations.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a cathedral of mature hardwoods, Purslane Run Campsite immerses visitors in the pristine beauty of the Potomac River valley. The historic canal parallels the mighty Potomac, creating a dual waterway that attracts diverse wildlife including great blue herons, white-tailed deer, and countless songbirds. Morning mists often rise from the water, creating ethereal scenes that reward early risers. The dense forest canopy provides natural shade and a sense of seclusion, while breaks in the trees reveal stunning river vistas that change with every season.

Geological RegionPositioned within the remarkable Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, the campsite occupies a fascinating geological transition zone where the Potomac River has carved its path between ancient mountain ridges. This Western Maryland location showcases the dramatic topography where the Atlantic Coastal Plain meets the Appalachian Mountains, creating a landscape of river terraces, exposed rock formations, and forested slopes. The interplay between the engineered canal and natural river systems offers visitors a unique perspective on both human ingenuity and geological forces that have shaped this region over millennia.

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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

Site layoutSingle site layout optimized for hikers and bikers.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required.

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

Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made, hence no cancellation policy is applicable.

AccessibilityThere is no information regarding specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingThe campsite is along the C&O Canal Towpath, which is one of the most famous trails in the region, offering scenic views and access to surrounding natural sites.

BikingThe campsite is situated along the C&O Canal Towpath, which is a popular biking trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater risks near the Potomac River and potential wildlife encounters. Campers should exercise caution.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts, though water fixtures are unavailable during colder months.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in provided grills. Campers should extinguish fires before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency contact numbers are provided for general emergencies: (866) 677-6677 or 911. More localized options not specified.

Trash & RecyclingThe campsite does not include trash cans as part of a 'Trash Free Park' policy, and visitors are required to carry out their garbage.

Water FeaturesLocated near the Potomac River.

Camp HostNo campsite host is available.

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

Reviews

4.3

10 reviews

Satisfactory

Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews or numbers are provided.

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user feedback on accessibility features is available.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific data on pet-related experiences has been provided.

Based on 10 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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