Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

3.69

10 reviews

Stargazing

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

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

463 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

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

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee is charged for camping.

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.69

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"Users generally appreciate the secluded and peaceful nature of the campground, though limited space and minimal facilities are noted drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.5717, -78.4532

Driving directionsDirections are listed at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.

Access information is limited; the campground is located at Mile 154.1 along the C&O Canal Towpath and does not require advanced vehicle access.

Nearby places

Hagerstown, MD is the closest city.

Nearby supplies

Information about grocery, camping supplies, and fuel is null.

Best Time to Camp at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Experience the campground's ever-changing personality as seasons paint the landscape in different hues. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels for camping, offering crisp air and comfortable temperatures perfect for trail adventures. Summer brings warm days ideal for riverside relaxation, while winter transforms the area into a stark beauty—though adventurers should note that water sources freeze during these colder months, requiring extra preparation for your stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open season with water available Apr–Nov; warm months good but flooding and mud can occur.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called a 'crown jewel' season with crisp air and comfortable temps.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring is a highlighted season but early spring may lack water and see muddy/flooded conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Water is turned off Nov 15–Apr 15; cold, limited services and flooding risk reduce winter comfort.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Water availability from April 15 to November 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.
Current Alerts: Flooding has been reported in past user reviews during the May 2022 season. Seasonal closures for potable water (November 15 to April 15).

About Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Nestled at Mile 154.1 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite welcomes weary travelers with its rustic charm and essential comforts. This intimate riverside retreat provides everything you need for a peaceful night under the stars—sturdy picnic tables for evening meals, grills for campfire cooking, and clean chemical toilets. During warmer months, you'll find refreshing iodine-treated water to replenish your supplies as you journey along this legendary trail.

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is designed specifically for minimal-impact camping by hikers and bikers. It is not reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the remnants of America's canal era. Just steps from your campsite, the weathered stones of Lock 62 stand as silent witnesses to centuries past, while nearby, the foundation of a historic lockhouse whispers stories of the lock keepers who once called this stretch of canal home. These architectural echoes add layers of historical intrigue to your outdoor experience, connecting modern adventurers to the generations of travelers who've passed this way before.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's ever-changing personality as seasons paint the landscape in different hues. Spring and fall emerge as the crown jewels for camping, offering crisp air and comfortable temperatures perfect for trail adventures. Summer brings warm days ideal for riverside relaxation, while winter transforms the area into a stark beauty—though adventurers should note that water sources freeze during these colder months, requiring extra preparation for your stay.

ElevationThe campground rests at a gentle elevation along the canal's historic route, offering level terrain that's perfect for pitching tents and easy access to both the towpath and river's edge.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of the Potomac River as it flows past your doorstep, creating a natural soundtrack for your camping adventure. Towering trees form a living canopy overhead, their branches alive with the calls of native birds. Keep your eyes skyward for the majestic sight of bald eagles soaring above the water, while closer to earth, you might spot graceful geese and ducks paddling along the riverbank. The forest floor harbors its own secrets—curious salamanders, melodic frogs, and the occasional snake remind visitors they're guests in a thriving ecosystem.

Geological RegionPerched along the storied banks of the Potomac River, this campground occupies a unique position where natural splendor meets human heritage. The C&O Canal corridor creates a green ribbon through the landscape, preserving both the geological wonders carved by the ancient river and the engineering marvels left by 19th-century canal builders. This remarkable setting offers campers a front-row seat to millions of years of natural history alongside two centuries of American ambition.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not applicable.

Check-out

Check-out time not applicable.

Stay Limit

Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typically for small backcountry groups, exact numbers not provided.

Groups

No group sites are available at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutRustic layout with four campsites, a single fire pit, picnic tables, and grills. Access is steep for non-hiking visitors.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.

AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features was provided.

Site SizeLimited space accommodating a few campsites, as noted in reviews.

PrivacyThe site is described as small, which might limit privacy, especially during peak times.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest that the campground may only accommodate 3-4 groups at a time, making it ideal for smaller, quieter stays.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campsite provides a peaceful and basic outdoor experience. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the Potomac River and observe various wildlife. Activities are primarily limited to hiking and biking due to the site's proximity to the C&O Canal Towpath.

HikingThe campsite offers direct access to the C&O Canal Towpath, a popular trail for hiking and biking.

BikingThe C&O Canal Towpath is a major feature of the campground, offering excellent opportunities for biking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is a highlight, as noted in reviews. Species include geese, ducks, bald eagles, salamanders, turtles, and more.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include flooding during rainy seasons, steep and muddy access for canoe/kayak travelers, and encounters with wildlife such as snakes and spiders.

Active AlertsFlooding has been reported in past user reviews during the May 2022 season. Seasonal closures for potable water (November 15 to April 15).

Fire PolicyFires permitted in established fire rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be reached by calling 866-677-6677 or 911.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'Trash Free Park'. Campers are required to carry out all trash and leave the area clean before departure.

Water FeaturesLocated next to the Potomac River. Water is treated with iodine and is seasonal.

Camp HostNo campsite host or staff available.

Weather at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Reviews

3.7

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Users generally appreciate the secluded and peaceful nature of the campground, though limited space and minimal facilities are noted drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

The site is described as peaceful, close to the Potomac River, and rich in wildlife. One user remarked on the historical significance of the nearby Lock 62.

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited space for only a few campers and lack of potable water during certain times are noted. Seasonal flooding has also impacted the usability of the site.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water purification tablets as treated water is available, but potable water access may be seasonal. Plan for minimal facilities and prepare to pack out all trash.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and early spring lack access to water, while the rainy season may lead to flooding and muddy conditions. Summer and fall seem to be the most favorable times for camping.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

John Mathews: 'The sounds of the river and the wildlife graced our ears throughout the night. It was very peaceful.' Michael Fingland: 'Not really able to swim here and only one fire pit, but...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but reviewers highlight the small size of the campground as a limitation.

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information or reviews about pets were provided.

Based on 10 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 13, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds