Is Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite before I book?

Yes! Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has 1 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 Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is open Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.. 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 Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

Sorrel Ridge 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 Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite have?

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite?

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

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

2.95

10 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Maryland

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

463 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Water is turned off ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Sorrel Ridge 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

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

39.5717, -78.4532

Nearby places

Hagerstown, MD is the closest city.

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

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

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid riverside foliage, and prime trail conditions — expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F (October typically 50s–60s, September often 60s–70s) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s. Leaves along the Potomac and C&O Canal corridor put on a strong show, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing especially rewarding while biting insects are greatly reduced. Weekdays and early-season weekends stay moderately quiet compared with summer, so youʼl Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called best season: comfortable temps, vivid riverside foliage, prime trail conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.

About Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Sorrel Ridge is a hiker-biker overnight campsite along the C&O Canal towpath near Hagerstown, managed by the National Park Service with a one-night stay limit. This primitive site offers fire rings and picnic tables close to the Potomac River, serving through-travelers on the canal trail. Campers enjoy wildlife sightings and proximity to historic Lock 62, though space is limited and water availability is seasonal.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid riverside foliage, and prime trail conditions — expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s°F (October typically 50s–60s, September often 60s–70s) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s. Leaves along the Potomac and C&O Canal corridor put on a strong show, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing especially rewarding while biting insects are greatly reduced. Weekdays and early-season weekends stay moderately quiet compared with summer, so youʼl Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: January, February

Elevation463 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Potomac River flows just beyond the campsites, close enough to hear at night. Mature trees shade most of the area, and the site sits at 463 feet elevation along the canal corridor. Wildlife shows up regularly: bald eagles overhead, geese and ducks on the water, salamanders and frogs near the banks. Reviews mention the peaceful riverside setting and good wildlife viewing, though the space itself is small.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable.

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

All sites have: chemical toilet, picnic table, firepit, and non-potable well water. 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.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to the C&O Canal Towpath, a popular trail for hiking and thru-travelers.

Biking4.0/5

Site serves hiker-biker travelers on the C&O Canal Towpath — excellent biking access.

Water Sports3.0/5

Winter Activities

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; chemical toilets are provided.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.0

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

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

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

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

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Sorrel Ridge 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 through-hiking or biking the C&O Canal towpath and need a basic overnight spot with historical character.

Skip if

You need more than one night, guaranteed water access, or easy boat launch conditions.

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.

Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Campground Map

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

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

Planning Tips

About Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

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

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews