Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

4.00

7 reviews

null

Stargazing

Quick Facts

535 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

535 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

Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground is fee-free, as explicitly stated. "No fee charged."

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See something outdated or incorrect?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

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

"Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is a less-visited camping facility noted for its remote and minimalist setting."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

null

Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

null

Driving directionsDetails about driving directions are available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.

The accessibility to this campground requires navigating the C&O Canal Towpath. Users should be prepared for uneven terrain, and it appears that vehicle access is not directly available.

Nearby places

Little Orleans, MD is the nearest city

other nearby population centers are not provided.

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

The campsite transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to your outdoor experience. From mid-November through mid-April, the water supply hibernates along with much of the local wildlife, reminding visitors to pack extra water during these months. Winter adventurers will discover a crystalline landscape where moderate winds whisper through bare branches and temperatures plunge into genuinely cold territory—perfect for those who relish the stark beauty of a frosty morning by the canal.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Water is available Apr 15–Nov 15; summer aligns with full trail/water access for hikers and bikers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Water is available through Nov 15 and fall foliage likely enhances the forested setting.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Water returns Apr 15; trails available though early spring conditions may be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Water is turned off Nov 15–Apr 15; seasonal closure of water limits winter usability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates are mentioned, but water is turned on seasonally 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. This may affect usability during the cold season.
Current Alerts: Multiple closures and detours are listed for the larger park. Specific points of interest might be inaccessible.

About Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Nestled at Mile 149.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite beckons weary travelers with its promise of simple pleasures and peaceful nights under the stars. This fee-free wilderness retreat strips camping down to its essentials, offering adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world. Your riverside sanctuary comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables for evening meals, grills for campfire cooking, and basic facilities including chemical toilets. While water is available on-site, it's treated with iodine, so seasoned campers know to pack their purification tablets for that extra peace of mind.

Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is a primitive camping facility designed for hikers and bikers traveling along the canal towpath.

Historical SignificanceYour tent sits on storied ground within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where the echoes of 19th-century commerce still resonate along the towpath. Once a vital artery of transportation and trade, this historic waterway carried the dreams and goods of a young nation. Today, cyclists and hikers follow the same route that mule-drawn boats once traveled, connecting modern adventurers to the pioneering spirit of America's canal era.

Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to your outdoor experience. From mid-November through mid-April, the water supply hibernates along with much of the local wildlife, reminding visitors to pack extra water during these months. Winter adventurers will discover a crystalline landscape where moderate winds whisper through bare branches and temperatures plunge into genuinely cold territory—perfect for those who relish the stark beauty of a frosty morning by the canal.

ElevationThe gentle terrain at Stickpile Hill offers an accessible camping experience, with the site positioned at a comfortable elevation that welcomes hikers and bikers of all skill levels along the famously flat towpath.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering sycamores spread their distinctive mottled branches overhead, creating a natural cathedral alongside sturdy black walnut trees and flourishing boxelders. This verdant canopy frames your camping experience, offering dappled shade by day and a rustling lullaby by night. The campsite's prime location along the Potomac River means you'll wake to misty mornings over the water and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of one of America's most storied waterways flowing past your tent.

Geological RegionStickpile Hill rests in the embrace of the ancient Appalachian region, where millions of years of geological history have sculpted a landscape of rolling forests and river valleys. The campground serves as your gateway to this timeless terrain, where the C&O Canal Towpath threads between weathered ridges and the patient Potomac, offering glimpses into the natural forces that shaped the Eastern United States.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSimple and compact, the site accommodates a few tents.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not possible; this site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only; operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation is required, so cancellation rules do not apply.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campsite.

Site SizeThe site sizes are not specifically described, but they are primarily intended for hikers and bikers.

PrivacyThe privacy level of the sites is not detailed in the materials provided.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesCarry water purification tablets due to iodine-treated water. Early arrival is advised due to limited space.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is geared towards hikers and bikers transiting the C&O Canal Towpath. Activities such as hiking and biking are primary recreational options due to the access to the towpath.

HikingHiking opportunities are abundant as the campsite is located along the C&O Canal Towpath, providing easy access to trails.

BikingBiking is a major activity, as the campsite is strategically placed along the C&O Canal Towpath, which is popular among cyclists.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater treated with iodine is available, but users are advised to carry purification tablets. Wildlife hazards, including ticks and potentially venomous snakes, should be considered in a forested environment.

Active AlertsMultiple closures and detours are listed for the larger park. Specific points of interest might be inaccessible.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in established fire rings. Fallen dead timber may be used for firewood, but live growth cutting is strictly prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated, but typical quiet hours in the park range between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be contacted via the National Capital Region Communications Center at (866) 677-6677 or 911.

Trash & RecyclingThe campsite does not provide trash cans, as the park follows a 'Trash Free Park' policy. Campers are required to pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesThe site is near the Potomac River, though swimming is prohibited.

Camp HostNo campsite host is noted.

Weather at Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite

Reviews

4.0

7 reviews

Satisfactory

Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is a less-visited camping facility noted for its remote and minimalist setting.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the availability of basic amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and water, though the latter is treated with iodine.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have noted the limited space available, with one review mentioning, 'Not a huge place. Maybe room for 4 to 6 tents.' Another review highlights the campsite's remoteness: 'Nice campsite,...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring water purification tablets and to be prepared for self-sufficiency, as the site lacks potable water during specific months and does not provide trash facilities.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campsite is seasonal, with water turned off between November 15 and April 15. This limits its usability during the winter months.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Nice campsite, very remote. Plenty of sycamores, black walnut trees, and boxelders.' - 'Not a huge place. Maybe room for 4 to 6 tents.'

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

There were no accessibility-specific reviews available.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There were no reviews specifically mentioning pets.

Based on 7 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

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

Last updated January 5, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds