Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

Star3.96
26 reviews

Quick Facts

230 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There is no fee to stay at this hiker-biker campsite. Reservations are not required.
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

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationsites

"User reviews highlight the site's convenience for hikers and bikers on the towpath but also emphasize its minimal amenities. Some users appreciated its maintenance, while others noted challenges such as sloping ground and low spots during wet weather."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

39.1393, -77.5157

Driving directionsDirections are available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
The Turtle Run campsite is accessible via the C&O Canal Towpath. While detailed driving directions are not provided, the towpath is typically suitable for hikers and bikers. It is recommended to review the NPS website for specific road access details.
Nearby places
Poolesville, MD is the closest city.
Nearby supplies
Closest supply details are not provided for this specific campsite.

Best Time to Camp at Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

The campsite transforms with the seasons, from spring's verdant awakening to autumn's golden display along the towpath. Winter visitors should plan accordingly, as water sources freeze and become unavailable from mid-November to mid-April. During these colder months, the stark beauty of the dormant canal and bare forest creates a different but equally compelling wilderness experience. Summer brings lush canopy coverage and the gentle sounds of the flowing Potomac, while fall paints the surrounding hardwoods in brilliant oranges and reds.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

More pleasant in warm months; water is available mid-April to mid-November and dry weather favored.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn 'golden display' along the towpath makes fall especially attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring 'verdant awakening' is attractive, though site can be muddy in wet weather per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but water is turned off mid-Nov to mid-April and sources can freeze; harsher conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campsite is open year-round, but water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
  • Current Alerts: Scheduled closures at other points along the C&O Canal Towpath may affect accessibility.

About Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

Nestled at mile marker 34.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons weary travelers with its rustic charm and riverside tranquility. This free wilderness retreat caters exclusively to those exploring the towpath on foot or two wheels, offering essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table for trail-side meals, and a grill for evening cookouts. A water source is available on-site, though adventurers should come prepared with purification tablets or filters, as treatment is required before drinking. Note that water access hibernates with the cold, shutting off from mid-November through mid-April when frost grips the region.
The Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite is designed for primitive camping targeted towards hikers and bikers on the C&O Canal Towpath. It does not support RVs or group camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Walk-in access only
  • check-in time not applicable.
Check-out
  • Walk-in access only
  • check-out time not applicable.
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

This site is primarily used as a stopover for hiker-biker campers along the towpath. Activities such as hiking and biking are prominent due to the site's location on the C&O Canal Towpath.
HikingThe campsite is located directly on the C&O Canal Towpath, offering easy access to this historic and scenic trail for both hiking and biking.
BikingThe towpath is a popular route for bikers, making the campsite a convenient stopover.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater at the campsite is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before use. Low spots may collect water during wet conditions.
Active AlertsScheduled closures at other points along the C&O Canal Towpath may affect accessibility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

Reviews

4.0
26 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's convenience for hikers and bikers on the towpath but also emphasize its minimal amenities. Some users appreciated its maintenance, while others noted challenges such as sloping ground and low spots during wet weather.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

"One of the best campsites on the C&O," remarked a user, appreciating its location and maintenance.
Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Many users pointed out that the water is non-potable and the site can become muddy during rain. A reviewer stated, "Watch out for the low spots if it is wet at all or might rain."
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own potable water and to avoid the campsite during heavy rain due to low-lying areas that can become muddy.
Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campsite is more pleasant during dry weather and warmer months when the water supply is available.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

'One of the best campsites on the C&O,' 'Nice campsite but watch out for the low spots if it is wet at all or might rain,' and 'Barely survived 2 days' provide a spectrum of opinions highlighting...
Show more
Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There is only one campsite, and users mentioned it has a slope but enough level spots for tents. It is well-maintained overall.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific mentions or reviews about pet policies at this site were found.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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