Fort Frederick State Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Tucked away at Mile 110.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, McCoy's Ferry Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor escape. This intimate riverside retreat features 12 thoughtfully spaced single campsites and one spacious group site, creating the perfect basecamp for paddlers, anglers, and trail enthusiasts. Here, the rhythmic flow of the Potomac sets the soundtrack for days spent casting lines into promising waters, exploring miles of scenic towpath, or launching kayaks into the gentle current.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 62.0 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite without the burden of fees. This charming waypoint provides everything essential for a comfortable night under the stars: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, convenient grill for evening meals, and access to non-potable water for basic needs. Perfect for cyclists and hikers traversing the legendary towpath, this unpretentious site embodies the spirit of simple, authentic outdoor adventure.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 120.4 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite serves as a welcoming waystation for adventurers traversing this storied trail. This thoughtfully equipped site offers everything weary travelers need for a restorative overnight stay, from sturdy picnic tables and grills for evening meals to essential facilities including chemical toilets and water access. Whether you're pedaling the full 184.5-mile journey or hiking a scenic section, Little Pool provides a perfect pause in your towpath adventure.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 144.5 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with a peaceful riverside retreat. This charming waypoint offers everything a cyclist or hiker needs for a comfortable night under the stars—a chemical toilet, iodized water source, sturdy picnic table, and cooking grill. Despite its intriguing name, Devils Alley proves to be a heavenly respite for those journeying along this legendary waterway.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Tucked away at mile marker 139.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Indigo Neck Hiker Biker Overnight Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite from their journey. This free, first-come, first-served haven welcomes hikers and bikers with essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill. A water spigot provides iodine-treated water during the warmer months, though savvy adventurers always pack purification tablets as backup. From mid-November through mid-April, the water supply hibernates with the cold, making self-sufficiency essential for winter explorers.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 82.7 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite serves as a welcome respite for adventurous souls traversing this storied waterway. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to hikers and cyclists exploring the canal's scenic route, offering essential amenities in a pristine natural setting. Best of all, this hidden gem comes with no price tag and no reservation hassles—simply arrive, set up camp, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

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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.

, Mercersville, MD, 21782, USA

Horseshoe C welcomes adventurous spirits and cycling enthusiasts to a peaceful riverside retreat where the historic C&O Canal towpath meets the mighty Potomac River. This biker-friendly campground offers the perfect basecamp for two-wheeled explorers seeking both natural beauty and a touch of American history.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 110.0 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, North Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite offers a true back-to-basics camping experience for adventurous souls traversing this legendary trail. This free primitive campsite provides essential amenities for weary travelers, including a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill for evening meals under the stars. Fresh water flows here during the warmer months (treated with iodine for safety), though wise campers pack purification tablets as backup. It's the perfect respite for those seeking an authentic connection with the towpath's storied past.

, USA

Escape to a tranquil riverside retreat where history meets natural beauty. This charming campground offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure along one of America's most storied waterways. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 126.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, White Rock Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite without the price tag. This complimentary wilderness retreat beckons adventurers traversing the legendary trail, providing a perfect overnight sanctuary where the only currency required is respect for nature and fellow travelers.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Escape to a tranquil riverside retreat at Mile 129.9 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, where primitive camping meets timeless natural beauty. This secluded campsite offers adventurers a perfect basecamp with essential amenities including a chemical toilet, iodine-treated water, and a picnic area complete with table and grill for memorable outdoor meals. Here, you'll discover the simple pleasures of backcountry camping while remaining connected to one of America's most storied waterways.

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Discover the simple charm of Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite, a hidden gem where adventure meets accessibility along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This complimentary, first-come, first-served sanctuary welcomes weary travelers with thoughtfully placed amenities—a chemical toilet for convenience, a sturdy picnic table for trail-side dining, a grill for evening cookouts, and water access to refresh and replenish. Whether you're pedaling through on a multi-day journey or hiking the towpath's scenic miles, this peaceful stopover offers everything you need and nothing you don't.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover your perfect trailside retreat at Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite, a welcoming waypoint at mile 101.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This thoughtfully designed campsite caters exclusively to adventurous souls traveling by foot or bicycle, offering a peaceful respite without the hassle of fees or reservations. Your home for the night includes essential comforts: chemical toilets, a sturdy picnic table for evening meals, a grill for cooking up trail favorites, and access to non-potable water. True to its hiker-biker spirit, stays are limited to one night, encouraging you to continue your journey along this legendary pathway.

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Nestled at Mile 75.2 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Killiansburg Cave Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a peaceful respite on their towpath journey. As part of a thoughtfully spaced network of primitive campsites positioned every 5-7 miles, this riverside haven provides essential amenities for adventurers exploring the 184.5-mile corridor between Cumberland and Georgetown.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover the charm of simple adventure at this hidden gem along the historic C&O Canal towpath. This no-fee, first-come, first-served walk-in campsite welcomes weary travelers and weekend warriors alike, offering a peaceful respite for those exploring the canal's storied route by foot or bicycle. With no reservations required, it's the perfect spot for spontaneous adventurers seeking an authentic connection with nature and history.

11710 MacArthur Blvd.

Nestled at Mile 140 on the legendary C&O Canal Towpath, this intimate drive-in campground serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure along the Potomac River. Despite its modest size, this beloved spot draws adventurers year-round who come to cast lines into the river's flowing waters, paddle its gentle currents, and explore miles of scenic trails by foot or bike. The campground's strategic location makes it an ideal basecamp for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Western Maryland.

18316 Burnside Bridge Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Step into history at Rohrbach Group Campground, where young scouts and civic groups can experience the hallowed grounds of Antietam National Battlefield under starlit skies. This rustic, walk-in camping retreat offers an authentic wilderness experience for groups of up to 30 adventurers per site. Here, modern conveniences give way to the simple pleasures of primitive camping – pack your water bottles and prepare for an unforgettable journey where nature and history converge. The absence of running water only adds to the authentic frontier experience, teaching self-reliance while fostering deeper connections with both the land and your fellow campers.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover your perfect riverside retreat at Antietam Creek Campsite, where the gentle waters of the C&O Canal meet the mighty Potomac River at Mile 69.4. This peaceful tent-only sanctuary invites you to unplug and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Cast a line into the tranquil waters, launch your kayak for a morning paddle, or set off on foot to explore miles of scenic towpath trails. History buffs will find themselves perfectly positioned to step back in time, with the hallowed grounds of Antietam Battlefield just a short journey away.

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Nestled at Mile 156 of the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This primitive campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Paw Paw Tunnel trail, where towering rock walls echo with centuries of history. With the mighty Potomac River flowing nearby, you'll fall asleep to nature's symphony and wake to misty mornings that promise new discoveries along the storied towpath.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 50.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with open arms and no reservation hassles. This free wilderness haven invites adventurers to rest their heads for a night under the stars, offering essential amenities without the fuss of fees or lengthy stays. Whether you're pedaling through on two wheels or trekking the towpath on foot, this rustic retreat provides the perfect pause in your journey.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at mile marker 133.6 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight beckons weary travelers with its simple yet essential amenities. This free, first-come, first-served sanctuary caters specifically to those exploring the towpath on foot or by bicycle, offering a peaceful respite complete with a picnic table for evening meals, a grill for campfire cooking, treated water to refill bottles, and a chemical toilet. Here, the journey becomes the destination as cyclists and hikers pause to rest beneath the stars, sharing stories of the trail with fellow adventurers.

Sweet Run State Park

PA

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Greenbrier State Park welcomes families to its sparkling man-made lake, where a sandy beach and designated swim area create the perfect setting for summer days filled with swimming, boating, and lakeside picnics. Multiple campground loops nestle among the trees, connected by scenic trails that wind through the park's well-maintained grounds. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends, when this popular destination draws crowds eager to claim their spot by the water.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

11710 MacArthur Blvd.

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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

18316 Burnside Bridge Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

, Mercersville, MD, 21782, USA

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, USA

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Picture your tent pitched just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, where wild horses wander freely past your campsite and sea breezes carry the sound of crashing waves. Assateague State Park offers a rare barrier-island camping experience where you'll sleep behind gentle dunes with the beach at your doorstep, all while sharing this windswept coastal paradise with the island's famous free-roaming horses.

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience across 48 primitive tent sites. This cherished retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and untamed nature, where families gather under towering canopies and solo adventurers find solace in the rhythmic babble of mountain streams. As your basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails, this rustic haven strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Point Lookout State Park campground is a family-friendly, beachside campground with direct access to the ocean and an easy walk over a small sand dune to the beach. Sites range from exposed, dune-side pitches to tree-lined sites and the campground offers amenities such as hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and on-site sales of ice and firewood.

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Step back in time at Camp Misty Mount, where rustic stone and wood cabins from 1937 beckon modern adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Nestled within the lush Eastern deciduous forests of Catoctin Mountain Park, these historic structures offer a unique blend of heritage charm and natural beauty, inviting guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled along the rushing Youghiogheny River, Swallow Falls State Park Campground immerses you in a cathedral of towering hemlocks where the soundtrack is provided by cascading waterfalls just a short hike away. The wooded sites offer a peaceful retreat with varying levels of privacy, though it's worth noting that some are cozy neighbors and drainage can be challenging after heavy rains.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to Big Run State Park, where primitive campsites nestle along a babbling creek at the edge of Savage River Reservoir. This hidden gem in Western Maryland's forested valleys offers the perfect rustic retreat for paddlers, anglers, and stargazers seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience.

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Where wild horses roam free and ocean waves kiss pristine shores, Assateague Island National Seashore Campground beckons adventurers to experience one of the East Coast's most enchanting barrier islands. This remarkable destination seamlessly blends tent and RV camping with unparalleled natural beauty, offering campers the rare opportunity to fall asleep to the rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic while knowing that legendary wild horses might graze just beyond their campsite. Whether you choose the dramatic oceanside sites or the tranquil bayside locations, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where coastal wilderness meets accessible adventure, with winding nature trails and historic attractions waiting just beyond the dunes.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 82.7 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite serves as a welcome respite for adventurous souls traversing this storied waterway. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to hikers and cyclists exploring the canal's scenic route, offering essential amenities in a pristine natural setting. Best of all, this hidden gem comes with no price tag and no reservation hassles—simply arrive, set up camp, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Escape to the wild heart of the Appalachians at Savage River State Forest, where rugged high-elevation terrain meets pristine waterways and some of Maryland's darkest night skies. This expansive forest sanctuary offers truly primitive camping experiences along the Savage River, meandering tributaries, and a peaceful reservoir—perfect for those seeking solitude far from the buzz of modern life. Come prepared for rustic conditions: basic facilities, no hookups, and gloriously unreliable cell service.

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Nestled among the rugged mountains of western Maryland, Rocky Gap State Park wraps around the sparkling waters of Lake Habeeb, creating a perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're settling into a private wooded campsite, a cozy cabin, or a unique yurt, you'll find everything from sandy beaches and scenic trails to a convenient camp store and nearby resort amenities—all waiting to make your stay unforgettable.