Antietam Creek Campsite

Sweet Run State Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

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.

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.

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.

14840 Manahan Road, Sabillasville, MD, 21780

Nestled in Maryland's scenic mountains, Camp Round Meadow welcomes groups year-round with the capacity to host up to 120 guests in comfort. This historic retreat combines modern amenities with rustic charm, featuring cozy dormitories, a spacious dining hall with commercial kitchen, an indoor gymnasium, and versatile conference facilities. Once home to hardworking Civilian Conservation Corps members and later transformed into America's very first Job Corps Center, these grounds echo with stories of transformation and opportunity.

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.

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 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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

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

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 47.6 along the legendary C&O Canal Towpath, Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons weary travelers with its peaceful solitude and essential comforts. This hidden gem offers complimentary camping with thoughtfully provided amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, cooking grill, and access to treated water. Far from the crowds, this tranquil waypoint serves as an ideal rest stop for adventurous souls journeying along the historic towpath by foot or bicycle.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled at Mile 26.1 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite offers weary cyclists and backpackers a welcome respite without the price tag. This free wilderness retreat provides essential amenities for the modern adventurer: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, campfire grill for evening meals, and treated drinking water to refill your bottles. During warmer months, the iodine-treated water flows freely, though winter visitors should plan to pack their own as the taps run dry when temperatures drop.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Nestled along the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience. This free riverside retreat welcomes weary cyclists and hikers with essential comforts: chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, grills for evening cookouts, and iodine-treated drinking water. Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts for its generous space and easy access, the campsite rewards visitors with sweeping views of the mighty Potomac River that have captivated travelers for generations.

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.

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.

Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA

Escape into the wilderness at Adirondack Shelters, where adventure begins with every step along the trail. These secluded backcountry havens in Catoctin Mountain Park offer an authentic off-grid experience, accessible only by foot through forested paths. Each rustic shelter welcomes up to five adventurers seeking refuge from the modern world, complete with a crackling campfire ring for evening storytelling and shared pit toilet facilities. With no vehicle access or running water, this is camping stripped down to its purest form—just you, your gear, and the untamed beauty of Maryland's mountains.

6602 Foxville Rd

Nestled deep within a tranquil forest setting, Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience designed exclusively for young adventurers and their organizations. This primitive camping haven invites groups to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature beneath a protective canopy of mature trees. Rustic tent sites scattered throughout the property provide the perfect backdrop for campfire stories, team-building activities, and lifelong memories, while thoughtfully placed shared amenities ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Tucked away at mile marker 42.5 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite offers weary travelers a welcome respite without the price tag. This intimate, free-access haven caters specifically to adventurers exploring the towpath by foot or pedal, providing essential amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, and grill for evening meals. Multiple groups can share this peaceful space, creating opportunities for trail stories and camaraderie under the stars. While the water source is non-potable, it's a valuable resource for filtering or boiling during your journey.

, 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.

6602 Foxville Rd

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

18316 Burnside Bridge Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA

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, Mercersville, MD, 21782, USA

, USA

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

14840 Manahan Road, Sabillasville, MD, 21780

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

46970 Bauhof Road, Patuxent River, MD, 20670

Discover a hidden gem where military heritage meets natural beauty at Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds. Tucked within the prestigious Naval Air Station Patuxent River, this exclusive retreat welcomes those who've served and continue to serve our nation—Active Duty personnel, Reservists, Retired Military, Veterans, and Department of Defense employees. Here, the rhythm of naval aviation mingles with the gentle lapping of tidal waters, creating a unique camping experience that honors both service and serenity.

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

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.

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

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

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.