Hikers and cyclists find a no-frills overnight stop along the towpath at this primitive campsite within Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The site requires foot or bike access only, with no vehicle entry permitted. A portable restroom provides the sole amenity at this free National Park Service facility.
The camping area consists of a grassy patch large enough for multiple tents, though Kirby C. notes it offers "lots of room" for primitive camping. Cell service reaches the site according to recent visitor reports. The hike to reach the campsite requires some preparation, as one reviewer emphasizes the need to "be prepared for it."
Access presents challenges that campers should understand beforehand. The site sits on the river side of the canal with no bridge crossing, and some visitors report difficulty locating the exact camping area. No pets are permitted at this location, and no river views are available from the camping spots.
For additional options, campers can explore [campgrounds around Poolesville] (https://thedyrt.com/camping/maryland/near/poolesville) or consider established campgrounds like Seneca Creek State Park Campground. This basic site works best for self-sufficient hikers and cyclists seeking free overnight accommodation along the C&O Canal towpath.
Description
Mile 30.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and drinking water. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.
Reservation Info
Stays limited to one night per site, per trip.
Location
Private CampgroundChisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is located in Maryland
Directions
Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Coordinates
39.102158 N
77.473011 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 49 min from Washington, DC
- 58 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 3 min from Baltimore, MD
- 1 hr 16 min from Winchester, VA
