Hikers and bikers traveling the C&O Canal towpath can access this primitive camping area exclusively on foot or by bicycle. Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite sits within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, offering free overnight stays for non-motorized travelers. The site requires advance planning since no vehicle access exists.
Campers find a basic setup with portable toilets and drinking water available on-site. Cell phone service reaches the area, allowing connectivity during overnight stays. The campground provides ample space for multiple tents, though reviewers note mixed experiences with accessibility. Jarmonay N. mentions "the hike to the site be prepared for it," indicating the approach requires some effort.
Reviews highlight conflicting reports about canal crossing access and river views. One camper describes the site as having "lots of room" with primitive facilities, while another found navigation challenges reaching the designated camping area. The location prohibits pets, keeping the focus on human-powered recreation along the historic waterway.
For those seeking additional overnight options, Turtle Run Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite provides another canal-adjacent alternative further northwest along the 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
