Accessible by vehicle along the C&O Canal towpath, Fifteen Mile Campground provides a convenient base for exploring the Potomac River corridor. This National Park Service facility offers 6-8 sites at $10-20 per night, with reservations recommended during peak seasons. The campground sits directly adjacent to both the historic canal towpath and a boat launch area.
Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with two vault toilets serving the area. A hand-pump water source operates seasonally, though one recent visitor noted no potable water availability. The location draws paddlers launching kayaks and canoes into the Potomac, where only electric motors are permitted alongside paddle craft. Several sites face the river, while others sit back in the forested area.
Weekend activity increases around the nearby boat ramp, with camping spots around Little Orleans providing additional options in the region. The C&O Canal towpath runs directly through the campground, making this a popular stop for long-distance cyclists and hikers. Shari G. notes "many sites have a lovely view of the Potomac River" and mentions Bill's Place restaurant in nearby Little Orleans for meals and basic supplies.
No electrical hookups are available, so solar charging systems work best for extended stays.
Description
Overview
The Fifteen Mile Creek Campground is located at Mile 140 on the C&O Canal Towpath, in the town of Little Orleans upstream of Hancock and downstream of Paw Paw, WV, on the Maryland side of the of the Potomac River. The campsites are drive-in, large enough to park a small fifth wheel/travel trailer/RV/pop-out with a 20' ft. maximum. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Recreation
The most popular activity for Fifteen Mile Creek campers is boating and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and fisherman alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.
Facilities
The campground has nine single drive-in campsites. There is one group site available that does not have direct vehicle access. The group site can accommodate 30 people. Each single will accommodate up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Protected pit toilets are located between campsite #3 and campsite #4 along the dead end circle. Potable hand pump water is available from April 15 - October 31. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath. Parking is allowed in the drive-in campsites and the adjacent parking lot for vehicles with trailers and support vehicles for the group site.
Natural Features
Fifteen Mile Creek Campground is adjacent to the confluence of Fifteen Mile Creek and the Potomac River on the Maryland side. Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, natural beauty is plentiful all times of the year, but especially during autumn.
Nearby Attractions
Greenridge State Forest and Billmeyer Wildlife Management Area are state managed areas available for additional activities. This area is remote.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFifteen Mile Campground is located in Maryland near Little Orleans
Directions
From Hagerstown: Take I-70 W to I-68 W. Take Exit 68 towards Little Orleans. Follow Orleans Rd for 4 miles. Make a left on High Germany Rd. and it will dead end at the campground. From Cumberland: Take I-68 east for 25 miles to exit 68 and then follow Orleans Road for 4 miles. Make a left on High Germany Rd and it will dead end in the park.RV and Oversized Vehicle Warning: Do not use GPS as it will try to take you through a low clearance tunnel. After taking Exit 68, stay on Orleans Rd for 3 miles then turn left onto High Germany Rd. at the intersection of Mountain Rd, High Germany Rd, and Orleans Rd. Stay on High Germany Rd for 3 miles. Campsite will be on the left.
Coordinates
39.6247333 N
78.3848417 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 users
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/22/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 users
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 42 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 10 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 37 min from Johnstown, PA
