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Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park campgrounds.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Fifteen Mile Campground, near Potomac, Maryland, is a charming spot that offers a laid-back camping experience right by the Potomac River. With its open spaces nestled in a pine forest, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without the frills—just bring what you need and settle in.

This campground is a favorite for its clean sites and easy access to the C&O Towpath Trail, making it a great base for biking or hiking. Visitors have noted the lovely views of the river and the peaceful atmosphere, especially during the week. One camper mentioned, “Quiet during the week. Water access and biking/hiking trail. Beautiful place in the early morning hours.”

Amenities are simple but functional, with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets available. There’s no electricity, so solar power is the way to go if you need it. Plus, you can launch your paddle boat or canoe right from the campground, which adds a nice touch for water lovers.

If you’re looking to grab a bite or some supplies, Little Orleans is just a short drive away, with a few eateries and a convenience store. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Fifteen Mile Campground offers a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is located in Maryland

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users

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

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2025

It's OK

Tiny, but well maintained primitive campground. A bit loud at weekends due to boaters on slip nearby. NO potable water, clean pit toilet

Site9
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2022

How camping sould be

Open space in a pine forest, nothing but a picnic table ans space. If you need it you better bring it.

Site15
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2022

Great Drive-in Campground along the C&O Towpath Trail

This is a more traditional NPS campground along the Potomac River and C&O Towpath Trail where you can actually drive in, instead of just hiking or cycling. It would make a great shuttle point, or RV base camp for the weekend if you plan to ride the C&O Trail.  We stopped for lunch at the picnic sites next to this campground.  It was nearly empty in October!

Many sites have a lovely view of the Potomac River. In addition to being situated on the C&O Towpath Trail, you can launch a paddle boat or electric motor, but no gas-powered engines. The sites were clean, the water pump worked well, and the pit toilets were kept clean and well-stocked. There are no electrical hook-ups at this site, so come prepared with solar power.

The nearby town, Little Orleans, offers a few places to eat and grab some minimal supplies. Bill’s Place is a popular eatery just off the trail.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Shari  G., January 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Shari  G., January 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Shari  G., January 1, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Simple but nice

Quiet during the week. Water access and biking/hiking trail. Beautiful place in the early morning hours

Site6
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by jeremy S., September 19, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

Cute low-key site on water and trail

Small clean campground on the CO Canal with vault toilets. Easy water access with a small boat ramp. A number of kayakers, canoes, and paddle boarders made use. Also a number of people fishing. At the entrance there is a small convenience store to grab supplies that you may have forgot. Did not go in, but their signs indicated they had a bit of everything.

  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Jeremy C., July 24, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2019

Small cute campground

Cute location right on the river and the C&O bike path. Would be great for through bike camping. Not much regulation. Our campsite had been taken by another family so we had to use a different one. Good for a quick camp weekend.

  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Deanna S., October 14, 2019
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Deanna S., October 14, 2019
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Deanna S., October 14, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2019

Almost Perfect!

Small campground perfectly located & suited for perfect traditional camping experience!

SiteCampsite #5
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Shawn W., October 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Shawn W., October 13, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2019

Along the canal...

This park is about half way on a trip form NC to NY I take and it is a great way to split a long day into two nice days.

Fifteen Mile Creek is part of the larger C&O Canal park. If I remember correctly it winds its way for about 150 miles. For this portion, at least, the campground is good and the tow path along the canal is great for a run and quite scenic. There are spots along the canal for through hikers and bikers to camp and various drive up spots. 

About the campground:

- 6 or 8 campsites reservations are a good idea

- picnic tables and grills / fire rings

- two pit toilets

- no showers

It is right next to a boat launch and parking lot. 

More info

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Chip G., August 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Chip G., August 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Chip G., August 15, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

Camping at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park can cost between $20.00 and $40.00 depending on the site.

Are fires allowed at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

There are 10 campsites at Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts