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.

## 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][1] and [Billmeyer Wildlife Management Area][2] 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. 

[1]: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pages/publiclands/western_greenridgeforest.aspx
[2]: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/publiclands/western/billmeyer.aspx

Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Little Orleans. Little Orleans is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Little Orleans, reviewed by campers like you.

Little Orleans

The Best Camping Near Little Orleans, Maryland

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&amp;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](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm)

Along the canal...

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

Almost Perfect! 

Cute location right on the river and the C&amp;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. 

Small cute campground

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.

Cute low-key site on water and trail

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

Simple but nice

This is a more traditional NPS campground along the Potomac River and C&amp;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&amp;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&amp;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.

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

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

How camping sould be

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

Photos of Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Real photos from real campers