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Established Camping

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

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

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located near the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland. The area features flat terrain with wooded surroundings. Visitors can experience temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 25°F in winter, with Great Falls Park and the Potomac River offering nearby attractions.

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Location

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located in Maryland

Detail location of campground

Directions

You may park at either the Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from the Anglers Inn Restaurant. We recommend Carderock as it is slightly closer to walk the towpath to the campsite from there. Search \"Billy Goat Trail C - North Parking Lot\" on Google Maps for the best directions. From I-495 in Maryland: 1. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls. 2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin-9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile. From I-495 in Virginia: 1. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock. 2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile. From Washington (Georgetown): 1. From the intersection of Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road. 2. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin -9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile. \_\_Directions from I-270 on reverse side. From I-270: 1. Take I-270 South toward Washington. 2. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia. 3. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway. 4. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls. 5. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 6. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 7. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile. Park Emergencies: (866) 677-6677 or 911

Coordinates

38.9786778 N
77.2160722 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

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4.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

Beautiful and not for the faint of heart!

Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water no bathrooms or electricity but all in all it's beautiful

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Marsden Tract Group Campsite by Chrystal P., June 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Marsden Tract Group Campsite by Chrystal P., June 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Marsden Tract Group Campsite by Chrystal P., June 19, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve the Marsden Tract group campsite?

Marsden Tract Group Campsite requires advance reservations through the National Park Service reservation system. As a designated group site, you'll need to book the entire area rather than individual spots. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling their reservation line. Be sure to reserve well in advance, especially for summer weekends, as this secluded site is popular among groups seeking a primitive camping experience.

Where is Marsden Tract located and how do I get there?

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located in a secluded natural area that requires a good hike to access. There is no parking directly at the campsite, so be prepared to carry all your gear some distance. The site is deliberately situated away from roads and civilization, offering peace and quiet in a beautiful outdoor setting. For specific directions, contact the National Park Service that manages the property, as the remote location requires careful navigation and planning before your trip.

What amenities are available at Marsden Tract campground?

Marsden Tract offers a truly primitive camping experience with minimal amenities. The site has no running water, no electricity, and no bathroom facilities. There are no designated fire pits or picnic tables provided. This is a back-to-nature experience where you'll need to pack in all supplies including drinking water and toilet supplies, and pack out all trash. The beautiful, secluded setting in a natural environment compensates for the lack of facilities.