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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.

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.

Description

National Park Service

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Overview

Scouts built the Marsden Tract Group Campground to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and the historic Old Anglers Inn (private). The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Recreation

The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. Billy Goat Trail Section B is temporarily closed. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.

Facilities

The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Potable water is located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge heading towards MacArthur Blvd (water may not be available during cold winter months). Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Carderock Recreation Area or Angler's Inn are the two closest parking areas. Each is a one-mile walk respectively. There are flush toilets located at both Carderock and the Angler's parking area. There is a temporary stopping area on MacArthur Blvd near the intersection of Brickyard Rd. This area may be used to off-load gear and be walked down the hill, however overnight parking in this area is not permitted.

Natural Features

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.

Nearby Attractions

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles (22.5 km) outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.

Charges & Cancellations

No rain dates or weather-related refunds.

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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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Access

  • Drive-In
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  • Hike-In
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

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

Drive Time


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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

Are fires allowed at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Marsden Tract Group Campsite, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?

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 Marsden Tract Group Campsite. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Marsden Tract Group Campsite, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?

There are 6 campsites at Marsden Tract Group Campsite and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts