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Camper submitted image from Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - 1

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Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

4 Reviews

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.

Spring Gap Campground, near Cumberland, Maryland, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without too much fuss. With basic sites that allow for tent and RV camping, it’s perfect for a quick overnight stay or a simple getaway.

The campground is situated along the Potomac River, offering some lovely views and a peaceful setting. Visitors have mentioned the nice riverside sites, which provide a great backdrop for relaxation. You can also take advantage of the hand pump for drinking water and enjoy campfires, as fires are allowed here.

For those who like to explore, there’s a 12-mile bike ride along the C&O Canal trail that leads right into downtown Cumberland. While some campers noted that the sites are pretty close together, the lack of through traffic helps maintain a quieter atmosphere. As one camper put it, “There is absolutely no privacy between sites,” but the overall vibe is still friendly and laid-back.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy nature, Spring Gap Campground is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be prepared for a more rustic experience.

Description

National Park Service

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Overview

The Spring Gap Campground is located at Mile 173.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath, near the city of Cumberland on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Recreation

The most popular activities for Spring Gap campers are hiking the local trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, paddling and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and anglers alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

Facilities

Spring Gap Campground offers 12 single drive-in campsites and two drive-in group sites. Campsites 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13 can fit a single vehicle (i.e., car/pickup/van). Campsites 3-7, 12, 14 can fit a small 20 ft. length or smaller RV/trailer/pop-up. Single sites can accommodate up to eight people. Each single has a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Campsites 9 and 10 are group sites capable of holding 30 people each. The group site has room for two vehicles. The group site has four picnic tables, a fire pit and grill. Pit and portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1.

Natural Features

Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Cumberland, MD, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year but, especially during autumn.

Nearby Attractions

The C&O Canal National Historical Park Cumberland Visitor Center is in Cumberland, MD, open seven days a week. Also in Cumberland, MD: the Allegany Museum, Gordon-Roberts House, Gilchrist Gallery and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad are all worth a visit.

Contact Info

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

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Location

Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is located in Maryland

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/East Industrial Road for approximately 7 miles (11 km). Spring Gap Campground will be directly off 51, on the right side of the road.

Coordinates

39.5646417 N
78.7179139 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

Reviews

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3.5

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4 Reviews

Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2023

Nice Riverside Sites

SPRING GAP in early November, 2023. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Empty Site Privacy: There is absolutely no privacy between sites. Site Spacing: Moderately spaced Site surface: Grass Reservations: Yes Through Traffic in campground: Campground road dead ends, so no reason for there to be through traffic. Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes. Hand pump. Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: Chemical toilets - clean.
Showers: No Setting: Along the Potomac River Weather: Blue skies , High 60s, lows 30s. Bugs: Too cold at night. Solar: Some sites will have some solar during my fall drive through which is just after leaf fall.
Host: No.
Rig size: 20’ maximum. Sites: 1-8 nice views. Remember, this post is after leaf fall. Views may be more obstructed in the spring. I feel like the views from river sites at McCoy Ferry are broader . 9 is on the river and most private. However, the view is very obstructed by vegetation.

SiteDrive Through
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Roger W., November 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Roger W., November 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Roger W., November 6, 2023
  • (7) View All
Jeremy C.
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2020

Beautiful creek side camp, but close to road and train tracks

Pros:

  • 12 mile bike ride on the C & O Canal trail into downtown Cumberland, MD
  • Beautiful creek-side camping spaces

Cons:

  • Close to Route 51, so there is a lot of traffic noise
  • Close to train tracks, so there were a few trains passing in the night
SiteSite 7
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Jeremy C., February 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Jeremy C., February 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Jeremy C., February 22, 2020
J
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2018

Basic overnight camp sites.

Cons of the site are: Sites are very basic 1 parking spot flat tent campsites. No privacy from other campsites. Small camp area only 1 loop with approx 10 sites. Portable toilet facilities only and well pump for water. Pros: 5 minutes from the town of Cumberland. Boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac river. Located right between the c&o canal towpath and Potomac river. Daytime parking for bike rides or day trips. Short distance via the canal to historic lock houses and sites. Great for a quick stop or overnight stay when traveling the canal.

Month of VisitMay
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What is the max vehicle length at Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

Are fires allowed at Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

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

Does Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park have wifi?

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

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

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

How hard is it to get a campsite at Spring Gap 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 Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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

There are 14 campsites at Spring Gap 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 at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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