Best Tent Camping near Hancock, MD
Tent camping near Hancock, Maryland centers around the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which offers numerous hiker-biker overnight campsites along the historic towpath. Cacapon Junction and Paw Paw Tunnel campgrounds provide tent-only sites with basic amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, located about a mile from the historic tunnel, features tent camping on grass surfaces with chemical toilets and hand pump water access. Jordan Junction and Horseshoe Bend offer additional primitive tent camping options along the C&O Canal, with most sites positioned near the Potomac River for easy water access.
Most tent campsites in the Hancock area are walk-in sites requiring campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their camping location. Antietam Creek Campground exemplifies this setup, with parking along the road and a 75-foot walk to tent sites. Basic amenities typically include pit toilets or portable restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at most locations. Water availability varies by site, with some campgrounds offering hand pumps that may be seasonal or occasionally non-functional. Campers should note that many sites along the C&O Canal experience train noise throughout the night, as the railroad runs parallel to many camping areas. Summer visitors should prepare for insects, particularly mosquitoes.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this region is characterized by riverside locations with varying degrees of privacy. According to reviews, Town Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offers "a big expansive lawn with enough room for a dozen tents or more" and features multiple picnic tables and fire rings, making it ideal for groups. One camper noted that Antietam Creek Campground has "sites located along the Potomac River and between the C&O Canal with flat campsites and fire rings." Many primitive tent sites have limited space, so arriving early is recommended during peak seasons. The C&O Canal's network of hiker-biker campsites allows flexible itinerary planning for those traveling the towpath by foot or bicycle.