Reservations are available at $20 per night (half that with an interagency pass), and the campground sits within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, giving tent campers a base close to one of the canal's most-visited engineering landmarks. Trailers are not accommodated here. The sites are closely spaced on open grass with surrounding deciduous forest, and a hand pump provides potable water on-site. Cell service runs around 2 to 3 bars on AT&T, which is workable for basic use.
Road noise is a real factor. A highway runs close enough that multiple reviewers flagged it as loud, which may be a dealbreaker for campers expecting a more remote feel. Site 10, at the far end of the campground, offers the most distance from the parking area and the most separation from other sites. Chemical toilets are on-site and have been reported as clean, though one winter visitor noted the portapotties were in poor condition, suggesting seasonal servicing matters. Pets are allowed, and dog-friendly campgrounds near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park are available throughout the corridor for those planning a multi-night itinerary.
The main draw is proximity to the Paw Paw Tunnel, roughly a mile away along the towpath. The tunnel runs about a mile through solid rock and gets completely dark inside, so flashlights are worth packing. As Roger W. notes, there is "boat access to the water, but not for boats on trailers." Fishing is an option along the Potomac, and views of the river and surrounding ridgeline are visible from the campground. Campers wanting more separation between sites might consider the nearby Paw Paw Campground - Chesapeake Ohio Canal NP just to the north.
Description
Overview
The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, across from the town of Paw Paw in West Virginia. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Facilities
There are 10 single campsites, each has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each site can accommodate eight people. If there is a larger group, reserve two sites next to each other. Portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available from April 15-November 1.
Natural Features
Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, 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
Continue your adventures at Green Ridge State Forest! The city of Cumberland, MD is just 25 miles (40 km) west on MD Route 51.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPaw Paw Tunnel Campground is located in Maryland near Little Orleans
Directions
From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles (39 km). Paw Paw Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.
Coordinates
39.5415806 N
78.4596889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/3/26
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/3/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 45 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 1 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 19 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 43 min from Johnstown, PA
