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Nature
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Facilities
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Buildings
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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

About

National Park Service

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Recreation

The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

Facilities

The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

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

Green Ridge State Forest is a local park to continue your adventures. Cumberland is 25 miles west on MD 51.

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.

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Location

Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is located in Maryland

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD-51 S/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles. Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.

Coordinates

39.5415806 N
78.4596889 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2023

Loud Highway, Tunnel Tr., And Water Access

Paw Paw: TENT ONLY - Tunnel Tr is nearby. Highway noise. Boat Access to the water, but not for boats on trailers. (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: 2 Price 2023: $ 10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Empty Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Closely spaced. Site surface: Grass Reservations: Yes Road Noise: Close and loud. Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Hand pump. Bathroom: Clean Chemical toilets Showers: No Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars Setting: Open grass park surrounded by deciduous forest. Weather: Low 30s. Bugs: Too cold. Solar: Yes Host: None Sites: # 10 is best as it is the last site. # 6 is the closest to the parking area of the non- group sites.

SiteWalk Through
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Roger W., November 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Roger W., November 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Roger W., November 6, 2023
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2022

Between Potomac and Paw Paw Tunnel

Nice view of the Potomac and mountains. Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season. Bring a rake- I've never seen so many black walnuts on the ground!

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Robin , February 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Robin , February 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by Robin , February 24, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Great campground

Great campground, breast the Paw Paw Hill Tunnel trail. Unfortunately, when we went, the tunnel is closed for either construction or for safely risks. But nice area, can't wait to go back.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2018

Basic overnight and daytrip camping area

Basic tent camping sites. Portable bathroom facilities only. Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel. Tunnel is always nice and cool refreshing during a long bike ride or hike on a hot day. Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark! Amazing to see the work that the canal builders accomplished.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Camping at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park can cost between $10.00 and $20.00 depending on the site.

Are fires allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

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

Does Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park have wifi?

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

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

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

How hard is it to get a campsite at Paw Paw Tunnel 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Paw Paw Tunnel 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

There are 10 campsites at Paw Paw Tunnel 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