Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Highly recommended, easy getaway. Crowded peak season, but shoulder seasons are often empty.

Went on a Friday and all the overnight campsites (5) were taken :o my gf and I decided to risk it and camp on one of the 3 day use sites. A couple other bikers and people who also came late stayed on the day use sites and some others camped along the grass area. When we started packing up to leave at 8am the parking lot was pretty much filled.

Wish I could spend more time here! Super close to home, making it the perfect weekend getaway. A little bit of a walk, but worth it cause it’s FREE. It’s got fire rings, pit toilets and water!

Okay I really like this spot if you’re looking to camp with any amount of people! Parking is okay but be aware of the amount of traffic bikers fishers and hikers who come here ! Very good for family and couples.

Do come early but not for the campsites… for the parking. Nice clean campsites. No water. They provide trash bags to take your own trash home.

From my limited camping experience, this is a great site! There are 5 sites that are first come, first serve across from a day use area. A short drive away from DC and it couldn't be easier to get to: park in a lot and walk about 500ft down to the campgrounds.

About 4 sites are in use during my visit so try to get here early to make sure you get space. Overall there's a great view and the campsite appears well maintained especially for free.

There looks to be a cabin available to rent in the parking lot, but not too sure about how that works.

It’s a small walk to the tent only sites right off the C & O Canal which is heavily used by bikes and walkers. It sets down from the canal trail while the portapotty is right on the trail. The sites have breathing room and it’s on the Potomac River but it feels really odd to camp with so much activity passing by. There were a couple drunk or drugged young adults that were fighting that made it pretty intolerable. The Park police had to come and calm them down.

The porta potty’s were in rough shape, however the site was clear of trash and I felt safe while sleeping overnight.

Fun fact about the Swain's Lock Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite--there's parking close by with space for approximately 8 vehicles. 

The walk to the sites is manageable and allows someone like myself, who prefers hiking miles in for some backcountry camping, to also appreciate the pleasures that come along with car camping. 

The sites are flat and dispersed with most located adjacent to the river (which you can't swim in--too dangerous). Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring and grill. 

One thing to note, the sites are right off of the C&O tow path, which is busy during the day with runners, walkers, bikers, and other folks getting away from DC to enjoy the great outdoors.

Sometimes big reward comes to those willing to walk a little, as is the case with this one. This one is officially marked at the 16 mile mark and if you are willing to go you are rewarded by campgrounds every so many miles. There are only a few spots and it is first come first serve here but well worth it to see the nature around you!!

I didn't know what exactly to expect of this site but when I got there was so happy I tried to get here!!!

Great hiker site!! Fire ring is present and plenty of firewood. Downside the chemical toilet was pretty gross and the picnic table had seen better days.

First come first serve with 5 tent or hammock sites. Fire rings, portapotties, and water source. Has a parking lot. Free!!