Established Camping
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
About
National Park Service
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Mile 16.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Awesome free campsite right on the Potomac!
Highly recommended, easy getaway. Crowded peak season, but shoulder seasons are often empty.
Pretty nice!
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.
A cold April Morning
Last night I camped at this location. I found a limited pair of trees to suspend my hammock from. There are 5 Over Night camp sites and 1 daily use location.
Yes, it was Delightful to see the sun set over the Potomac and rise the next morning over the opposite shore. The fellow campers were pleasant to share the other sites with. I was happy to share my camp saw with my fellow traveler to cut wood for the fire.
Please note this is a pack out your own garbage camp site. There are NOT garbage cans and other less than courteous campers left behind some trash. Please also be aware of the Canadian Geese their droppings and EVERY WHERE (it is the wilderness). The wild Turkeys on the Virginia shore line, were pleasant to wake up to. There is NO hook ups (water or electric) .
The early morning was particularly cold due to Winter sticking around until LATE APRIL. It was only a few degrees above freezing (during the night/morning) and being in a hammock………
If you do choose this location to camp please, PACK OUT YOUR TRASH.
Location
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is located in Maryland
Directions
More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
Coordinates
39.031002 N
77.244579 W