Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without straying too far from home. This site offers a unique experience right along the Potomac River, perfect for tent and RV camping.

The campground features five overnight sites and a day-use area, making it a popular choice, especially during peak season. Visitors have noted the stunning views of the river, with one camper mentioning, “It was delightful to see the sun set over the Potomac.” Just remember, it’s a pack-out-your-trash kind of place, so be prepared to take your garbage with you.

For those who enjoy biking or hiking, this location is right on the C&O Towpath Trail, making it an ideal stop for cyclists. The nearby Great Falls of the Potomac is less than three miles away, offering a great day trip for those looking to explore more of the area. 

While amenities are limited—there's no drinking water or electric hookups—campers appreciate the clean port-a-potties and the overall well-maintained sites. As one reviewer put it, “The site was clear of trash and I felt safe while sleeping overnight.” If you’re after a peaceful getaway with a community feel, this campsite is worth checking out.

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.

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

Potomac is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Potomac is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Potomac camping trip.

Potomac

The Best Camping Near Potomac, Maryland

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

Spartan with a great view

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.

Another FREE Campsite!!!

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&amp;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.

Fantastic, spacious sites adjacent to the Potomac River

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

Safe and Quiet

It’s a small walk to the tent only sites right off the C &amp; 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. 

Walk in Free

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.

Easy dispersed camping by the river

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. 

Buggy

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. 

Community Camping 

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!

Beautiful free spot

If I lived in Washington DC, this is where I would ride my bike to every weekend. Bring the family, bring the fishing poles and forget that there is a hyper uptight city just a few miles away. This is one of the few hiker biker campgrounds with road access. And while this detracts from the privacy and "out there" vibe of so many of the other hiker/biker camps, the views of the river are truly stunning. 

  

This was our final campsite along our 334.5 mile adventure from Pittsburgh to DC. In the morning we were awakened by the resident geese.  We unzipped the tent to see a full moon setting, then later got up to watch the sun burn off the lazy fog on the river.  Our neighbors were camping with 3 kiddos and 2 Great Pyrenees puppies, which made it all the more fun!  And, the afternoon light was perfect for solar charging our power bank.

  

There are at least 6 separate campsites with their own picnic table and fire ring. Though with the increase in cars, comes a proportional increase in people and their trash. Pack it out people! There is city water access here which is not treated with iodine (like the NPS well pumps along the trail) so the taste is more palatable. The port-o-potties were clean enough. 

  

The Great Falls of the Potomac area is less than 3 miles away on the trail and makes for an amazing day trip from the campground. There is also a rental Lock House across the trail which can be rented out and would make an easy getaway within 30 minutes if downtown.

Close to DC along the C&O Towpath Trail

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.  

A cold April Morning 

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. 


Pretty nice! 

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

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

Real photos from real campers