The best camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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Bears Den Campground

5 sites · Tents66 acres · Bluemont, VA

Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Individual site capacities are varied! Please take note of this when selecting your site upon checkout. Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in the bins onsite. Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.

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Mulehalla

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Williamsport, MD

Right off the C&O canal, Mulehalla offers primitive sites that are both beautiful and private with restrooms available. Firewood available for sale as well.

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Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary

8 sites · Lodging, Tents32 acres · Shepherdstown, WV

Looking for a personal retreat or get away ? Escape to our beautiful, RUSTIC 32 acre wild homestead / farm. What do we mean by "rustic" ? The camping experience we offer is about unplugging from the modern world , getting back to basics, and re-connecting with the land. Our campsites do not have electricity and there is no wifi on the land. Campsites are nestled in the woods. So although your vehicle will be parked within 50 ft or so from site, you cannot pull directly up to the site because of the trees. Feel free to wander through the herb gardens, eat your meals in the garden pavilion (we have picnic tables there and hammocks), get your Zen on in the meditation hut , and stroll through the woodland medicine path where we grow endangered and at at risk plant plants. (Please note that the woodland medicine path goes to seed by the Fall and is usually munched down by the deer by then, but is still a nice short stroll in the woods). We love dogs...but please leave them at home.

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Taylors Landing Camping Club

13 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Sharpsburg, MD

UPON BOOKING PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS THAT CAN BE FOUND IN THE SITE LISTING. We share a driveway. Our entrance is only 250 yards up the drive on the left: clearly marked with two orange cones and a Hipcamp sign. It's important not to miss my entrance (watch for oncoming traffic!!) as it's a long drive to turnaround and it becomes private property past my lot. In most cases, I can accommodate early check in times as well as late check outs. Please advise if this is desired. ONLY use 16869 Taylors Landing Rd, Sharpsburg Md for your GPS directions. Experience the beauty of this historic property, featuring a mix of woodland, grassy hilltops, and clover filled bottomlands. Come and enjoy the near direct access to the CO Canal Historic Park and Towpath and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 7 similar sites available for your camping pleasure as well as our Hilltop site for maximum privacy and star gazing potential. The natural Shade/Privacy nooks will keep the midday sun off of tents and the surrounding old growth forest makes for a great hike up to a very accessible and kid friendly cave to explore. Whether you stay for a day or a month, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquil waters of the Potomac River. Throughout the summer, the river offers a user-friendly experience as water levels recede. Embark on float trips, kayaking, excellent fishing, swimming, cave exploring, or visit the historic towns and the Antietam Battlefields nearby for a touch of civilization during your stays. For biking enthusiasts, challenge yourself on the nearly 3 miles of single-track bike trails on the property. Alternatively, explore the endless miles of easy biking, hiking, and horseback riding (byoh) on the CandO Towpath. Whether looking for adventure or just chill down time, this location is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. There is limited shade in the camping areas after 2-3:00 PM depending on the time of year. We're working on large area sun shelters but havent gotten there just yet. The River shore/beach is shady or filtered sun all day long. 4wd or All Wheel Drive are strongly recommended. If it's been dry, single wheel drive is fine, but if we get a hard rain the day before or during the stay, I'll be pulling you up the hill a short distance to exit. PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AFTER BOOKING!!

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Compound Campgound

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Kearneysville, WV

Once an active limestone quarry. Hollowed out for accessibility and stone extraction. #CompoundHistoricNaturePreserve #CompoundCampGrounds 10 miles from historic Harper's Ferry and Antietam Battlefield. Close to Hollywood casinoes and horseracing a few minutes to hiking and biking trails. Just a few minutes drive to cherry, apple, and peach orchards.

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Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

5 sites · Tents5 acres · Bolivar, WV

Surrounded by tall Oak and Poplar trees 1mile off the Appalachian trail. Cars do fine driving into the spot to park. There is some wood around to burn to forage for. Lots of trails l, breweries, wineries, rivers and such nearby. This is not good for toddlers but kids 6 and up will be fine. Thank you and enjoy

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Down by the River!!!

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Harpers Ferry, WV

Beautiful spot on the Shenandoah River....you will see eagles, deer, ospreys, beaver and numerous other critters. Great fishing, boating and swimming not to mention the views. Lots of local cuisine and pubs. Flea markets and BBQ on the roadside and for those who dare the casino and horse racing!!!... Each site has a picnic table, firepit and pavilion canopies for creature comfort. We do have firewood available along with boat rentals. All boat rentals and firewood are cash only. Please limit glass containers.

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Buffalo Gap Retreat and Camp

68 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Capon Bridge, WV

Located in the foothills of the Potomac Highlands, Buffalo Gap is a 1950s era former Mountain Kids Camp turned Retreat by a group of individuals who had a vision of creating a space where family and friends can enjoy a relaxing mountain get-away. Situated between two mountains -- Sandy Ridge and Slane's Knob -- Buffalo Gap sits in the gap between the two. Consequently, the 70 acre property is teaming with creeks and streams, along with a 1.5 acre spring fed lake, making it a peaceful and beautiful retreat from the daily stresses of life. Rent a cabin, camp, have a wedding or family reunion, enjoy our lakeview café, swim, hike, kayak, canoe, and so much more. With the nearby town of Capon Bridge just 10 minutes away and the Shenandoah Valley city of Winchester just 35 minutes, so much beauty and convenience with our riverside town and nearby bigger city for additional dining and entertainment as well as conveniences.

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Tiny House on the Potomac

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Shepherdstown, WV

We have title records going back to Lord Fairfax for this beautiful land on the Potomac River just a mile from Shepherdstown. The Tiny House was a fishing cabin dating to at least the 1940s. The Main house is a historic stone structure dating to 1815.Learn more about this land:Relax and escape to the peace and quiet by the Potomac River, and wake to beautiful romantic views of the river and mountains in this romantic 200-square foot tiny house situated on 2.5 acres, with 450 feet of river front land. Explore and take advantage of all the activities on the river and surrounding area. Fish, bike, kayak, tube, or just sit by the river and watch the birds and wild life. Sit and read by the river or in the quiet comfort of the house with a bottle of wine on us.

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Stoney Creek Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Great Cacapon, WV

Enjoy one of our four large, beautiful sites with friends or family. The South, North and Rocks sites offer great privacy and seclusion. The Bridge site offers unique charm and close proximity to river, creek and bridge, and has the best WiFI access. Plenty of greenery between sites. You should mostly only see neighbors when going to bathhouse. On our property you will find, four large camp sites, Stoney Creek Country Store on the river, Pavillion next to the store, Cacapon River Outfitters behind the store, smallground campground next to pavillion, giant swing, bathhouse closest to riverside/campground, and a few (5) other trailers (mobile homes) further behind the store/bathhouse. The dead-end road that goes through our property leads to another riverside community that is sparsely developed. Kayak, boat or tube (we offer Tubing and Canoes). Fish or watch wildlife. (Fishing licenses available on DNR site for cheap) Nearby attractions if the river is not enough: * C&O Bike Trail, 185mi long from Washington DC to Cumberland MD (~9 miles) * Paw Paw Tunnel, part of C&O park (~9 miles) * Potomac River (~9miles allows gas powered boats) * GreenRidge Forest 47,560 acres (~10 miles, hiking trails and sightseeing) * Sideling Hill Wildlife Management area, 2,507 acres (2 miles) * Eidolon Nature Preserve (~12 miles) * Windmyer Hunting area, 422 acres, along route 9 (14 miles) * Berkeley Springs Spas, Pool, Park and Mineral Waters * Towns of Berkeley Springs, Hancock, Flintstone, Cumberland and Winchester within 40min drive * Cacapon State Park, 6,115 acres.. Hiking and Biking trails.. (~18miles) Day trips Swallow Falls (1h 40m drive) Deep Creek Lake area (90m drive) Black Water Falls (2h drive)

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C and O Camping Club

1 site · Tent8 acres · Williamsport, MD

This beautiful campsite is nestled in the forest and borders the C and O Canal. Located near the midpoint of the canal, it is a great staging area for biking to Harpers Ferry, Shepardstown, or Williamsport. The site is flat and large enough for the whole family. A designated fire pit, picnic table, hand washing station, and portable toilet are on site. The site is a short walk to the Potomac River, it is not directly on the river. We offer cruiser bike rentals for easy riding. For history enthusiasts; we are 28 minutes from Antietam National Battlefield, 30 minutes from Fort Frederick and, 48 minutes from Harpers Ferry. For hiking enthusiasts; in addition to the C and O Canal, we are within 35 minutes of several Appalachian Trail access points and various state and national parks: including Greenbrier, Cunningham Falls, Catoctin, Washington Monument

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Rohrersville Roost

1 site · RV4 acres · Rohrersville, MD

Learn more about this land:Peaceful surroundings with mountain view of the Appalachian Trail. 3 to 18 minutes from multiple trailheads, Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, C&O Canal, Historic Harpers Ferry, WV and Antietam National Battlefield. Just 4 minutes to Big Cork Vineyards and 10 to the famous Crystal Grottoes Caverns!! Lots of colorful chickens, guineas, pigeons, turkeys, quail, emus, goats and sheep to see and fresh eggs available daily *30 foot clearance is combined length of truck and trailer, there has been a 25 and 26 foot pulled by 4 door trucks but the turn in was a tight squeeze*

The best camping near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park guide

Overview

About

With over 180 miles of trail to explore, its easy to see why the C&O Canal towpath is a popular destination for local outdoor enthusiasts. Dozens of access points are all along the trail, which follows the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Many of the original features of the canal, including locks, lock houses, and other structures, are still standing, giving folks a glimpse into the canal's historical role as a major transportation system during the mid-19th century.

If you're interested in a history lesson, make sure you check out the visitors center located at Great Falls Tavern, where you'll hear the tales of those who lived and worked along the C&O Canal. Summertime visitors can even experience living history by travelling the canal on a mule-drawn replica passenger boat and riding through a 19th century lift lock!

There are plenty of ways to traverse the trail, either by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Most paths are flat, but for those of you looking for a bit of a hiking challenge, check out the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls. You'll quickly see why this trail is named after the nimble goat as you make your way up angled rocks and boulders. Sturdy shoes are a must!

Campers have a multitude of ways to stay overnight, whether by drive-in car camping, hiker-biker campsites or the unique canal quarters experience, where you can sleep in a lock house. No matter how you choose to spend your time along the trail, it's sure to be an amazing adventure.