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.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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

99%

(109)

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. Please ONLY use 16869 Taylors Landing Rd, Sharpsburg Md for your GPS. 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!!

99%

(482)

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.

97%

(294)

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.

96%

(846)

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.

97%

(302)

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.

100%

(73)

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.

95%

(21)

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.

100%

(6)

The Lavat Spot Eudaimonia

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Bolivar, WV

This beautiful property features 1.5 acres of land with 200 feet of waterfront on the Shannendoah River. The site has electric hookups and potable water available for convenience. Property can accommodate larger groups. Please reach out to host. You can enjoy the outdoors with an outdoor kitchen area, firepit, and deck with stairs leading to the water. The property is located just minutes away from downtown Harpers Ferry and the Charlestown Hollywood Casino. You'll also have plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities with River Riders and Harpers Ferry Brewery and Adventure Park nearby. The area is abundant with wildlife, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

95%

(50)

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

Eddie Mae's Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Harpers Ferry, WV

Welcome to Eddie Mae's Tiny Cabin. Just 90 minutes from Washington DC and Baltimore. Nestled in a residential neighborhood on 1 1/2 acres with winter views of the Shenandoah River. Just 7.5 miles from Historic Harpers Ferry, 9 miles from Charles Town Races/Slots, close to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, River Riders, multiple hiking areas and many wineries and breweries. You will still get the privacy you long for on our wooded spot with a large area cleared out in the middle . Are you looking for a unique stay while still enjoying the modern comforts of home? Then this is for you! Eddie Mae's is just 288 SF. It has a 250 gal. water holding tank, 5 gal. hot water heater and dry flush toilet. The couch turns into a queen bed, the loft has two twin beds. The property has access to the river walking distance where you can relax, float on tubes (provided) or bring your own kayak. There is also a firepit with Adirondack chairs, a gas grill, lounge chairs and indoor and outdoor games for your enjoyment. 1 pet is allowed for an additional fee. Please message me for details. We're thrilled to host you at our tiny cabin! We just wanted to give you a heads up that while our cabin is cozy and charming, it's definitely not what you might consider 'luxury'. It's more of a unique glamping and rustic experience, with modified modern accommodations perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature while still enjoying modern amenities. We hope you'll embrace the simplicity and charm of our space and enjoy all that it has to offer. Let us know if you have any questions or if there's anything specific you'd like to know before your stay. Can't wait to welcome you!

(Dusk To Dawn) Modern Hippie LLC

4 sites · Tents19 acres · Sharpsburg, MD

Probably the best campsite you’re ever gonna find in the area seriously it is convenient located next to the Antietam Creek that turns into the Potomac river one block away. The only way to get in the property is to walk past the national park district during dusk to dawn hours. Please abide by these rules. It makes it safe for the campers, but if you do not comply, you will not be allowed back and you could be arrested because this is the national park District that you walk past. We do have an easement, but that easement is only allowed Daylight hours. Also there’s a huge mountain next to the property which makes it extremely safe for campers please take what you bring and enjoy other nature.

91%

(17)

Private River Camp - FullHookup

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Shannondale, WV

Learn more about this land: Enjoy full RV hookup and/or tent camping with private river access on the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry, WV. Numerous amenities combined with peaceful sunrise and sunset views make this site a rare gem. Expect to see all sorts of birds along the river and other wildlife on the property. Conveniently located 6.5 miles from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and 5 miles south of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. The private bathhouse (Taj Mah Potty) has a clawfoot tub, shower, toilet, sink, small refrigerator and is air conditioned for your convenience. Two sit on top kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are included for use at our private put in. Firewood is available on site for a small fee which can be burned in either the riverside fire ring or the pit next to the rv hookups. Our site is priced in comparison to an RV site at the KOA in Harpers Ferry. The difference is this is a private site, with 100' of private river frontage, and you are not on top of your neighbor. If you are tent camping feel free to book, but realize this spot is priced according to rv rates.

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.