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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Community favorites near Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

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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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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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Taylors Landing Camping Club

13 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Sharpsburg, MD

UPON BOOKING PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW TO A T ON ARRIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 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. 4wd or All Wheel Drive are 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 AND FOLLOW TO A T!!!!

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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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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.

Booked 9 times

Camps at Evensong Farm

2 sites · Lodging132 acres · Sharpsburg, MD

Evensong Farm is a preserved historic farm adjacent to the Antietam National Battlefield. We have set up two, almost identical, sites on a 60 acre parcel of our farm which is very private for our campers, but allows access to the lovely Antietam Creek. The sites themselves are about 500 feet apart so, while they maintain privacy when booked by different parties, can also be booked together for group stays. We have been hosting campers at our "glampsites" since 2021. Each off-grid site has a 12x16 platform with a 10x12 canvas side wall tent, a firepit and chairs, a cooking area with a grill and sink for washing up, a picnic table and benches, and a private bathroom with a composting toilet and solar shower bag. The main tent is set up for 2 people, although 4 is possible. The sites can handle a max of 12 people, with the use of additional tents (BYO or you can set up some of ours). We provide an electronic camp guide to all of our campers that include our recommendations for things to do in the area, as well as camping tips and other handy info. Inside the tent you will find a queen size bed, side tables, and a cafe table and chair set. We have put down foam flooring and a carpet for your comfort and provide numerous battery powered lights, lanterns and fans. In cold months we can add a propane heater to keep the chill away. We also have some games, maps of the area, decks of cards, and a fire extinguisher. Stepping outside the tent you'll find our long rainfly creates a covered porch where you can relax on our provided chairs. There are additional chairs around the firepit and each firepit has a cooking grate so you can cook over your campfire. We provide one bundle of firewood (including kindling) per night with your reservation. We do sell additional firewood, if needed. In our kitchen area you will find a picnic table and chairs, 5 gallons of drinking water, a clean up table that includes a foot operated pump sink with an additional 5 gallons of washing water, a grill (one site has propane and the other has charcoal), trash and recycling bins, grill tools, lighters, plus dish and hand soaps. Our farm is a mile and a half from the town of Sharpsburg, MD, home of the Antietam National Battlefield (and Nutter's Ice Cream Shop). You will find the Appalachian Trail to our east and the C&O Canal to our west (10 minute drive to either).

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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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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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Camp Shenandoah Meadows

11 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Woodstock, VA

We welcome you to our view of the great outdoors. We are 30 minutes from the entrance of the well known Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park. We are surrounded by multiple hikes, restaurants, breweries and wineries less than a 30 minute trip! Onsite we have numerous amenities open to all camping guests which include, fish stocked pond, large swimming pool, basketball court, and soccer field. We welcome you to stay with us and enjoy our 40 acre view! This camp was previously operated as a summer camp for large groups, but will now be open to groups of all sizes including campers throughout the year! This is new for the camp and the new owner, but we’re excited about hosting everyone going forward!Welcome!

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Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

7 sites · Tents30 acres · Walkersville, MD

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet.

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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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The Byrd's Nest on the River

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Great Cacapon , WV

~ Voted West Virginia's No. 1 HIPCAMP, three years in a row!! ~ The Byrd's Nest is a river front, primitive campsite on the scenic Cacapon River in Great Cacapon, WV. The property is very secluded, but only 2 hrs from D. C. and Baltimore. The space can accommodate 5 tents comfortably or a few very small campers (w/o hookups). Please note- I only book one group at a time. You'll have plenty of privacy. Spend your day bird watching on the river deck, put up your hammock and chill, go hiking or mountain biking at Cacapon State Park, take the kayaks out and paddle around, go fishing, or take a float trip. I can provide info on put in/take out spots depending on how long you'd like to float. I have 3 tubes available for your use, and 3 kayaks, or BYO if you'd like to venture further outside of the property lines. There is one big fire ring for cooking and/or bonfires, along with a large stationary stand up charcoal camp grill. There is also a small shed down at camp that contains rope, tarps, shovel, shade tent, tackle box, extra torch fuel etc.. feel free to use use and put back and or/ contribute to it. :) This spot is close by to Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw Tunnel, Cacapon State Park, and other nature preserves. More hiking, biking, restaurants, spas, antiquing- all within a beautiful 20 minute drive if you wish to venture out. If I do not respond soon after your inquiry, it's because I am without reception. Even if your inquiry expires in 24 hours, I will still get back to you! Thanks in advance for your patience. There is a cabin on the property. I will more often be home than not, I will communicate with you about that around your stay. Sometimes I"ll come down to the river frontage if I drop in for a float. Also, we all get around on four wheelers and UTV's. So you will hear them from time to time. If I am home, please feel free to come up if you have any concerns/questions or to say hi! :) *Please note, you can normally get to this site without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. However, when the river is high it will sometimes flood the low water bridge where it crosses the Cacapon. If this is the case during your stay, there is a back way in over the ridge. You will absolutely need 4 wheel drive with clearance and it takes about 30 minutes longer and a sense of adventure- but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views and waterfalls at the switchbacks:) This route in is only an option when the bridge is flooded, as it is a private road that has many gates. I will provide all necessary information before your stay regarding projected river levels and directions. I will also offer a full refund if the bridge is impassable and you decide not to come. Sadly, the floating dock you see in the older pictures did not make it through the river ice last winter. However, the deck is now turned into another tent platform! In addition to that, there is now a 9x14 pavilion and a porta john for your use! *Please visit Cacaponriver.org prior to your stay for more info on our beautiful river:)

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.