Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
37 campgrounds in the park · 30 nearby · 6 free and dispersed sites within 25 mi
Photo: NPS
4 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureClosures: Detours; Towpath; Points of InterestMultiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance. See below for more details.
- CautionDC Water Sewer OverflowDC Water is managing a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor near Lock 10. Anyone with questions or in need of support can reach out to DC Water’s 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 or visit https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/potomac-interceptor-collapse.
- InformationEquestrian Traffic Temporarily Prohibited - Mile 124.5 to 155Horses are prohibited between Little Tonoloway (mile 124.5) and Paw Paw (mile 155) due to recent and ongoing towpath resurfacing. See more for details.
- CautionHiking in Gold Mine TractVisitors are restricted to the designated trails within the Gold Mine Tract in the Great Falls area. This location is generally defined as that area bordered by MacArthur Boulevard and Berma Road and depicted on the Great Falls Maryland Hiking Map.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $20 per vehicle
- In the park
- 37 campgrounds6 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 30 campgroundsWithin 25 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 6 sitesWithin 25 mi
- Annual pass
- $35Chesapeake & Ohio Canal only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 37
- National Park
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
In the park · Potomac, MD
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite
In the park · Paw Paw, MD
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 30
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp Fraser
4.5 mi · Great Falls, VA
- Aerial viewPublic Land
Lake Fairfax Park Large Group Campground
4.6 mi · Reston, VA
Free and dispersed nearby 6
See them on the mapServices nearby: 4 dump stations · 6 rest areas
About Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated…
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
Photos: NPS · NPS photo
Things to do
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
Plan your visit
Getting there
The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to…
Weather
The Washington, DC, area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The climate gradually gets cooler and…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$20
- Motorcycle, 7 days$15
- Per person$10
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal annual pass$35
Hours
The towpath is open 365 days a year.
Getting there
The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center and mile 184.5 are off I-68 at exit 43C. See the maps page for more.
Weather
The Washington, DC, area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The climate gradually gets cooler and wetter further west along the canal where the elevation is higher.
Camped at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Marsden Tract Group Campsite, Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite and Fifteen Mile Creek Campsite.