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

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

95%
(1008)

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. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm 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 dumpster up the hill 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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$12
 / night
98%
(245)

Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Clearville, PA
We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. There are no exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. All sites include an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a small private site and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed maximum 6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a bench and charcoal grill. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a medium-sized luxury private site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for maximum 8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for several tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a large luxury private site that includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for a maximum 10 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be backed into with an RV and then pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, a charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a medium private luxury drive through site great for RVs, rooftop tents, pop ups or camper vans. This site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed with water and electric hookups for a single camping vehicle, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and a bench.
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$51.75
 / night
98%
(156)

Wineberry Grove

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Strasburg, VA
Learn more about this land: Enjoy mountain views and peace and quiet at this beautiful family-owned plot of land, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. We are walkable to the Shenandoah River, including a public boat ramp and swinging pedestrian bridge just 5 minutes away by foot. We have a firepit to make memories around, a cozy double hammock, trails to explore, and wildlife to see (so many deer!).  About the property This land has been in our family for over 50 years. We love our little spot near the river, and we love sharing it with others who enjoy getting outside.  Located just 4 miles from Strasburg, Virginia, we are within striking distance of a variety of hiking and outdoor adventures, including the Strasburg River Walk (5 miles away), Signal Knob Trail (13 miles away), Elizabeth Furnace Recreational Area (13 miles away), Tuscarora Trail Eagle Rock Trail (19 miles away), Shenandoah River State Park (24 miles away), Overlook Trail (25 miles away), and Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area (27 miles away).  Downtown Strasburg also has tons of antique shops, Box Office Brewery, The Pancake Underground, Old Dominion Doggery, Burger Shoppe, Ice Cream Depot, and the Strasburg Museum, which is great for anyone who loves trains or history.  We are a short drive to Woodstock and Front Royal as well. Or take in a movie at The Family Drive in Theatre, just 14 miles away. About the listing Pitch your tents, vans, truck campers, trailers, and RVs at this quiet, private, secluded site. Enjoy the sounds of crickets as you fall asleep. There's a portable camping toilet set up in a pop-up tent (please pack your waste out with you when you leave!). The site also includes a private fire pit and picnic table, but no running water.  What to bring Drinking water We try to keep toilet paper stocked, but if you're picky feel free to bring your own Pets are welcome, on or off leash Camp cooking supplies (no kitchen or equipment is provided) Firewood if you intend to have a fire and there are no local fire bans in place. You're welcome to any kindling laying around or fallen branches as well.  Additional details to note There is no WiFi and limited cellular reception for some carriers, so please plan ahead accordingly Check in and out are usually flexible - please just ask!  While we want you to have a good time, there are a few residences nearby, so please try to quiet down after 9pm, and be respectful of any neighbors you come across. They're all very friendly and helpful.
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$28
 / night
98%
(325)

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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$56.25
 / night
100%
(415)

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Fort Valley, VA
Passage Creek is stocked with Trout. Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch consists of 40 acres of low-land pasture, groomed perfectly for camping groups large or small. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site offers the option to camp on our 5-acre lake or camp creekside in the Cedar Grove sites along the banks of Passage Creek. Creek access varies at each site depending on the bank. The Ceadar Grove sites are just a short walk to the lake and beach amenities. The property has 1/2mi of Passage Creek wrapping around all the campsites, as well as, the privet lake to enjoy. I have all kinds of boats to try out and the waters are stocked with Bass, Blue Gill, and Catfish. Please catch and release. Passage Creek is stocked with Rainbow, Brown, Tiger, and Brook Trout throughout the year. The prime waters are just a mile upstream from Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch. The Creekside Cedar sites are located within a sparse, groomed, Cedar grove along the banks of Passage Creek. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so It's just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. Groups of up to 25 people per site can realistically fit. Each site is very large with car camping space included. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mirror mountain views in the background. This site also has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. The road can accommodate bumper pulls up to about 35ft to make the turn at the site. However, it is best suited for lighter traffic and smaller tent groups. At higher capacity, single-file parking is needed along the lake road. Max 10 people in order to keep some grass on the ground. Please, if you need more space - go to one of the Cedar Grove sites. Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle. Additionally, the local towns (Front Royal, Strasburg, Woodstock) offer their own charm and wide range of activities and attractions.
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$85
 / night
99%
(183)

Willows Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents165 acres · Union Bridge, MD
Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 or visit our website https://willowsfarmbeef.com to see what we have to offer. Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.
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$29
 / night
99%
(286)

Taylors Landing Camping Club

13 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Sharpsburg, MD
ONLY use 16869 Taylors Landing Rd, Sharpsburg Md for your GPS directions. UPON BOOKING, PLEASE CHECK THE "ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS" FOR YOUR SITE'S SELF CHECK IN INSTRUCTIONS. 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 C&O Canal Historic Park and Towpath and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 11 similar sites available for your camping pleasure in our clover filled bottomland as well as our Hilltop sites for maximum privacy, exclusivity 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 stay. We have two kayaks and 4 SUP's, and numerous inner tubes on site free of charge. We have some life vests, but if you have your own, bring those along. Explore the endless miles of easy biking, hiking on the C&O Canal 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 haven't gotten there just yet. The river's 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 possibly be pulling you up the hill a short distance to exit. Please pre-order firewood via a message to me if at all possible, so I can have it waiting for you. $30.00 buys you a long night's burn worth of all seasoned hardwood. Cash venmo paypal zelle all accepted upon arrival. PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AFTER BOOKING!! We share a driveway with the Shepherds Springs Outdoor Ministry and want to make sure you don't pass our entrance as the only place to turn around is up at their lodge.
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$49.50
 / night
100%
(4)

Montside Orchard Camp,Cabin & Sauna

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Chambersburg, PA
The Cabin and campsites at Montside Orchard boast one of the most magical sunset views in the Cumberland Valley. And—Expect a daily show of wildlife—herds of white tail deer, wild turkeys and hundreds of wild birds make Montside Orchard their home! Bring your binoculars--its a wooded wonderland! The Cabin is hugged by woodlands at the back and bucolic green hills dotted with orchards and small farms out the front. Yet within 15 minutes you will have arrived in quaint, well appointed downtown Chambersburg-- a small town bursting with good art and good food! We are also conveniently located 10 minutes from I-81, a major North/South interstate and 10 minutes from Rt 30 which takes you into Micheaux Forest, the Appalachian Trail and Caledonia State Park within 15 min and the historic Gettysburg National Park within 35. White Tail Ski Resort is 40 minutes South and Ski Liberty is 40 miles East.
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$36
 / night
94%
(421)

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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$35
 / night

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.

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