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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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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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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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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Fiddlers Green Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents107 acres · Taneytown, MD

When you come here you are experiencing the rebirth of farming in this country while getting to connect with the natural world. This historic piece of preserved farmland has been in our family for 5 generations. The property is just over 100 acres with about half in forest conservation. We have two streams that join one another and create an amazing habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Our farm has always been a fun and healing place for our friends and family to gather. We love sharing the peaceful seclusion here with folks who enjoy and respect nature. We are a certified organic farm in the early stages of transforming it into a fully regenerative, permaculture operation. We grow hemp, medicinal herbs, and small grains as well as keep bees and a small tribe of goats. We'd love to have you!

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Beespoke Farms

11 sites · Lodging25 acres · Sabillasville, MD

A small, startup farm focused on regenerative agriculture and producing environmentally friendly products through environmentally friendly processes. With roughly 15 acres of grazing and forested space, and another 9 acres developing projects and orchard planting, we're located along the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is both A-frame camping and 'pitch your own tent' camping space available.

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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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The Byrd's Nest on the River

2 sites · Lodging, 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:)

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Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary

10 sites · Lodging, Tents32 acres · Shepherdstown, WV

Looking for a personal retreat or get away ? Escape to our beautiful, RUSTIC 32 acre wild homestead / farm. We are 10 minutes from the Potomac River, 10 minutes from Opequon Creek, 20 from Antietam Creek and 30 minutes from the Shenandoah River. Harper's Ferry is 30 minutes way and downtown Historic Shepherdstown is just down the road. We are also close to several state parks. - What do we mean by "RUSTIC" ? The camping experience we offer is about unplugging from the modern world , getting back to basics, slowing down and re-connecting with the land. Simply put, this is CAMPING .... not glamping. (Our Cosmic Cottage is also rustic, despite the amenities that come with it). - CAMPSITES and TREEHOUSE - No electricity or wifi on the land. Campsites and TREEHOUSE 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 and get any closer because of the trees. - SHOWER and PORTA POTTY - roughly a 5 minute or less walk from sites to shower and / or porta potty. Shower hours are 8 am- to 8 pm. The shower has hot and cold running water . You can drive to the shower if you need to. - RESPONSE TIME - This is a working herb farm/ sanctuary and we so do not always have our phones on us. We will make every effort to respond to you within a few hours. Please be patient and you will receive a response. -BOOKING - If you are interested in booking and / or availability, go to the HIPCAMP BOOKING CALENDAR and enter the dates you are interested in. for the most up to date accurate info on availability. - 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. (heads up.. 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).

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Our Farm in Strasburg, VA

2 sites · Lodging200 acres · Strasburg, VA

Our Farm sits on over 200 acres of family owned farmland that has been in the family for over 100 years. It is the mission of Our Farm to provide experiences, products, and a destination for folks to learn more about agriculture in the Valley and to instill a connection to the land. At this time, Our Farm is focusing on unique lodging or "glamping*" options to bring people to the farm. We are planning our Christmas tree farm now and do have grass-fed beef available upon request. This spring we are adding a garden with fresh veggies, fruit, and herbs for our visitors to partake of.

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Smith Ridge Harper's Ferry

6 sites · Lodging, 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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Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 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 we do ask that you clean up after them, waste can be thrown into the trash can at the sites. Also all dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. No exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 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, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-10 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 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 pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.

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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.

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.