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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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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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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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.

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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Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

2 sites · RVs, Tents139 acres · Westminster, MD

Welcome to our fifth generation, mini-valley, woodland, and rolling hills. Empty Cupboard Farm has been family owned since 1918. It is presently planted in soy and corn. Wildlife abounds, including deer, small mammals, and geese. Bald eagles and Heron even take a pond dip periodically. Woodland trails are accessible and new tree plantings can be observed. We welcome RVs under 30'. It will be too hilly for anything longer. (Be aware: inclement weather is not your friend here if your vehicle can't handle potentially slippery conditions.) Enjoy the following activities: Mountain biking, pedal onlyPond fishing. (Sorry, no swimming in the pond; but an "An open to the public", private pool is 13 miles/20min. As is the Y. Lawn games and a fire pit are available. So are the stars at night; cloud permitting. Consider the free star gazing app, SkyView Lite, even in the day and under clouds. Don't miss our stunning sunsets at the "Red Door," our entrance. Historical towns within 10 miles any direction are reached over rolling countryside. Gettysburg is less than 20 miles. Baltimore is less than an hours ride by open highway. Blue Ridge mountains 18 miles. Taneytown, 1836, has an extraordinary antique store that is a delight to browse; as well as fine dining, drive through, an open air beer garden and close by grocery stores. Homemade ice cream is found at Baugher's and Hoffmans in Westminster. Baugher's Orchard has "pick your own" available. There is a mini farm animal petting zoo at the orchard. Additional things to see: Boating in Carroll County Maryland. Local wineries Ski Liberty Carroll is a full service county whatever your needs. Check out carrollcountytourism.org to learn more No lions, tigers, and Oh my! However, be aware that small critters may try to steal your food. No recent bear sightings. Geese visit occasionally. Coyotes are seen periodically. All hunting rights are reserved for long term clientele; therefore, hiking on the farm may be curtailed if they are present during hunting season. (November- January) Consider using Sky View Lite on line to watch the sky.

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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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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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North Fork River Retreat

1 site · Tent7 acres · Strasburg, VA

We have 7+ very private acres along the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, which has been in our family for over 50 years and where we currently live. You will arrive at our house, and the campsite is approximately 150 yds down the river trail. The campsite is completely private from our house. There’s great fishing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing from the property and also plenty more nearby. We’re only a few miles outside of Strasburg which offers great antique shops, dining, and a brewery with live music on weekends. Three night maximum permitted. **Note that the North Fork is a shallow river with a slate bottom. If you plan to wade, fish or swim in the river, you may want to bring some sturdy shoes to wear in the river.

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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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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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Little Goat Farm at the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Nokesville, VA

Sleep with friendly goats & alpacas. Fishing & hiking along the lake or trails. Friendly retired farmers offering free space for your mobile home in exchange for assisting farmer in the morning 5 days a week. Our farm grows grapes, sunflowers, herbs of lavender, mint, sage, rosemary, and a huge varied plethora of flowers. We have been established for decades. The fishing is great as Va Fish and Game stock the lake each spring with bass, perch, catfish and even walleye. Many trails abound yet you can walk to a country general store from the farm. Mobile home living here is like no other as you don’t have nosy neighbors within an arms length away. You have the opposite with tranquility, and fresh air. Your senses become keener and nights allow you to sleep in the quiet country. We hosted a fellow for a year with this setup but he’s now moving to help his son out of state. No dogs unless owner agrees prior to arrivals

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Cosey Cabin

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Greencastle, PA

This is a 160 square foot tiny house/cabin in a small wooded area at the rear of my 2 acre property. A separate 90 square foot bath house is also provided. Both are primitive, ie, no electric or running water. The are some solar lights and candles for nighttime. Enjoy laying in the hammocks with a nice camp fire in the evening. The house is heated with a small wood stove but there is no air conditioning. Cook either on the wood stove or over the fire outside. In the summertime it is nice and private with the surrounding vegetation

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.