Bald Eagle Island Hiker-biker Campsite
Open — Open year-round, first-come first-served with no reservations. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April. One-night maximum stay.
Special Weather Statement issued March 29 at 2:01AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
The combination of drying fine fuels, relative humidities around 20 to 30 percent, and wind gusts around 20 to 25 mph will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires today. Following modest early morning relative humidity recovery, the conditions most conducive to fire spread are expected from late morning through early evening (roughly 10 AM to 8 PM EDT). Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans. For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website. For West Virginia, visit www.wvforestry.com For Maryland, visit dnr.maryland.gov For Virginia, visit dof.virginia.gov
About
Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite sits at mile 50.3 along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath, providing free primitive camping for hikers and cyclists exploring the 184.5-mile trail. This walk-in or bike-in only site is one of approximately 30 hiker-biker campsites spaced every 5-7 miles along the canal. The campsite is located near the Potomac River and parallels active CSX railroad tracks, so campers should expect train noise throughout the night. The site includes basic amenities: a portable chemical toilet available year-round, a picnic table, and a grill. Non-potable water is available seasonally from a hand pump, but it is turned off from mid-November through mid-April and must be filtered, chemically treated, or boiled before use. Campers are limited to one consecutive night at any hiker-biker site and must carry in all gear and supplies. The site can be accessed from vehicle parking approximately 0.5 miles away at Lander (mile 50.8). The flat, level towpath makes this an excellent stop for bicycle tourists and backpackers, though the site's proximity to the river means it is subject to flooding after heavy rainfall. Firewood may be collected from dead material on the ground for use at the campsite only, and fires must be contained in the provided grill.
Directions
Located at mile 50.3 on the C&O Canal towpath near Lander, MD. Access via towpath only by foot or bicycle. Nearest vehicle parking is 0.5 miles away at Lander (mile 50.8).
Nearby Campgrounds
- Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite 2.3mi
- Indian Flats Hiker-biker Campsite 6.8mi
- Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Campsite 9.0mi
- Turtle Run Hiker-biker Campsite 11mi
- Hunts Campground 9.0mi
- Gambrill State Park Campground 11mi
- Huckleberry Hill Hiker-biker Campsite 11mi
- Washington Monument State Park Youth Group Campground 14mi
- Chisel Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite 14mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| choh_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (301) 739-4200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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