Campsite with pop-up tent over picnic table

Maryland › Allegany County › Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Open

Open year-round. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Peak season rates ($20/night) run April 15 through November 15; non-peak rates ($10/night) apply November 16 through April 14. Hand pump water is only available April 15 through November 1. Limited to 14 consecutive days between May 1 and October 1.

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About

Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, nestled in the mountains of western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest. The campground sits on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, directly across from the town of Paw Paw, West Virginia. Vehicles cannot enter the campground and must park in an adjacent lot, making this a walk-in, tent-only camping experience. The campground offers 10 single campsites, each accommodating up to 8 people and featuring a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Portable toilets are available year-round and cleaned twice weekly. Seasonal hand pump water is available from April 15 through November 1, though campers should bring backup water as pump handles may occasionally be unavailable. This is a trash-free park requiring all campers to pack out their waste. The star attraction is the historic Paw Paw Tunnel, a 3,118-foot canal tunnel built by as many as 400 Irish immigrant laborers. Beyond the tunnel, the two-mile Tunnel Hill Trail offers breathtaking views of the Paw Paw Bends. Kayaking and fishing in the Potomac are popular activities, with a boat ramp available in the town of Paw Paw. Maryland fishing license required for ages 16 and older.

Directions

From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD-51 S/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles. Campground will be directly off MD-51, on the left side of the road.