Maryland / Washington County / Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Big Woods Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite

Open — Open year-round first-come, first-served with no reservations. Water is turned off from mid-November through mid-April. Overnight stays are limited to one night per group.

About

Big Woods Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite sits at mile 82.7 on the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath in Mercersville, Maryland. Unlike many hiker-biker sites along the canal, Big Woods offers privacy as it is set back from the towpath and accessed via a marked path. This primitive camping area is designed exclusively for hikers and cyclists traveling the canal route and accommodates one group of up to eight people per night on a first-come, first-served basis. The site includes essential amenities: a portable chemical toilet available year-round, a picnic table, and a grill for cooking. Fire restrictions apply, with fires limited to provided grills or portable grills positioned off the ground. Campers can collect dead firewood from the ground for use at the site, but firewood cannot be brought into the park and must not be removed from the campground. Water availability is seasonal and non-potable. From mid-November through mid-April, water is turned off entirely. During other months, the water source is located approximately a quarter mile downstream from the site and is not treated for drinking or cooking. Campers must filter, chemically treat, or boil this water before use, or bring their own supply. The campsite is situated near the Potomac River and subject to flooding after heavy rains. Cell phone reception is seasonal and the site is not ADA accessible. No entrance fee is charged for this walk-in, tent-only campsite.

Directions

Located at mile 82.7 on the C&O Canal towpath near Mercersville. Accessible only by foot or bicycle. A sign marks the path from the towpath to the campsite, which is set back from the main trail for privacy.

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