Maryland / Frederick County

Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite

Open — Open year-round, first-come first-served with no reservations. Water pump is turned off from mid-November through mid-April. Limited to one-night stays.

About

Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Campsite sits at mile 47.6 of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath near Point of Rocks, Maryland. As one of 31 hiker-biker campsites spaced approximately every 5-7 miles along the canal, it provides basic overnight accommodation for towpath travelers. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation required and no fee charged, though overnight stays are limited to one night per group. The campsite includes essential amenities: a portable chemical toilet available year-round, a picnic table, and a grill for cooking. A hand-pumped water source is available on-site, but the water is non-potable and must be filtered, chemically treated, or boiled before use. Water service is turned off entirely from mid-November through mid-April each year. The site's proximity to the Potomac River means it may be subject to flooding after heavy rains. Fires are restricted to the provided grill or to portable grills positioned off the ground. Campers may collect dead firewood from the ground for use in the campground only, but cannot bring firewood into the park or remove it from the campground. All coals must be extinguished and removed from the park. The site is not ADA accessible and cell phone reception may be seasonal.

Directions

Located at mile 47.6 along the C&O Canal towpath, accessible only by foot or bicycle. Near Point of Rocks, Maryland.

Nearby Campgrounds