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

Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Campsite

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

About

Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker Campsite sits at mile 79.2 of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath, part of a network of free primitive campsites spaced approximately every 5-7 miles along the historic canal. Located near Mercersville, Maryland, and close to the Potomac River, this site serves hikers and cyclists traveling the 184.5-mile towpath. The campsite accommodates up to 8 people and 2 tents on a first-come, first-served basis with a one-night stay limit. The site includes basic amenities: a portable chemical toilet available year-round, a picnic table, and a grill. Non-potable water is available from mid-April through mid-November; visitors must filter, chemically treat, or boil this water before use. During winter months (mid-November to mid-April), no water is available on-site. Fires are restricted to provided grills and fire rings or portable grills positioned off the ground. Firewood may be collected from dead material on the ground for use in the campground only. The campsite is subject to flooding after heavy rains due to its proximity to the Potomac River. The site is not ADA accessible. Visitors should note that firewood cannot be brought into the park, and all collected wood must remain in the campground. This primitive camping experience requires self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Directions

Located at mile 79.2 on the C&O Canal towpath near Mercersville, Maryland. Accessible only by foot or bicycle along the towpath.

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