Irons Mountain Hiker-biker Campsite
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Water is turned off mid-November through mid-April; campers must bring their own water during winter months. Limited to one night per stay.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:00AM EST until January 20 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills of 10 to 20 below zero expected. * WHERE...In Maryland, Central and Eastern Allegany, Eastern Garrett, Extreme Western Allegany, and Western Garrett Counties. In Virginia, Eastern Highland County. In West Virginia, Eastern Grant, Eastern Mineral, Eastern Pendleton, and Western Mineral Counties. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest wind chills will be at elevations above 2000 feet between midnight tonight and 9 AM Tuesday.
About
Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite is located at mile 175.3 along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath in western Maryland, accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horseback. Part of a network of primitive campsites spaced approximately every 5-7 miles along the canal, this site provides basic amenities for towpath travelers exploring the 184-mile trail. The campsite is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. Overnight stays are limited to one night to ensure availability for other travelers. Each site includes a portable toilet (available year-round), picnic table, and grill. Non-potable water is available from mid-April through mid-November; during winter months (mid-November to mid-April), water is turned off and campers must bring their own supply. Any water from the campsite must be filtered, chemically treated, or boiled before use. The campsite is situated near the Potomac River and may be subject to flooding after heavy rains. Fires are restricted to the provided grill or portable grills positioned off the ground. Firewood may be collected from dead material on the ground for use in the campground only. This primitive site offers a peaceful overnight stop for long-distance hikers and cyclists traversing the C&O Canal towpath.
Directions
Located at mile 175.3 on the C&O Canal towpath. Accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horseback via the towpath.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Spring Gap Campground 1.8mi
- Evitts Creek Hiker-biker Campsite 2.0mi
- Pigmans Ferry Hiker-biker Campsite 5.6mi
- Potomac Forks Hiker-biker Campsite 8.7mi
- Rocky Gap State Park Campground 10mi
- Town Creek Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite 11mi
- St. Johns Rock Campground 14mi
- Purslane Run Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite 15mi
- Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite 15mi
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 | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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