Irons Mountain Hiker-biker Campsite
Open year-round, free, first-come, first-served. No reservations required. Stays limited to one night per site. Non-potable well water is available mid-April through mid-November; water is turned off during winter months for freeze protection.
About
Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite sits at Mile 175.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, one of roughly 30 primitive campsites spaced every 5-7 miles along the 184.5-mile trail. This free, first-come, first-served site requires no reservation and limits stays to one night per trip, making it ideal for through-hikers and cyclists traversing the towpath. The campsite includes a chemical toilet, picnic table, fire ring, and non-potable well water. Water must be filtered, chemically treated, or boiled before drinking or cooking. Well handles are removed from mid-November to mid-April for freeze protection, so plan to pack in all water during winter months. Fires are permitted only in the provided fire rings or in portable grills positioned off the ground. Coals must be fully extinguished and packed out. Firewood collection is limited to dead material on the ground. This is a trash-free park, so all garbage must be packed out. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Directions
Located at mile 175.3 on the C&O Canal towpath. Accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horseback via the towpath.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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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