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Entrance to Campsite 1 with chest high 4x4 post with wood sign "Campsite 1"

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Open

Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Peak season runs April 15 through November 15 at $40/night; non-peak season is November 16 through April 14 at $20/night. Potable water is only available April 15 through October 31.

Flood Watch issued July 9 at 4:10AM EDT until July 9 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

4:10 AM — 12:15 PM

...Strong thunderstorms will track across the area with a tropical air mass supporting torrential downpours. These will be capable of producing flash flooding... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Washington D.C., including the following areas in Maryland, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Frederick, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Northwest Prince William and Western Loudoun. * WHEN...From 2 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A cluster of strong to severe thunderstorms are likely to push across the region this afternoon and evening. With a continued tropical air mass over the area, very heavy rainfall rates are possible in many of these storms. These rates could approach 2 to 3 inches per hour, with higher instantaneous rates possible. The most vulnerable locations would be urbanized areas along I-95 as well as areas which have experienced heavy rainfall in recent days. - Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

About

Marsden Tract Group Campground provides an accessible camping experience just 14 miles from downtown Washington, D.C., making it ideal for scout troops and other groups looking to explore the nation's capital while enjoying the outdoors. Located at Mile 11.5 on the historic C&O Canal Towpath between Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn, the campground is walk-in only with no vehicle access on the towpath. The six group campsites are set in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River. Each site accommodates up to 30 campers and includes a picnic table and fire ring. Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1, and seasonal potable water is available from a hand pump a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge toward MacArthur Blvd. The most popular activity for campers is hiking the three sections of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most challenging and scenic rock scrambles on the East Coast. The campground is also just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge, offering stunning views of the river's power. Fishing is permitted in both the Canal and the Potomac with appropriate licenses.

Directions

Park at Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from Anglers Inn Restaurant. From the Carderock parking lot, take the short walking path to the canal, turn upstream (toward Great Falls), and hike approximately half a mile on the towpath to the campground. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $20

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (301) 739-4200

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Entrance to Campsite 1 with chest high 4x4 post with wood sign "Campsite 1"
Campsite around fire pit with large tree stumps for sitting
Entrance to Sites 1, 2, and 3 downstream from Bridge
Water across bridge, towards MacArthur Blvd
Hand pump for potable water available in warm season
Towpath near Marsden Tract
Walkway from MacArthur Blvd
Campsite with picnic tables, lantern holder and grill
Great Falls of the Potomac
Lock 20 at Great Falls Tavern
Entrance to Sites 4, 5, and 6 upstream from Bridge
Small Shed with metal roof for firewood
Unloading walkway from MacArthur Blvd
Great Falls of the Potomac
Entrance to Campsite 2 with chest high 4x4 post with wood sign "Campsite 2"
Unloading parking off of MacArthur Blvd
Restrooms at Sites 1, 2, 3

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