Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Open — Open year-round with advance reservations via Recreation.gov. Peak season rates April 15 through November 15. Water may not be available during cold winter months. Alcoholic beverages prohibited.

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From Recreation.gov

**Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park campgrounds.**

Wind Advisory issued December 30 at 12:34AM EST until December 30 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

12:34 AM — 8:45 AM

* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 45 to 50 mph. There may be a lull in the wind gusts between 3 AM and 7 AM, but winds will increase again later Tuesday morning before gradually subsiding during the afternoon. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, and northern Maryland, and northern Virginia. * WHEN...Until noon EST today. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

About

Marsden Tract Group Campground is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River. Built by scouts to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area, it sits just south of Great Falls and Mather Gorge, about 14 miles from Washington, D.C. The campground features six group sites, each accommodating up to 30 campers. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Portable toilets are available in the campground year-round, and potable water is accessible seasonally via a short walk up the towpath and across a footbridge. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath; access is by foot only from parking at Carderock Recreation Area or Anglers Inn. The area is renowned for the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east, with three sections offering varied difficulty. Fishing is popular in both the C&O Canal and Potomac River. Rock climbing, paddling, and woodland trails provide additional recreation. The campground serves as an excellent base for visiting Washington, D.C. attractions including the Smithsonian, National Mall, and Capitol.

Directions

Park at Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from Anglers Inn Restaurant. From I-495 in Maryland, take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls, merge onto Clara Barton Parkway and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit. Turn left at the stop sign to cross the parkway, then right at the second stop sign. Continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal, turn upstream, and hike about a half mile to the campground.