Potomac Forks Hiker-biker Campsite
Open year-round, first-come first-served with no reservations required. Stays limited to one night per site. Non-potable well water available mid-April through mid-November only; bring your own drinking water or treatment method.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 7:57PM EDT until July 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 107 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 109 expected. * WHERE...In Maryland, Washington and Central and Eastern Allegany Counties. In West Virginia, Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 7:57PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 107 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 109 expected. * WHERE...In Maryland, Washington and Central and Eastern Allegany Counties. In West Virginia, Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 7:57PM EDT until July 1 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 107 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 109 expected. * WHERE...In Maryland, Washington and Central and Eastern Allegany Counties. In West Virginia, Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
About
Potomac Forks Hiker-Biker Campsite sits at Mile 164.8 along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath in Maryland's Allegany County. Part of a network of primitive campsites spaced approximately every 5-7 miles along the 184.5-mile trail, it provides a free overnight option for long-distance hikers and cyclists traversing the historic canal corridor. The site offers basic amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, firepit, and non-potable well water. The well water requires filtering, chemical treatment, or boiling before consumption and is only available from mid-April through mid-November when the pumps are operational. During winter months, well handles are removed to prevent freeze damage. Camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Overnight stays are limited to one night per site per trip, and quiet hours are enforced between 10 PM and 6 AM. Fires must be contained to the provided fire rings or grills, or portable grills positioned off the ground. This is a trash-free park, so campers must pack out all waste. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times.
Directions
The Potomac Forks Hiker-Biker Campsite is located at mile 164.8 along the C&O Canal towpath. Access is primarily via the towpath, suitable for hikers and bikers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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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