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.
Special Weather Statement issued August 11 at 1:42AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
At 142 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms near Oakland, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Keyser, Mountain Lake Park, Oakland, Westernport, Bittinger, Lonaconing, Piedmont, Grantsville, Loch Lynn Heights, Friendsville, Deer Park, Accident, Elk Garden, Kitzmiller, Barton, Midland, Midlothian, Franklin, Woodland, and Luke. This includes Interstate 68 in Maryland between mile markers 2 and 6, and between mile markers 12 and 33.
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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