Maryland / Montgomery County / Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park / Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve

Turtle Run Hiker-biker Campsite

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April. One night maximum stay.

About

Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite is part of a network of primitive campsites spaced approximately every 5-7 miles along the 184.5-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath. Located at Mile 34.4 near Poolesville, Maryland, this remote site provides a no-frills overnight option for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians traveling the historic canal corridor. The campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations required or accepted, and there is no fee for use. The site includes basic amenities: a chemical toilet available year-round, a picnic table, and a grill for cooking. From mid-April through mid-November, a water pump provides non-potable water that must be properly treated before consumption through filtering, chemical treatment, or boiling. Water service is shut off during winter months from mid-November to mid-April. Campers should be prepared with their own water supply during the off-season. Fires are restricted to the provided grill or portable grills positioned off the ground, and firewood may be collected from dead material on the ground for use at the campsite only. The campsite is situated in close proximity to the Potomac River and may be subject to flooding after heavy rains. Overnight stays are limited to one night to ensure availability for through-travelers. The site is not ADA accessible and can only be reached by non-motorized travel along the towpath. This primitive camping experience offers solitude and a connection to the natural and historical landscapes of the C&O Canal corridor.

Directions

Located at Mile 34.4 on the C&O Canal towpath near Poolesville, Maryland. Accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horseback along the towpath.

Nearby Campgrounds