Potomac Forks Hiker-Biker Campsite at Mile 164.8 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath
The Potomac Forks Hiker-Biker Campsite is located at Mile 164.8 on the C&O Canal towpath. See the Camping web page for an interactive location map.
NOTE: Sections of the towpath, locks and other historical structures, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are constantly being closed due to damage and/or repair. When planning an adventure within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, make sure that areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.
The Potomac Forks Campsite at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is the closet to a lock that I came across—it’s essentially in the front yard of Lock 68. Campers are welcome to pitch a tent anywhere they can find a space. A picnic table and grill are available, though these must be shared. There is also a hand-pumped water spigot that produces water treated with iodine so that it is drinkable, provided you are not physically adverse to iodine. The water is turned off from November 15th through April 15th.
Hike-Biker campsites are located at remote areas along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath and can only be reached by those hiking, biking, or horseback riding. There is no charge to camp, but the sites do not have any facilities other than a portable toilet. Stay is limited to one night, so it is assumed you will be moving on in the morning.
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Last updated on June 26, 2024
