Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campground at Mile 16.6 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath

Swains Lock Campground is located at Mile 16.6 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.

Swains Lock Campground in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a hiker-biker campground located just up from Lock 21, making it the closest campground to Georgetown for individuals (the Marsden Tract Group Campground is a little closer). The campground is different from other hiker-biker campsites in that there are actual spots where you must pitch your tent—five in all—versus a field where you can pitch a tent anywhere you can find a spot. In addition, each site has its own picnic table and grill, whereas typical hiker-biker campsites have one table and one grill that must be shared by all campers. 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 C&O 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 that you will be moving on in the morning.

The Swains Lock Picnic Area is located next to the campground.

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