Mile 30.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and drinking water. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at
each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water
purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April
15 each year.

Mile 30.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and drinking water. 

Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.

Chisel Branch Campground

Each campsite offers directions to the next nearest campsite.

Sign at Chisel Branch campsite

Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite

Mile 34.4 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable.
Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water,
you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is
turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Mile 34.4 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.  

Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Each campsites offers directions to the next nearest camping area.

Turtle Run Hiker Biker Campsite

Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

Mile 26.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and drinking water. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at
each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water
purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April
15 each year.

Mile 26.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and drinking water. 

Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.

Horsepen Branch

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite

Mile 38.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable.
Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water,
you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is
turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Mile 38.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.  

Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Each campsite provides directions to next nearest camping area as well as trash bags.

Marble Quarry Hiker Biker Campsite

Marble Quarry Hiker-Biker Campsite

Mile 42.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable.
Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water,
you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is
turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Mile 42.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.  

Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Bird's eye view of the campground

Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite

Mile 47.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and drinking water. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at
each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water
purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-
April each year.

Mile 47.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and drinking water.  

Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Calico Rocks Campsite

Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite

Mile 16.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable.
Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water,
you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is
turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Mile 16.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.  

Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Swains Lock Campsite

Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite

Mile 50.3 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath
approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays
are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table,
grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable.
Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water,
you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is
turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Mile 50.3  - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.  

Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Bald Eagle Campground

Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite

## Overview

Scouts built the Marsden Tract Group Campground to provide access to larger
campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located
at Mile 11.5 on the C&O; Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area
and the historic Old Anglers Inn (private).

The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac
River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities.
Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while
staying at Marsden Tract. **_Alcoholic beverages are prohibited._**

## Recreation

The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three
sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and
challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for
beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the
C&O; Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing
license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing
in the Potomac only.

## Facilities

The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers
at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. **Potable
water is located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge heading
towards MacArthur Blvd (water may not be available during cold winter months).
Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1.**

**No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is
by foot only.**

Carderock Recreation Area or Angler's Inn are the two closest parking areas.
Each is a one-mile walk respectively. There are flush toilets located at the
Angler's parking area. There is a temporary stopping area on MacArthur Blvd
near the intersection of Brickyard Rd. This area may be used to off-load gear
and be walked down the hill, however overnight parking in this area is not
permitted.

## Natural Features

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac
and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of
local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (301) 739-4200.

## Nearby Attractions

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles (22.5 km) outside of
Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many
campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian
Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.

## Charges & Cancellations

No rain dates or weather-related refunds.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Scouts built the Marsden Tract Group Campground to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and the historic Old Anglers Inn (private). </p><p>The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fishing.htm" rel="nofollow">Fishing,</a> rock climbing, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/boating.htm" rel="nofollow">paddling</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" rel="nofollow">hiking</a> are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract. <strong><em>Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.</em></strong></p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm" rel="nofollow">Billy Goat Trail,</a> one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fishing.htm" rel="nofollow">Fishing</a> is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. <strong>Potable water is located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge heading towards MacArthur Blvd (water may not be available during cold winter months). Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1.</strong></p><p><strong>No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only.</strong></p><p>Carderock Recreation Area or Angler's Inn are the two closest parking areas. Each is a one-mile walk respectively. There are flush toilets located at the Angler's parking area. There is a temporary stopping area on MacArthur Blvd near the intersection of Brickyard Rd. This area may be used to off-load gear and be walked down the hill, however overnight parking in this area is not permitted.</p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/one-view-two-parks.htm" rel="nofollow">Great Falls of the Potomac</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/kidsyouth/mather-gorge.htm" rel="nofollow">Mather Gorge.</a> These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.</p>
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles (22.5 km) outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.</p><h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>No rain dates or weather-related refunds. </p>

Great Falls of the Potomac

Campsite around fire pit with large tree stumps for sitting

Campsite around fire pit with large tree stumps

Wood Shed

Entrance to Campsite 2 with chest high 4x4 post with wood sign "Campsite 2"

Campsite 2

Lock 20 at Great Falls Tavern

Hand pump for potable water available in warm season

Hand Pump Water when in season

Towpath near Marsden Tract

Campsite with picnic tables, lantern holder and grill

Campsite with Picnic Tables

Unloading walkway from MacArthur Blvd

Entrance to Sites 1, 2, and 3 downstream from Bridge

Entrance to Sites 1, 2, 3

Unloading parking off of MacArthur Blvd

Restrooms at Sites 1, 2, 3

Entrance to Sites 4, 5, and 6 upstream from Bridge

Entrance to Sites 4, 5, 6

Entrance to Campsite 1 with chest high 4x4 post with wood sign "Campsite 1"

Campsite 1

Walkway from MacArthur Blvd

Water across bridge, towards MacArthur Blvd

Drinking Water across bridge

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

## Overview

The picnic pavilion at the Carderock Recreation Area is a large covered
pavilion, open on three sides, that accommodates a maximum of 200 people.
Convenient and ample parking is available for all attending your event as
there are four parking lots. The pavilion is located between parking lots 1
and 2. Both flush toilet facilities are closed for emergency repair. Portable
toilets are located in parking lots 2 and 4.

## Recreation

The most popular activity for Carderock Pavilion attendees is hiking the three
sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and
challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for
beginners and experts alike.

Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O; Canal and the Potomac
River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or
older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.

## Facilities

There are picnic tables in or around the pavilion and electricity (four
110-volt outlets) is available for your use. There are two large grills
outside the pavilion and a large fireplace within the pavilion. Water and
portable toilets are located nearby. There is a softball field and an area for
volleyball or relay games. Horseshoe pits are near the front of the pavilion.
All are for your use during your event. You must provide the sports equipment,
though poles are provided for volleyball or badminton.

## Natural Features

Carderock Paviion is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather
Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local
geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (301) 739-4200.

## Nearby Attractions

The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in
the east. The Great Falls Overlook and Great Falls Tavern are a few miles
upriver.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The picnic pavilion at the Carderock Recreation Area is a large covered pavilion, open on three sides, that accommodates a maximum of 200 people. Convenient and ample parking is available for all attending your event as there are four parking lots. The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2. Both flush toilet facilities are closed for emergency repair. Portable toilets are located in parking lots 2 and 4.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The most popular activity for Carderock Pavilion attendees is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm" rel="nofollow">Billy Goat Trail,</a> one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike.</p><p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fishing.htm" rel="nofollow">Fishing</a> is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There are picnic tables in or around the pavilion and electricity (four 110-volt outlets) is available for your use. There are two large grills outside the pavilion and a large fireplace within the pavilion. Water and portable toilets are located nearby. There is a softball field and an area for volleyball or relay games. Horseshoe pits are near the front of the pavilion. All are for your use during your event. You must provide the sports equipment, though poles are provided for volleyball or badminton.</p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Carderock Paviion is just south of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/one-view-two-parks.htm" rel="nofollow">Great Falls of the Potomac</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/kidsyouth/mather-gorge.htm" rel="nofollow">Mather Gorge.</a> These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.</p>
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm" rel="nofollow">Billy Goat Trail</a> is one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/great-falls-overlook.htm" rel="nofollow">Great Falls Overlook</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm" rel="nofollow">Great Falls Tavern</a> are a few miles upriver.</p>

During Peak Season, reserve the Carderock Pavilion for **$250 per day plus an
additional $100 on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.**

During Non-Peak Season, reserve the Carderock Pavilion for **$125 per day plus
an additional $50 on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.**

A view of the Great Falls of the Potomoc from the overlook

Large Pavilion, Side View

The front of the large pavilion

Large Pavilion, Frontside

Pavilion, Back View

A photo of the large pavilion under leafy green trees

Hikers on a rocky section of the Billy Goat Trail

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O; Canal began as a
dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal
was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and
agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as
a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.