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Spring Gap Campground
Overview
The Spring Gap Campground is located at Mile 173.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath, near the city of Cumberland on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Recreation
The most popular activities for Spring Gap campers are hiking the local trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, paddling and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and anglers alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.
Facilities
Spring Gap Campground offers 12 single drive-in campsites and two drive-in group sites. Campsites 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13 can fit a single vehicle (i.e., car/pickup/van). Campsites 3-7, 12, 14 can fit a small 20 ft. length or smaller RV/trailer/pop-up. Single sites can accommodate up to eight people. Each single has a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Campsites 9 and 10 are group sites capable of holding 30 people each. The group site has room for two vehicles. The group site has four picnic tables, a fire pit and grill. Pit and portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1.
Natural Features
Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Cumberland, MD, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year but, especially during autumn.Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.Nearby Attractions
The C&O Canal National Historical Park Cumberland Visitor Center is in Cumberland, MD, open seven days a week. Also in Cumberland, MD: the Allegany Museum, Gordon-Roberts House, Gilchrist Gallery and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad are all worth a visit.
Camp site features
Across 14 camp sites:
- Picnic table: all 14 sites
- Pets allowed: all 14 sites
- Group sites: 1 of 14 sites
- Longest rig: 20 ft
- Largest party: 30 people
Directions
**From Cumberland, MD:** Follow MD State Route 51 South/East Industrial Road
for approximately 7 miles (11 km). Spring Gap Campground will be directly off
51, on the right side of the road.
Stay Limit
Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (57)
5 stars
17
4 stars
12
3 stars
16
2 stars
8
1 stars
4
Brent C
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 20 days ago
Good location to the C&O trail. Unfortunately the trains run all night lots of noise.
Luis M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:01
Reviewed a month ago
The only downside was train activity in the middle of the night, so much for the required "Quiet hours". Site 1 is too close to Site 2, too little privacy, but the price was excellent, so I guess not much room for complaining.
shane l
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:14
Reviewed 3 months ago
Not many amenities. Very muddy. Loud train
Michael T
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:04
Reviewed 3 months ago
Great boondocking spot had place to ourselves other then day visitors awesome bike trail peaceful
Karolyn B
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:11
Reviewed 3 months ago
This is an amazing camping and fishing spot when there isn't out of town people staying there who are afraid of fires and hate seeing kids have fun. We were respectful and kept our voices down. We were just trying to enjoy a night with our kids and ended up having to leave due to harassment.
Jacey H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:10
Reviewed 8 months ago
Camped for 2 nights in our van, early November. Great spot! Campsites include picnic table and fire pit with grill, and lots of room. Not too private, but there were only 2 other sites full our first night, and we were alone the next! Very cool to be next to the North Potomac and across from the railroad. We didn't explore the C&O trail because we were in the area for rock climbing, but it seemed like many bikers were enjoying that. Only downside would be proximity to the road, which was rather busy and loud. Would stay again!
Faith H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:14
Reviewed 9 months ago
Great spot. Just a vault toilet by the boat ramp and a couple of portapotties at the campground itself, so rustic and simple. But it's a beautiful spot with the C&O right there.
Jessica G
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:10
Reviewed 9 months ago
Me and my kids/family has been going camping here for many years it's never been a disappointment we all enjoy ourselves every single time
Scott M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:01
Reviewed 9 months ago
Reserved a site at this campground while bikepacking a portion of the C&O Canal trail, but when I got there I saw that the campground was full of homeless people doing drugs. So, I left and spent $130 for a hotel in Cumberland.
David G
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:03
Reviewed 10 months ago
Adorable campground. Has bathrooms and a pump for water. Right next to the C&O path and the river. Has a put-in for kayaks. The campground can be a bit noisy (train across river and semi-busy road near) but it’s not terrible. Absolutely 0 cell phone coverage however.
Bonnie W
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:09
Reviewed 10 months ago
It is a nice campground. The grass was cut but the brush along the river was very high and couldn’t see the water from our tent. There is a train on the other side of the river and a road on the opposite side. Campground is directly in the middle. The train is loud in the early morning and you can hear the cars but it does die down at night. It was hard to sleep the first night but the second night was much better because I knew what to expect. The portable bathrooms were clean. There was a strange man that came and took pics of where we were as we were the only group out there. Just be aware of your surroundings. Outside of that and we had a great time.
Jeffrey S
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:06
Reviewed a year ago
Nice camp spot on the river. Train activity continues thru the night and some vehicle noise is heard from the nearby road.
Hansel G
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed a year ago
The campground was nice very relaxing only thing is that railroad near by that the train comes by here and there but honestly did not bother me
Farid M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:14
Reviewed a year ago
The site I reserved (site 14) Wasn’t good at all, it’s very small and literally on the road.
The campsite is not maintained properly, most of the fire pits are crooked. There is a road with a lot of traffic just in a 100 feet of the campsite with a lot of noise. And, there is a railroad stop location next to the campsite which makes a lot of noise day and night. So if you are trying to visit there to relax I think you may look for another place. I’m not going to reserve this campsite again. FYI, there is no dumpster or trash pick up, you have to load the trash in your car and take it home!!!
Gerry M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:02
Reviewed 2 years ago
Loved the spot, easy to find even in the pouring rain. Was lucky that I’m there was no one else there. Right next to the canal. Train sounds were not an issue, actually comforting. Had a fire pit, if the weather was nice. There were plenty of branches to collect for fires. My dog and I I were very happy.
Kathy F
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:01
Reviewed 2 years ago
Site #1 was excellent. At this campground, if you're a light sleeper, you'll need earplugs (across the river is the very *active* B&O mainline).
Jorge A
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 2 years ago
We were not able to stay at this campsite because when you got there there was a homeless person right next to our campsite with a lot of trash bags and trash all over. We did not feel save and we had to head back home.
Kate M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 3 years ago
We had a lovely fall camping weekend here! The scenery is beautiful and the campsite felt safe and clean. You can hear the car and train traffic, but it really isn’t that bad. Campsites are a good distance away from each other, although there is little tree cover if you need a tarp or hammock. Make sure you bring your own water and firewood. Would definitely camp here again!
Thomas K
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:01
Reviewed 3 years ago
Very nice experience. This was my second time staying. There were other campers and they were also pleasant.
Manuel L
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 3 years ago
Beautiful site next to river. Conveniently located on the bike path.
Thomas K
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:03
Reviewed 3 years ago
The grounds and sites were clean and well maintained. Thanks!
Pamela F
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:05
Reviewed 3 years ago
There was no water available. The handle on the well pump was completely broken off. Fortunately I noticed a warning before I arrived that said I should bring some water.
linda m
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:13
Reviewed 3 years ago
Park was beautiful. Remember to pack out your trash. Someone left bags of trash in the job Jonny. Ugh. Water was available but it came out a bit rusty from the well. Site was flat so pitching tent was easy.
Erika Lee T
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 3 years ago
The grass is super patchy which means you’re going to end up with clumps of grass jabbing you in the shoulder, hips, ribs, etc if sleeping on a sleep pad. The residences across the highway can be noisy on weekend nights. The train is noisy and often constantly running through the night. We love Spring Gap for proximity to DC and to town for a Walmart run or food if we don’t feel like cooking at camp, but it comes with trade offs. We’ve camped here twice and will probably continue to since we know what to expect and are okay with some of the inconveniences.
Dan M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:11
Reviewed 4 years ago
The campsite was conveniently located directly on the C&O Canal pathway. The site was flat with plenty of tree cover. There is a decent picnic table and a fire ring at each campsite. Right next to the river, so very scenic. Price was right. All very good.
Not so good
What we knew in advance: no running water, portable toilets (they were in very good condition)
What we didn't know: right next to major road with loud road noise most of the night; very close to busy railroad tracks that were used most of the night; road into the campsite very rutted with many potholes. Dangerous both to drive and walk on--not to mention riding bicycles.
All in all we enjoyed camping at the site, thus the good rating.
Marquita H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:01
Reviewed 4 years ago
It hadn't been mowed & the camping spot was littered with trash & building materials
Karen K
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:05
Reviewed 4 years ago
Sadly, Spring Gap seems to be devolving into the kind of place that McCoy's Ferry and Antietam Creek have become. The only reason I give it two stars is because the few other campers that were there at the same time were also appalled and disgusted by the activities of the people in campsite 3, who showed up after 10PM and proceeded to carry on LOUDLY, shine high intensity lights every which way and generally be terrible nuisances until past 3AM.... on a Wednesday night. With NPS short staffed and C&O rangers spread thin on a 185mi path, there was little to no point in calling for help. I gritted my teeth and put my good ear to my pillow to try to muffle the sounds so that I could get some sleep. I also made a point of picking up and packing out more than just the tiny amount of trash I generated (as did other campers who were there the night I was). This used to be a nice place.
Paul A
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 4 years ago
perfect except for nearby train. Could use steps to the river edge.
lori p
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:06
Reviewed 4 years ago
I was not prepared for the noise. Between the trains and the traffic from US nine it was not very peaceful. Well the trains run at several different times during the day and night, the traffic on US nine is constant.
Also, no cellular service which was a little scary since we had no way to call any emergency or fire personnel
The campsite was beautiful we had a great view of the river and the site was perfect for our needs. The bathrooms were sanitized the day that we got there
Howard E
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:08
Reviewed 4 years ago
Campsites were clean - no garbage. Easy to find wood for fire. Quiet. Beautiful view of the river. Campsites spread out. Safe. Access to clean water. Ranger came through to check up.
Monaca C
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:04
Reviewed 5 years ago
Very Nice and Clean. right at the bike trail
Eddie H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:03
Reviewed 5 years ago
For riding the C&O Canal Tow Patch this is an excellent stop. You get a place to park, a fire ring and a picnic table. Highway noise on one side and trains and a very noisy work place of some sort on the other side but the river site is beautiful. All in all I would stay again.
Michelle L
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:06
Reviewed 5 years ago
Been camping there for 40 years. Always great
Doug C
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:14
Reviewed 5 years ago
Train noise is definitely an issue here. Also had campsite 14 and there was no picnic table.
Camilo A
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:02
Reviewed 5 years ago
it was only a little uncomfortable because of the grass. if there wasn't so much grass, it would stray more dry
Penelope B
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:12
Reviewed 5 years ago
No privacy. The only bath facility is an outhouse. We didn't even stay.
Zachary H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:14
Reviewed 5 years ago
Nothing to write home about. Campground with the necessities. View is alright. Train and traffic for most of the night leaves a lot to be desired.
Ted H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:02
Reviewed 5 years ago
Little privacy, as this is basically an open field with a few trees. C&O Canal trail is nearby and there are multiple locks and a lockhouse within a two mile hike towards Cumberland. Trains loud at night, otherwise quiet when I was there, with just two other sites in use on a Sunday night.
frank b
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:06
Reviewed 5 years ago
Very enjoyable ride C+O trail in both directions . Loved the trains
Karen K
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:01
Reviewed 5 years ago
Hot and humid weekday camping, with a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure! There was one other campsite occupied, and from the "traffic" that was going in-and-out to that site, I just wish there was a more obvious ranger presence here.
Christopher s
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:03
Reviewed 5 years ago
The site was great and fishing and swimming was very enjoyable, only problem was a group of people who may be living there in a pop up trailer right across from us fought until the early morning hours but we loved tge camp site just not the neighbors, was going to leave early and try to get a different night because me and my family live 5 miles away and enjoy it there very much, maybe if we could get a free night we would do a whole week there but again it wasn't your fault it was a great campsite we did tent and was comfortable except for the late night fighting and vulgar language.
Megan M
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:06
Reviewed 5 years ago
When we arrived another family was in our site and they were part of a larger group including the next 2 sites. I didn’t want to cause problems so we set up at the next site. The next morning another family arrived that had booked the spot we had settled in. We had to undo everything and moved our spot again. Our 2nd night was lots of fun though. The couples on either side of us were so nice and friendly. My nephews and I did enjoy our weekend but I think there should be a little more organization with “check in.”
Colleen H
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:06
Reviewed 5 years ago
Great level pads that are placed to give each campsite some degree of privacy.
Tim D
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:13
Reviewed 5 years ago
A descent campsite for a short stay. Close to the road, but the traffic dies off after 9pm and I had no trouble sleeping.
Weston F
Loop:Spring Gap Campground
Site:07
Reviewed 5 years ago
It's ok if you like to hear the train. The camp was clean and the porta-pottys were ok, not too stinky. Shops for provisions were close. Not a bad area to camp for a few nights.
Popularity
Very quiet · 15%
Busiest in July, when about 15% of sites are booked. Based on 7 years of reservations.
