Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite

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About this 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.

Location

Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite•MD

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

WED☁️

26° / 14°

💧 4%

TODAY☁️

31° / 17°

💧 3%

FRI🌦️

32° / 17°

💧 39%

SAT🌧️

18° / 13°

💧 39%

SUN🌦️

16° / 14°

💧 39%

Common questions about Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite

Is Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite free to camp at?

We have Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite in MD recorded as a free camp, but we have not confirmed that with the operator, so treat it as unconfirmed. Sites change hands and councils bring in fees, so check the current rate before you commit to the drive.

Can you book Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite online?

We hold no online booking link for Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite?

Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite sits in MD. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

5.9 km away

Camp Fraser

Campground: Camp Fraser.

6.3 km away

Marsden Tract Group 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.

7.7 km away

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

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.