The Great Allegheny Passage and the adjoining C&O Canal Towpath offer a selection of free, first-come, first-served hiker-biker campgrounds, a handful of fee-based reservation-only public campgrounds, and several fee-based private campgrounds to make overnight camping possible for travelers.
Camping offers beautiful sights, proximity to nearby rivers, and social opportunities among others on the same route. Keep in mind that both trails are bordered by privately-owned land from end to end, and you must camp in designated areas.
Hiker-Biker Campgrounds
(Free, First-Come, First-Served)
Dozens of free, first-come, first-served hiker-biker campgrounds dot the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. These contain primitive sites, and offer nearby pit toilets, picnic tables, and grills. Some have Adirondack-style shelters. None are accessible by car. Stays are limited to one night per site, per trip. Potable water is often available from April 15 to October 31, but is not guaranteed at each location. These sites are seldom full, but you must be prepared to travel a little further in case all sites are taken. Note that hiker-biker campgrounds often limit group sizes to six per campsite. See the table below.
Public Campgrounds
(Fee-Based, Reserve in Advance)
The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath also feature larger public campgrounds operated by public entities. Typically, you must reserve and pay for your site ahead of time. These campgrounds are often more developed, with most offering pit toilets, picnic tables, grills and some adding showers and fire rings. Potable water is often available from April 15 to October 31, but is not guaranteed at each location. Most are accessible by car and are near towns, making it easier to find nearby groceries and services. Some have sections reserved for large groups. See the table below.
Commercial Campgrounds
(Fee-Based, Reserve in Advance)
Travelers on both the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath can also find excellent camping at a number of private campgrounds that cater to long-distance travelers. They usually require advance (but inexpensive) registration, and while some are primitive in nature, others offer a full range of services, including developed sites, fire rings, picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers. Some provide laundry facilities or groceries on site. Some are accessible by car and others are only reachable on foot or by bicycle. Most are close to nearby towns and their restaurants and services. See the table below.
| Mile Marker | Campground Name | Campground Type |
|---|---|---|
| C&O Mile 11.5 | Marsden Tract | Public, but Limited to Civic and Scout Groups |
| C&O Mile 16.6 | Swains Lock | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 26.1 | Horsepen Branch | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 30.5 | Chisel Branch | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 34.4 | Turtle Run | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 38.2 | Marble Quarry | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 42.5 | Indian Flats | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 47.6 | Calico Rocks | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 50.3 | Bald Eagle Island | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 54.0 | Brunswick Family Campground | Commercial |
| C&O Mile 62.9 | Huckleberry Hill | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 69.4 | Antietam Creek | Public |
| C&O Mile 75.2 | Killiansburg Cave | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 79.2 | Horseshoe Bend | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 82.7 | Big Woods | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 90.9 | Opequon Junction | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 95.2 | Cumberland Valley | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 101.2 | Jordan Junction | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 110.0 | North Mountain | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 110.4 | McCoys Ferry | Public |
| C&O Mile 116.0 | Licking Creek | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 120.6 | Little Pool | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 126.0 | White Rock | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 129.9 | Leopards Mill | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 133.6 | Cacapon Junction | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 139.2 | Indigo Neck | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 140.9 | Fifteen Mile Creek | Public |
| C&O Mile 141.0 | Ridge Rider Campground | Commercial |
| C&O Mile 144.5 | Devil’s Alley | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 149.4 | Stickpile Hill | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 154.1 | Sorrel Ridge | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 156.0 | Paw Paw Tunnel | Public |
| C&O Mile 156.8 | Purslane Run | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 162.1 | Town Creek | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 164.8 | Potomac Forks | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 169.1 | Pigmans Ferry | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 173.3 | Spring Gap | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 175.3 | Irons Mountain | Hiker-Biker |
| C&O Mile 180.1 | Evitts Creek | Hiker-Biker |
| GAP Mile 0.0 | Cumberland YMCA | Commercial |
| GAP Mile 15.5 | Trail Inn Lodging and Campground | Commercial |
| GAP Mile 31.9 | Maple Festival Park Primitive Campground | Commercial |
| GAP Mile 61.4 | Youghiogheny Dam Outflow Campground | Public |
| GAP Mile 61.4 | Paddler’s Lane Campground | Commercial |
| GAP MIle 72.6 | Ohiopyle State Park / High Bridge Biking Campsites | Public |
| GAP Mile 72.6 | Ohiopyle State Park / Kentuck Campground | Public |
| GAP Mile 89.4 | Connellsville Hiker-Biker | Hiker-Biker |
| GAP Mile 92.0 | KOA Holiday | Commercial |
| GAP Mile 99.6 | Roundbottom Hiker-Biker | Hiker-Biker |
| GAP Mile 110.2 | Cedar Creek Hiker-Biker | Hiker-Biker |
| GAP Mile 110.3 | Cedar Creek Park | Public |
| GAP MIle 114.1 | GAP Trail Campground | Commercial |
| GAP Mile 122.6 | Dravo Hiker-Biker | Hiker-Biker |