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Recreation.govMD

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Set availability alertOfficial reservation

Upcoming Availability

10 of 14 days currently show available sites.

View releasing sites

Sun, Jul 26

1

site

Mon, Jul 27

1

site

Tue, Jul 28

1

site

Wed, Jul 29

1

site

Thu, Jul 30

1

site

Fri, Jul 31

1

site

Sat, Aug 1

None

available

Sun, Aug 2

None

available

Mon, Aug 3

1

site

Tue, Aug 4

None

available

Wed, Aug 5

1

site

Thu, Aug 6

1

site

Fri, Aug 7

1

site

Sat, Aug 8

None

available

Campground guide

What to know before booking

The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2. There are picnic tables in or around the pavilion and electricity (four 110-volt outlets) is available for your use. Carderock Paviion is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge.

Official campground details, summarized

Concise planning notes based on the public Recreation.gov campground information.

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.

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.

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.

Campsite map

Site markers come from Recreation.gov campsite coordinates.

1 mapped sites

Campsites

A sample of official campsite metadata for scanning equipment fit before booking.

Site Carderock Picnic Pavilion

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

GROUP PICNIC AREA

—

vehicle

200

people

Full

shade

Important notices

During Peak Season, reserve Carderock Pavilion for $250 per day plus an additional $100 for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. During Non-Peak Season, reserve the Carderock Pavilion for $125/day plus an additional $50 for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Alcohol Rules: Beer and wine only are permitted, in unbreakable containers (e.g. plastic cups or aluminum cans).
Carry Out all Trash. C&O Canal is a Trash Free Park. Be prepared with trash bags to remove any waste and recyclables as cans are not provided. The area must be left in a clean condition before departure.
Sunrise to Sunset Only. This permit is for use of the pavilion between sunrise and sunset only. Be aware that the restrooms adjacent to the pavilion may not be cleaned until at least 10:00 a.m. the day of your event.

More at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Other tracked campgrounds from the same park or area.

Surrounding campgrounds

Other tracked campgrounds within driving distance, nearest first.

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

1 mi

Greenbelt Campground

Greenbelt Park

16.5 mi

Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities

Fort Washington Park

20.2 mi

Cabin Camp 3

Prince William Forest Park

29.5 mi

Chopawamsic Backcountry Camping Permits

Prince William Forest Park

30.6 mi

Antietam Creek Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

42.6 mi

Common questions

Is Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion available right now?

Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 10 of the next 14 days, starting Sun, Jul 26. Availability changes constantly — check the calendar above, then confirm on Recreation.gov.

How do I book Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion?

Reservations are handled by Recreation.gov, not by Kestrel. Use the official reservation link on this page to book. Kestrel only watches availability and tells you when a site frees up.

How quickly will I hear about a cancellation?

Kestrel rescans every two minutes, and every 30 seconds during the provider's daily release window. Alerts go out by email as soon as a matching site appears.