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Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Upcoming Availability

14 of 14 days currently show available sites.

View releasing sites

Sun, Jul 26

6

sites

Mon, Jul 27

6

sites

Tue, Jul 28

6

sites

Wed, Jul 29

6

sites

Thu, Jul 30

6

sites

Fri, Jul 31

5

sites

Sat, Aug 1

6

sites

Sun, Aug 2

6

sites

Mon, Aug 3

6

sites

Tue, Aug 4

6

sites

Wed, Aug 5

6

sites

Thu, Aug 6

5

sites

Fri, Aug 7

5

sites

Sat, Aug 8

5

sites

Campground guide

What to know before booking

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 campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge.

max Stay

30 days

Official campground details, summarized

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

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.

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.

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.

Campsite map

Site markers come from Recreation.gov campsite coordinates.

6 mapped sites

Campsites

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

Site 002

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

vehicle

30

people

Yes

shade

Site 006

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

vehicle

30

people

Yes

shade

Site 001

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

vehicle

30

people

Yes

shade

Site 003

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

vehicle

30

people

Yes

shade

Site 005

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

vehicle

30

people

Yes

shade

Site 004

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC

vehicle

30

people

Yes

shade

Important notices

Parking and Access. Overnight parking is allowed only at the Carderock Recreation Area and the parking lot across from the Angler's Inn. Both parking lots are a one-mile (1.6 km) walk respectively. 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.
Check-in. You may arrive anytime after check-in time (1:00 pm) regardless of light conditions. There is no campsite host or staff. Just have a copy of your confirmation email available on a phone or printed. If someone is squatting in your campsite and you need law enforcement assistance please call US Park Police - (202) 610-7500. Check-out. Check out time is 12:00 noon ET the day after the reservation.
Campfires. Fires are permitted only in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area.
Firewood. The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought.

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.

Common questions

Is Marsden Tract Group Campsite available right now?

Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 14 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 Marsden Tract Group Campsite?

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.