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Camping along the C&O
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MAD from Yosemite on 7/19/2017 6:02:15 PM:
My son and I are planning on walking the C&O from DC to Harper's Ferry. Are the campsites on the path limited to how many can camp there? Is it ok to camp along the trail elsewhere? Is there a general info number we can call with our questions? We are planning 4 nights including arrival at Harper's Ferry. Is that reasonable?
 
Richard from DC on 7/19/2017 8:04:57 PM:
The marked campsites, on Google maps, are big areas with ample room to camp depending on how close you and your neighbors want to be. Homeless people tend to camp around DC at least. You can camp anywhere, you just may not have restrooms or water. I have never walked it, but I walk at nearly a 3.5 mph pace, so depending on how long I want to walk in a day, I could do it in two or three days. I am not aware of anyone you can call, but you'll have lots of company with bikers. It's buggy and muggy at this time of year, so be prepared.
 
MAD from yosemite on 7/20/2017 11:11:57 PM:
Thank you Richard. Appreciate it. MAD
 
Rick from Grafton on 7/24/2017 1:18:52 PM:
The campsites along the Towpath are very large and can hold several groups. However, according to NPS rules group size is limited to A GROUP. Can't remember what thentotal number was but you can find it on their C&O WEBSITE. I've stayed along the route often and shared sites wuth other groups with no problem. Just.letting you know what the rulres state.
 
Rick from Grafton on 7/24/2017 1:38:54 PM:
The campsites are mostly 7-10 miles apart. Contrary to what Richard states you should only stay in designated areas. Rangers do patrol and if your caught camping at unauthorized sites (stealth camping) you could be fined. Please don't ruin a good thing by breaking the rules. The sites are large, mostly shaded, toilet, and usually a water pump.
 
Rick from Grafton on 7/24/2017 3:31:32 PM:
Just found the info. Max of 2 tents/8 people per site except for group sites. Having said that I can tell you that I have done numerous thru rides and hiked several stretches of the Towpath. I've always camped at the HBO's (hiker/biker overnighters) with no issues even when other's are already camping. It's fun meeting fellow travelers. This website can give you most of the info you need to plan a trip. Also check out BikeWashington.org.
 
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