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Rick from Grafton, Va on 8/26/2014 6:36:51 PM:

I've camped at a lot of the HBO's along the C&O but I'm curious if there is a web site that would give a brief description of each site. Looking for view of the river, cleanliness of the site, low or high (marshy) noise level, etc. Like I said, I've stayed at several but over the years they tend to blend together.
Thanks

Colorado Riders from Fruita, CO on 8/27/2014 7:48:50 PM:

We have had the privilege of riding the GAP-C&O two different times. What fun!! The following site was very helpful in planning our camping.
http://elephanteating.blogspot.com/2009/03/c-and-o-canal-campsite-guide.html
Enjoy!

John from Pittsburgh, PA on 8/29/2014 8:01:47 PM:

Can't say I've seen anything on-line with reviews so I'll give you my experiences. I camped at Swain's Lock (mile 16.6) and Horseshoe Bend (mile 79.9). Swains Lock was big and had at least 50 people but it's a large site with parking access so not everyone was biking or walking, some drove there to camp but it was quiet and spacious. The only thing that woke me up in the morning were the honking of the geese flying across the Potomac! You could see the river but I can't say it was too high off the river, people were loading canoes in the water nearby the next morning. Horseshoe Bend was a really small campsite in comparison and I was the only person there which was a total 180 from the night before. You have to take the concrete stairs down to the site off of the trail 8-10 feet below. You can see the river and it was up off the water a little and certainly quiet (no car parking for about a mile). When I was there it had experienced a flood a week or so prior. I had to walk my bike down the stairs (should have just left it up top against the railing near the port-a-john thinking back but I wanted my stuff near me). I was fortunate to find a mildly dry position for my tent as it seemed most of the camping area was damp from the flood. I got in at twilight and did not have time to waste to get my tent up. I was concerned for a moment that I would not find a dry spot to camp but I made it work with a plastic tarp underneath. That said, I am grateful the Park Service maintains these sites for free. Such a great amenity to have.

John from Pittsburgh, PA on 8/29/2014 8:06:16 PM:

Nice find Colorado Riders! I had not seen that site before...excellent resource. Thanks for sharing.

Reply to C&O campsites