Reply to Camping spots that accommodate a support vehicle

Taking Boy Scouts from Cumberland to DC. What campsites along the trail can our support vehicle and trailer park and get to us. Trying to keep the gear with the trailer instead of hauling it on the bicycles. campsites that have showers would definitely be a bonus.
Thank you

Here is a decent listing but I am not sure about a support vehicle authorized to park overnight on the following suggestions: But FIRST you must visit the NPS (National Park Service - https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm . The reason is there is a critical part of the trail closed and no real option to detour. The sight suggests a shuttle between Brunswick and Point of Rocks. Biking is NOT an option on the road and the site states that. Too dangerous. You may also be able to find a copy of the C&O Map that provides the same info that follows. Also Google Maps zooming down , you can see campsites near the road. One, I know that none of the C&O Campsites on the actual trail have showers but they have a well and pump and I use that to bath.
So out of Cumberland, approx 30 miles is Paw Paw Tunnel (under repairs) but a flagger will let you pass at designated times (see website NPS) If the troop can go further (mile marker 140) there is Fifteen Mile Creek (there is a parking area for the boat ramp next to camping. next one is at mile marker 118 or so and there is a campground at HISTORIC Fort Frederick State Park. Or just a 3 miles away is McCoys Ferry campsite with parking but not sure about overnight. Call the park services (NPS) then one campsite for a fee for the vehicle is Antietam at mile marker approx 68 and near the infamous Antietam Civil War battlefield National park.Then in Harpers Ferry are two sites (Potomac campground and a HI Hostel/campground. then Nolands Ferry (mile 43 or so) and Swains Lock is a large campground (C&O Canal campground) no fee but not sure about overnight parking allowed. All the campgrounds on the C&O have portapottie and well and fire pits and a table. Good luck *Note strongly recommend accessing the Western Rail Trail parallel to the C&O for 22 miles and goes through Hancock, MD (It is paved and senic and there are services noted on the trail signs)

None of the hiker-biker camp sites have showers. Non of them as remember have parking close to the hiker biker camp sites.

James -

We did this with a troop a few years back. We had the same set up. Two cars, one with trailer. The drivers would drive ahead, then ride north to meet the group.

Cumberland. Park under the overpass.
Paw Paw. $20/site. Plenty of parking
??? $20/site Can not remember the name. Parking across canal.
Brunswick Family Campground - We rented a Pavilion
Swains Lock

Rode into DC, rode down the mall and then went to Jefferson Mem, behind it we found the trail that goes across 14th street bridge. Got on the Mt. Vernon trail, South, and went to the Gravely Point parking lot. Plenty of room and did not require driving in Downtown DC traffic with the trailer.

You will need to figure out the shuttle around the outage. Maybe shuttle from Brunswick to Point of Rocks. Is there camping at Point of Rocks?

Remember, Google Maps is your friend.

Gary

James -

Just remembered we stayed another night south of Hancock. Was able to drive right up to the campsites.

Gary

thank you for the updates. I am continuing to research spots where we can get a support vehicle parked by a campsites. if anyone can think of additional spots. i'll be checking back often. i appreciate it.

Wayne, thank you for the heads up on the trail being closed. I will be sure to check out the park service for the details.

Go check out Facebook page Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal enthusiasts page. People are posting daily about the various washouts, waterlevwls, detours, and downed trees. The Canal is always an adventure. This year mother nature seems bent on making that point clear.

Please Consider sending this letter edited appropriately.


NOTE: Please address and send all Letters to Kevin D. Brandt, Superintendent, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP at the following address or emailed to ben_helwig@nps.gov All letters must be received in the mail or electronically by COB May 13, 2019.
Kevin D. Brandt, Superintendent
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Dear Superintendent Brandt:
__________(Municipality/Individual/Organization) is/am is writing to express support of the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s “Phase III, Towpath Rehabilitation: A Safe Towpath” project being submitted for consideration for a grant through the Maryland Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in 2019. Please include this letter in the application package, whereby we also request favorable consideration of this project by the team assessing TAP proposals.
We truly believe that repairs to the towpath will bring tangible benefits to our communities, as well as a safer and improved experience for park visitors.
Local businesses are already reaping the economic benefit of the increase in park attendance since the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail to Pittsburgh. Attendance topped 5 million for the first time in 2014, and in 2017, park visitors spent an estimated $89.5 million in local gateway regions around the C&O Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP).
This year’s project is phase three of a five-phase program to address the worst portions of the canal towpath and create a world-class riding and hiking surface for our visitors. TAP funding will continue to match the $5 million the C&O Canal NHP has requested for this program over five years.
We believe the State of Maryland would benefit considerably from the many Marylanders and the out of state hikers/bikers that enjoy the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
__________(Municipality/Individual/Organization) fully supports the TAP application being made by the park, and urges favorable consideration by the TAP assessment team for the proposed Towpath Rehabilitation project.