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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

Closest free campground to DC on towpath


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Jim Days from Columbus Ohio on 8/4/2020 9:59:01 AM:
According to my map, the last free campground is at mile 15. Can anyone who has ridden in that area please verify this?

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 8/4/2020 6:22:55 PM:
Swains Lock, mile 16.6 is the closest (or last depending on direction). Please check if it’s open though, due to Covid restrictions. Last I checked, and it’s been a month since I last looked, it was the only one still closed after all of the others opened back up.

After that, Horsepen Branch, mile 26.1 is the next closest.

Swains Lock is also one of the few Hiker/Biker sites that can be reached by car so it can be noisier and more crowded. Horsepen Branch is only accessible by bike or foot so it will be quieter.

John