Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite
4.257 reviewsBald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
This campground is fee-free and does not require reservations.
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 50.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with open arms and no reservation hassles. This free wilderness haven invites adventurers to rest their heads for a night under the stars, offering essential amenities without the fuss of fees or lengthy stays. Whether you're pedaling through on two wheels or trekking the towpath on foot, this rustic retreat provides the perfect pause in your journey.
The Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite is a primitive camping area designed primarily for hikers and bikers traveling the C&O Canal Towpath.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at this treasured stop along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where mule-drawn boats once carried coal and cargo along this very route. For centuries, this towpath served as a vital artery of American commerce, and today's cyclists and hikers follow in the footsteps of canal boat captains, lock keepers, and the hardy souls who built this engineering marvel. Every mile marker tells a story of American ingenuity and determination.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as fresh water flows from mid-April through mid-November, coinciding with prime biking and hiking weather. Hardy adventurers needn't worry about winter visits—the restroom facilities stand ready year-round, though seasoned campers recommend packing extra tarps during rainy spells when the ground transforms into a muddy canvas. Each season paints the campsite with its own character, from spring's renewal to autumn's golden finale.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of the Potomac River as it flows past your tent, creating a natural soundtrack for your outdoor adventure. This riverside sanctuary offers front-row seats to nature's daily performance—watch herons fish in the shallows at dawn, spot eagles soaring overhead, and witness spectacular sunsets painting the water gold. While the river provides a stunning backdrop, remember to pack your water filter or purification tablets, as the available water requires treatment before drinking. The interplay of woodland and waterway creates an ever-changing tableau of natural beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover a landscape where forest meets river in the heart of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This unique geological setting showcases the Potomac River's ancient path, carved through millions of years of patient erosion. The campsite sits within a diverse ecosystem where wooded hillsides tumble down to meet the historic waterway, creating pockets of different habitats that support abundant wildlife. It's a place where geological history and human heritage converge along one of the East Coast's most storied rivers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeStandard size sites are available, suitable for individual hiker-biker use.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about the level of privacy at campsites.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
There is no information available about group camping at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThis is a single campsite with basic amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but water services are turned off mid-November to mid-April each year.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable. No reservations required.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability for all sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required for this campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite offers limited recreational activities due to its minimalist setup. The towpath itself provides opportunities for hiking and biking.
Hiking
As the site is located on the C&O Canal Towpath, hiking opportunities are abundant. The towpath offers scenic views of the Potomac River and surrounding areas.Biking
Biking along the C&O Canal Towpath is a popular activity. The site caters specifically to hiker-biker visitors.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted in established rings only. Extinguish fires completely before leaving.
- Quiet hours are observed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazards"Feels like camping in a train yard," noted by user Phil Sierzega, referring to train noise. Water is non-potable and must be treated before use.
Active alertsScheduled parking closures from June 27–July 1, 2025, due to railroad crossing repairs at Point of Rocks and Lander.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency contact: 911 or (866) 677-6677. Nearby police assistance: US Park Police at (202) 610-7500.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash cans are provided. Campers must pack out all trash and leave the site clean.
Proximity to water features"Situated along the Potomac River; however, the water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated."
Common complaints"Lots of trains near the campsite," per user Mark Perschel. "Loud trains all night," echoed by others such as Phil Sierzega and Alexander Lehigh. Users also noted mud issues after rain.
HostNo campsite hosts are available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections are provided via the official website link: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm
The area is accessible but does not offer direct vehicle access, requiring hikers to utilize the towpath. Seasonal parking closures are noted, particularly from June 27 to July 1, 2025, affecting vehicle access due to railroad repairs.Nearby places
Nearby city: Point of Rocks, Maryland
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia is mentioned as an alternative camping site.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight limited but functional facilities and a scenic, though noisy, setting due to the proximity to train tracks. Campers appreciate the free camping but note that passing trains can disrupt sleep.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the site's scenic location near the Potomac River and its free, first-come, first-served policy for hikers and bikers. "Nice chill spot," said one reviewer.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
The primary complaint from users is the noise from trains, with several reviewers describing it as the loudest campsite they have ever visited. One user commented, "It's like sleeping in a train...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing ear protection to cope with the frequent trains and ensuring you have treated or filtered water for drinking and cooking.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal review trends are noted in the user reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This site has a decent view over the river, but I'd bring something to cover your ears when sleeping." - Alexander Lehigh. "Nice chill spot. Water works after a lot of pumping." - Peaches Watkins.
Based on 7 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No individual campsite reviews are available as the entire site is treated as a single unit.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific user reviews are available.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet-friendliness or issues related to pets.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025