Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
02 reviewsCacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) 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
About this campground
Nestled at mile marker 133.6 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight beckons weary travelers with its simple yet essential amenities. This free, first-come, first-served sanctuary caters specifically to those exploring the towpath on foot or by bicycle, offering a peaceful respite complete with a picnic table for evening meals, a grill for campfire cooking, treated water to refill bottles, and a chemical toilet. Here, the journey becomes the destination as cyclists and hikers pause to rest beneath the stars, sharing stories of the trail with fellow adventurers.
The Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) campsite is a primitive, walk-in campground catering to hikers and bikers seeking a minimalist camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsThe camping experience at Cacapon Junction transforms with the seasons, from the fresh awakening of spring to the golden warmth of autumn. Prime camping conditions flourish between April 15 and November 15, when potable water flows freely and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor sleeping. Winter visitors should prepare for the raw beauty of cold nights and potential mixed precipitation, when the campsite takes on a more rugged character that appeals to the hardiest souls seeking solitude along the frozen canal.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle sounds of the Potomac River as morning mist rises from its surface, revealing the dramatic contours of the surrounding Appalachian landscape. This riverside haven offers front-row seats to nature's daily performance, where great blue herons stalk the shallows and eagles soar overhead. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates an ever-changing canvas that rewards early risers with spectacular sunrises and treats evening campers to peaceful sunsets reflected in the historic canal waters.
Geological RegionSituated within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this campsite rests in the embrace of the Potomac River valley, where the ancient Appalachian Mountains meet the life-giving waters that have shaped this region for millennia. The towpath follows the river's course through a geological wonderland where limestone cliffs, sandstone formations, and river-carved valleys tell the story of deep time, creating a dramatic backdrop for your overnight adventure in this historic transportation corridor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the campsite.
Sites SizeSites are walk-in and designed for minimal facilities.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level for campsites is not described.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No check-in time since the site is walk-in only.
Check-out
Campers are allowed to stay only one night.
Stay Limit
Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to eight campers can be accommodated at single sites.
Groups
No group camping facilities are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle site, walk-in layout intended for hiker-biker use.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from November 15 to April 15, limiting access to potable water during this period.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable as this campsite operates on a walk-in basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only, and availability is first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The Cacapon Junction campsite is primarily designed for hikers and bikers traversing along the C&O Canal Towpath. Activities are limited due to the campsite's minimalist infrastructure.
Hiking
The campsite is located on the C&O Canal Towpath, which provides extensive hiking opportunities. The towpath is relatively flat and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.Biking
The C&O Canal Towpath is a popular route for bikers and provides direct access to the campsite.Wildlife viewing
The C&O Canal Towpath offers opportunities to observe various species of birds and other wildlife native to Maryland.Winter Activities
Winter camping is available; however, water is turned off between November 15 and April 15. Campers should bring their own water supply.Water Sports
No specific water sports are supported at this campsite.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in the provided grill/fire rings.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water may not be available during some weeks due to theft or seasonal conditions. Campers should carry iodine tablets.
Active alertsNo active alerts were specifically noted for this campsite.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 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
Park emergencies can be reported at (866) 677-6677 or 911. However, specific details regarding the closest hospitals or police stations are missing.
Good to know
Peak season datesPotable water is only available from April 16 to November 14, making this the ideal camping season.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'Leave No Trace' site, meaning visitors are expected to carry out all trash as no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite is located near the Potomac River.
Common complaintsUser reviews mentioned train noise as a minor inconvenience, as 'trains roll thru every few hours.'
HostThere is no host at this site.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections for Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight campsite are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Access to the campsite is walk-in only as it is meant for hiker-biker use. No vehicle access is allowed.Nearby places
Woodmont, MD is the nearest populated area but specific distances or travel times are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users find the campsite suitable for its purpose as a stop along the C&O Canal Towpath, appreciating its simplicity but noting limitations such as train noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers have positively mentioned the campsite's soft grassy areas, making it comfortable for tent pitching. One user appreciated the overall view saying, 'Great view of the Cacapon and Potomac. Soft...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint is the noise from trains passing nearby, with one review stating, 'It's a campsite on the C&O. Trains roll thru every few hours tho.'
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers are advised to bring water purification tablets due to the iodine-treated water and to be prepared for train noise.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not indicate specific seasonal trends, though users should note that water is unavailable during winter (November 15 - April 15).
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Great view of the Cacapon and Potomac. Soft grass to tent on.' - Daryl Dixon. 'It's a campsite on the C&O. Trains roll thru every few hours tho.' - Eric Hansen.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific sites are numbered or reviewed individually.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pets or pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025