Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
4.008 reviewsCalico Rocks 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
No fee is required to camp at Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite.
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 47.6 along the legendary C&O Canal Towpath, Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite beckons weary travelers with its peaceful solitude and essential comforts. This hidden gem offers complimentary camping with thoughtfully provided amenities including a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, cooking grill, and access to treated water. Far from the crowds, this tranquil waypoint serves as an ideal rest stop for adventurous souls journeying along the historic towpath by foot or bicycle.
The campsite is specifically designed for hiker-biker overnight stays and does not require reservations. It is ideal for those traveling along the C&O Canal Towpath.
Historical SignificanceYour tent stakes claim to a piece of American history at Calico Rocks, which sits proudly within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This protected corridor preserves the remarkable engineering feat of the C&O Canal, where mule-drawn boats once carried coal and goods along this vital waterway. Today, the towpath tells stories of bygone eras while offering modern adventurers a chance to follow in the footsteps of canal workers, lock keepers, and countless travelers who've journeyed this route for generations.
Weather and SeasonsPlan your visit with the seasons in mind – while Calico Rocks welcomes visitors year-round, water access follows nature's rhythm. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh treated water flows freely for campers. During the winter months, from mid-November to mid-April, water services hibernate, so pack accordingly for your cold-weather adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryEmbrace the serenity of a forest cathedral at Calico Rocks, where towering trees create a natural sanctuary around your campsite. Just beyond the leafy canopy, the mighty Potomac River flows steadily past, its waters whispering ancient stories. This verdant oasis offers an intimate connection with nature, where morning mist dances through the trees and evening brings a symphony of forest sounds to lull you to sleep under the stars.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape where the Appalachian Mountains meet the Potomac River, Calico Rocks showcases the region's distinctive geological character. The campsite rests in a rich forest ecosystem shaped by millennia of river erosion and mountain weathering, creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure. This unique convergence of mountain and river geology has carved out a natural corridor that continues to captivate visitors with its rugged beauty and ecological diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSpecific sizes of campsites are not detailed, but all include a picnic table and grill.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit information on the level of privacy for campsites is provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further east on the C&O Canal for a quieter experience as per user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis
- check-in times do not apply.
Check-out
- Camping is limited to one night
- vacate the site early to accommodate others.
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit is mentioned for each site.
Groups
No group camping facilities are specifically mentioned for this campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are basic and distributed along the towpath with picnic tables and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from mid-November to mid-April. Visitors should plan for limited water availability during these months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; information is available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable; camping is first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is designed for hikers and bikers along the C&O Canal Towpath, and recreational activities include proximity to the Potomac River and towpath for outdoor exploration.
Hiking
The campsite is directly on the C&O Canal Towpath, offering ample hiking opportunities. The towpath itself is a historic and scenic trail that runs alongside the canal.Biking
As part of the C&O Canal Towpath, the campsite is highly accessible for biking enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible, but potable water is unavailable from mid-November to mid-April.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned as an available activity.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are only permitted in established grills or fire rings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned; however, visitors may experience noise disturbances due to nearby railroad tracks.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include water unavailability during the colder months and the proximity to railroad crossings, which may cause noise disturbances.
Active alertsScheduled railroad crossing closures at Point of Rocks (mile 48.2) and Lander (mile 50.8) from June 27 to July 1, 2025.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.8 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
Park emergencies can be reported by calling (866) 677-6677 or 911.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing applies as camping is free year-round.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'Trash-Free Park,' and campers are responsible for removing their own trash. Trash cans are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite is near the Potomac River and the towpath, but potable water may be unavailable during the winter months.
Common complaintsUsers frequently mention noise from nearby roads and railroad tracks. One reviewer stated, 'Nice Campsite but bring your earplugs!!!'
HostThere is no campsite host or staff at the location.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections to Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm. It is located at Mile 47.6 along the C&O Canal Towpath.
Accessibility is limited due to the scheduled closure of railroad crossings at Point of Rocks (mile 48.2) and Lander (mile 50.8) from June 27 to July 1 for repairs, where vehicles will be unable to reach the parking lot or boat ramp. The towpath remains open.Nearby places
Point of Rocks, MD (approximately 2 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is unavailable
visitors are advised to carry necessary provisions, especially water purification tablets for treated iodine water.
Camper Reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the convenience of the campsite for hikers and bikers but also raise concerns about noise from nearby roads and railroads.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes comments like "Nice place to camp" and "Large campsite, access to the water."
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
A recurring complaint is the noise level due to the proximity of a road and a railroad track. One reviewer remarked, "Bring your earplugs!" Another stated, "Train horns in night but otherwise great."
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring earplugs due to the noise and to carry sufficient water, as potable water availability can be inconsistent.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not discuss seasonal differences in detail, but it is noted that water is unavailable from mid-November through mid-April.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice area to camp. Pump not working, no water available." - Joseph Leonguerrero
"The site is nice: there's a little path down to the river which is lovely. However, it's quite close to a road and a...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or challenges.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025