Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
04 reviewsCumberland Valley 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
The Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is free to use with no associated fees.
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Recreation.gov
Provider(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Discover the charm of simple adventure at this hidden gem along the historic C&O Canal towpath. This no-fee, first-come, first-served walk-in campsite welcomes weary travelers and weekend warriors alike, offering a peaceful respite for those exploring the canal's storied route by foot or bicycle. With no reservations required, it's the perfect spot for spontaneous adventurers seeking an authentic connection with nature and history.
The Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is a primitive, free, walk-in campground designed specifically for hikers and bikers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you camp within the boundaries of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, where the echoes of America's transportation revolution still resonate. This campsite offers more than just a place to rest—it's your gateway to experiencing the living history of the canal that once connected the eastern seaboard to the western frontier. Though the mules and canal boats have long since departed, the towpath remains a testament to the dreams and determination of those who built this engineering marvel.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as nature transitions through the year. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows at the site, making these months ideal for comfortable camping. During the cooler months when water service pauses, the campsite transforms into a more rugged experience for prepared adventurers who bring their own supplies. Each season paints the canal corridor in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's golden tapestry.
ElevationNestled along the gentle grades of the historic canal route, this campsite follows the waterway's carefully engineered path through the Potomac River valley. The relatively level terrain makes it accessible for cyclists and hikers of all abilities, while subtle changes in elevation reveal new perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where human history and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. Towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, their roots intermingling with weathered stones from canal locks and historic structures. The campsite offers intimate woodland settings where morning mist drifts through the trees and evening light filters through leaves, creating an ever-changing tableau of light and shadow along the historic waterway.
Geological RegionSet within Maryland's diverse Potomac River corridor, this campsite showcases the unique marriage of natural and engineered landscapes that defines the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The surrounding woodlands tell a geological story millions of years in the making, while the canal infrastructure represents a more recent chapter in the land's evolution. This dynamic environment offers campers a front-row seat to both ancient natural processes and 19th-century American ingenuity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information available about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe site sizes are not explicitly mentioned, but they are designed for walk-in hikers and bikers.
Sites PrivacyNo specific mention of privacy levels for individual sites, but as a hiker-biker campsite, it is likely to be more communal and open.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe campsite experience is influenced by its first-come-first-serve policy and walk-in access, so arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
"Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip."
Guests Allowed Per Site
Details about the number of guests per site are unspecified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"The layout consists of fundamental amenities: chemical toilet, water pump (seasonal availability), picnic table, and grill."
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year, implying potential seasonal impacts.
Reservation PlatformsThis site does not allow reservations. Information is available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Walk-in Availability"First-come first-served walk-in campsite."
Cancellation PolicyAs a first-come first-serve site, reservations and cancellations do not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is primarily geared towards hikers and bikers who traverse the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. There are no structured recreational activities mentioned at the campsite.
Hiking
The campsite's location on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath makes it ideal for hiking. The towpath offers a flat and scenic route suitable for all levels of hikers.Biking
The campsite is directly accessible from the C&O Canal Towpath, which is a popular route for bikers due to its even terrain and scenic views.Winter Activities
During the winter months (November 15 to April 15), water is turned off. Visitors are advised to bring their own water and supplies, as resources are limited.Water Sports
No specific mention of water sports, though the Potomac River is adjacent to the campsite.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted at established fire rings, but they must be completely extinguished upon departure. Unauthorized cutting or defacing of growth is prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include the seasonal absence of potable water and the need for purification. Wildlife hazards are not explicitly noted.
Active alerts"Multiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance within the park." Specific alerts for the campsite itself are not provided.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 services can be reached by calling (866) 677-6677 or 911. Additional service availability is unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season may correspond to the period when water is available, from April 15 to November 15, but is not explicitly defined as such.
Trash and recyclingThe park operates under a 'Trash Free Park' policy, meaning campers must carry out all trash. Trash cans are not provided on-site.
Proximity to water features"Potable water is treated with iodine at the campsite. Water is unavailable during colder months." General proximity to the Potomac River is implied through its location within the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
Common complaints"Some reviews noted noise from lawnmowers and weed wackers and occasional parties across the river." These issues may detract from the natural camping ambiance.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections to Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite are provided at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
The site is walk-in only and lacks vehicle access, indicating a need to travel by foot. Roads leading to proximity may vary in quality; details of seasonal accessibility are unspecified.Nearby places
Williamsport is the closest nearby city, but specific distances in miles are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Details about grocery, fuel, or camping supplies location are unspecified, requiring visitors to plan accordingly.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews suggest that the Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is well-maintained and simple but can be noisy due to activity across the river.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the maintenance of the site, including the fire ring, water pump, picnic table, and outhouse. "Great campsite only around five miles downriver from Williamsport. Well maintained."
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise was a recurring concern in user reviews: "The only drawback is it's kinda noisy across the river until dark. Lawnmowers and weed wackers and the occasional party." Another reviewer noted, "Nice...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring water purification tablets, as water is treated with iodine and may not always be available. Plan to camp early to secure your spot, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Water is unavailable from November 15 to April 15, which could affect usability in the winter months. Summer months have noise complaints due to parties and activities across the river.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great campsite only around five miles downriver from Williamsport. Well maintained." "The only drawback is it's kinda noisy across the river until dark."
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No individual sites are numbered or reviewed separately; the entire campground is treated as a single unit.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025