Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite
03 reviewsDevils Alley 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
No fee for use is charged; walk-in campsite only.
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Recreation.gov
Provider(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 144.5 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with a peaceful riverside retreat. This charming waypoint offers everything a cyclist or hiker needs for a comfortable night under the stars—a chemical toilet, iodized water source, sturdy picnic table, and cooking grill. Despite its intriguing name, Devils Alley proves to be a heavenly respite for those journeying along this legendary waterway.
The campground is primarily a primitive, walk-in campsite designed for hikers and bikers. It does not allow RVs or group camping.
Historical SignificanceYour tent stakes claim to a piece of American history at Devils Alley, where the ghosts of canal boat mules once trod the towpath and bargemen navigated the locks. As part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this campsite preserves the legacy of the ambitious waterway that once connected the Potomac tidewaters to the Ohio River Valley, fueling America's westward expansion and industrial revolution.
Weather and SeasonsPlan your adventure wisely—the campsite's water supply hibernates from November 15 to April 15 each year, when winter's grip settles over the Potomac Valley. Spring through fall visitors can enjoy full amenities, while hardy cold-weather adventurers should pack extra water for their winter explorations along the frozen canal path.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain a mystery, the campsite rests gently along the Potomac River's course, where the ancient waterway has carved its patient path through the Mid-Atlantic landscape over millennia.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of the Potomac River flowing past your tent door, filtered through a canopy of mature hardwoods that shade the campsite. This woodland sanctuary offers an intimate connection with the river ecosystem, where great blue herons stalk the shallows and beavers leave their mark on riverside trees. The historic canal parallels the natural river, creating a unique corridor where human history and wild nature intertwine.
Geological RegionPositioned at Mile 144.5 of the canal's 184.5-mile journey, Devils Alley occupies a fascinating ecological niche where the Potomac River has sculpted the landscape. Here, the wooded riverside environment creates a lush riparian corridor, supporting diverse wildlife and offering campers an immersive experience in the Mid-Atlantic's river valley ecosystem. Ancient rock formations peek through the forest floor, telling stories of geological epochs long before the canal builders arrived.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described for this campsite.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites suitable for tents.
Sites PrivacySites have not been described for privacy; no specific details are provided on seclusion or clustering.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe general advice is to come prepared for 'semi rough camping' conditions.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not rated or listed.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Specific guest limits per site are not listed.
Groups
No group sites are available at this location.
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 walk-in campsite.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but water is turned off from November 15 to April 15.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User feedback emphasizes this.
Cancellation PolicyThis is a first-come, first-served campsite, and reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campsite is situated along the C&O Canal Towpath, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. However, no specific activities beyond those implied by its location are mentioned.
Hiking
The campsite is located on the C&O Canal Towpath, a popular trail for hikers and bikers. Specific trail details for this section are not provided.Biking
The C&O Canal Towpath is well-suited for biking, offering a scenic and accessible route for cyclists of various skill levels.Winter Activities
Winter camping is not advised due to the unavailability of water and the basic nature of the facilities during the off-season.Water Sports
No water sports are mentioned as activities at this campsite.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed only in established fire rings. Firewood must comply with park rules (no cutting live growth).
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water availability is seasonal and water is iodized. Campers are advised to carry purification tablets. Potential hazards related to wildlife or other natural conditions are not detailed.
Active alertsThe source material lists general park alerts but no specific active alerts for this campground.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
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
Emergency services can be reached by calling 911 or the Park Emergency hotline at (866) 677-6677.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not available. Campers must pack out all trash as this is a 'Trash Free Park.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Potomac River.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention 'semi rough camping' with basic amenities and the seasonal availability of water.
HostNo campsite host information is provided for Devils Alley.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections and detailed maps are provided on the official NPS site at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Road quality and specific challenges for access are not detailed.Nearby places
Little Orleans is specified as the nearest city. Distances and travel times to other population centers are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Nearby grocery or supply stores are not listed.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campsite is rated 4.5 in general sentiment and 4.33 specifically for campgrounds. It is appreciated for its simplicity and functionality, although some users note the rough camping conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the site's simplicity, its free access, and its functionality for hikers and bikers along the C&O Canal Towpath. The presence of a picnic table and grill is noted positively.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
The absence of potable water and the relatively rough camping conditions have been highlighted as concerns. Some campers noted the iodine-treated water and the need for purification tablets.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing water purification tablets, especially when potable water is unavailable. It's also suggested to prepare for a primitive camping experience.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campsite experiences a drop in usability during the winter months (November 15 to April 15) when water is turned off. Campers are advised to bring all necessary resources during this period.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Nice flat camping. Sadly I didn't make any new devilish friends on my backpacking trip.' - Dosu Kinuta
- 'Remember this is semi-rough camping. There is a water pump (iodized) and a portapot and...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or numbers have been provided for this campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews detailing experiences related to pets at this campground are available.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025