Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite
3.827 reviewsEvitts Creek 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 to use Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite. No reservation is required.
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 180.1 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers seeking a simple overnight refuge. This no-frills, first-come-first-served sanctuary requires neither fees nor reservations, embodying the spirit of adventure that draws cyclists and hikers to this legendary trail. While amenities remain purposefully basic—a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, grill, and a water source that requires treatment—the site offers exactly what trail-weary adventurers need for a restorative night's rest. Remember to pack light and move on after one night, as this waystation is designed for those passing through on longer journeys.
Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offers primitive camping with minimal facilities designed for hikers and bikers. Reservations are not required.
Historical SignificanceYour tent stakes claim to ground steeped in American history, as this campsite forms part of the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Once the lifeblood of commerce and transportation, this canal witnessed the dreams and toils of countless travelers, traders, and canal workers who helped build a young nation. Today's cyclists and hikers follow in the footsteps—or rather, the mule paths—of those who once guided cargo-laden boats through these waters, connecting the Potomac tidewaters to the western frontier.
Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. From mid-November through mid-April, water sources hibernate as temperatures dip, with winter bringing crisp mornings where dew points hover around 24°F and afternoon highs reach a moderate 43°F. Summer visitors should come prepared for nature's less welcome committee—mosquitoes that thrive in the canal's humid environment. The rhythmic rumble of passing trains provides a unique soundtrack to your stay, reminding campers of the area's enduring role as a transportation corridor.
ElevationThe campsite rests on the canal's characteristically level terrain, offering weary legs a merciful respite from climbs and descents. This pancake-flat topography, engineered by 19th-century canal builders, creates an accessible haven where setting up camp requires no battle against slopes or uneven ground—just smooth, even surfaces that make for comfortable tent placement and easy midnight trips to facilities.
Natural Features and SceneryEvitts Creek campsite occupies a unique slice of engineered wilderness where human history and nature intertwine. The still waters of the canal create mirror-like reflections of overhanging trees, while the adjacent towpath stretches endlessly in both directions, beckoning tomorrow's journey. Though power lines and railroad tracks serve as reminders of civilization's proximity, the dominant atmosphere remains one of pastoral tranquility. The canal's stagnant waters, while picturesque, do nurture a healthy mosquito population—consider this nature's way of ensuring you don't linger too long in this transit-oriented paradise.
Geological RegionSituated within the Potomac River corridor, the campground occupies a fascinating geological intersection where the ancient river valley meets human engineering. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and water—the Potomac's patient carving through Appalachian ridges created the natural pathway that canal builders later followed. This ribbon of relatively flat land sandwiched between river and ridge provides a gentle corridor through otherwise challenging terrain, making it as valuable to modern adventurers as it was to 19th-century merchants.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeSize of sites not detailed.
Sites PrivacyNo information on campsite privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Bring earplugs for train noise" and a water filtration system due to non-potable water. Visitors seeking hammock camping appreciated tree availability for setup.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites were noted as better than others since the site consists of only one area for hiker-biker users.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Visitors can arrive anytime as there is no official check-in time.
Check-out
- Overnight stays limited to one night
- visitors are expected to vacate the site within this timeframe.
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates one group per night.
Groups
No group camping facilities mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle campsite for hiker-biker visitors, including a picnic table, grill, and chemical toilet. Located directly off the towpath.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from mid-November to mid-April. Camping remains open throughout the year.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-up basis only; no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities available include hiking and biking along the towpath. Fishing opportunities are available nearby with proper permits. Wildlife viewing and camping are prominent activities.
Hiking
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath offers accessible hiking opportunities nearby at various difficulty levels.Fishing
Fishing is permitted. Visitors must acquire a Maryland fishing license for those aged 16 and older.Biking
Popular trails include the C&O Canal Towpath.Wildlife viewing
General wildlife viewing opportunities exist but species and specific viewing areas are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
No specific water sports mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in grill or fire ring areas. Fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the campsite.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews as a significant nuisance. The water pump is non-functional at times, and the canal is an unmoving water body prone to stagnant conditions. Proximity to trains and power lines may detract from sleep quality and ambiance.
Active alertsNo specific alerts were provided for this campsite, although general park-related closures and detours might apply. Visitors should consult the official C&O Canal website for updates.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.7 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 accessed via National Capital Region Communications Center at (866) 677-6677 or 911.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThis park operates under a 'Trash Free Park' policy, requiring all visitors to carry out their trash. Trash cans are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal; however, water is non-potable and unsuitable for drinking without treatment.
Common complaints"Trains, power lines, and mosquitoes!" The site is noted for its proximity to a railyard, under humming power lines, and near a stagnant canal. Several reviews remarked that the hand-pump water source did not function. Noise from nearby trains was reported to disrupt sleep.
HostThere are no hosts or dedicated staff at this campsite. It operates as a self-service location.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections for Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm
The access quality includes paved roads leading to the campsite, but the reachability from major roads is not specifically detailed.Nearby places
Cumberland (approx. 1 mile from the canal towpath entrance), Hagerstown (approx. 60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can likely be sourced from Cumberland, MD, the nearest town approximately 1 mile from the campsite entrance.
Camper Reviews
3.8
7 reviews
Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offer mixed sentiments, mainly focusing on train noise, the condition of facilities, and the water pump functionality.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the availability of basic facilities (picnic table, fire ring, and grill) and its free access for hikers and bikers.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include non-functional water pumps, frequent and loud train noise, mosquitoes, and proximity to high voltage power lines.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing ear plugs to mitigate train noise, bringing sufficient potable water due to pump issues, and treating the water if necessary.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter camping is less favorable due to water being turned off from mid-November to mid-April.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Great campsite along the C&O. Train noise can be a problem, so bring ear plugs for sleeping." - Matt Stevenson
- "Adequate for a free primitive campground. Minimal train noises at night from...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews mentioned.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility reviews provided.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews focused on pet-friendly policies or features.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025