Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
03 reviewsHorsepen Branch 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 fees required for use.
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 26.1 along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite offers weary cyclists and backpackers a welcome respite without the price tag. This free wilderness retreat provides essential amenities for the modern adventurer: a chemical toilet, sturdy picnic table, campfire grill for evening meals, and treated drinking water to refill your bottles. During warmer months, the iodine-treated water flows freely, though winter visitors should plan to pack their own as the taps run dry when temperatures drop.
Horsepen Branch Campsite is a hiker-biker-only site designed for primitive camping along the towpath.
Historical SignificanceWhile Horsepen Branch itself may not boast specific historical markers, camping here places you directly on one of America's most storied transportation corridors. The C&O Canal Towpath beneath your feet once echoed with the clip-clop of mule teams pulling cargo boats between Cumberland and Georgetown. Today, this same path serves as a living museum where overnight visitors can sleep under the same stars that guided canal workers, lock keepers, and travelers throughout the 19th century.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Mid-Atlantic seasons at Horsepen Branch, where spring wildflowers give way to summer's verdant canopy, autumn paints the towpath in brilliant golds and crimsons, and winter brings a stark, peaceful beauty to the canal. As temperatures dip below freezing, the campground's water system shuts down for the season, transforming this spot into a more primitive winter camping experience. Pack accordingly and embrace the seasonal rhythms that have shaped this historic waterway for generations.
ElevationPositioned at the gentle elevations characteristic of the Potomac River corridor, Horsepen Branch offers relatively level camping terrain that's particularly welcoming to cyclists carrying full panniers and hikers with heavy packs. The minimal elevation changes make this an ideal stopover for those tackling the full 184.5-mile towpath journey.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering hardwoods create a natural cathedral above Horsepen Branch, their branches forming a protective canopy that filters sunlight during the day and frames starlight at night. The surrounding woodland habitat buzzes with life - from chattering squirrels to melodious songbirds at dawn. The nearby canal prism, though no longer carrying boat traffic, reflects the sky and trees in its still waters, while the Potomac River flows just beyond, its presence felt in the cool breezes that sweep through camp on summer evenings.
Geological RegionHorsepen Branch sits within Maryland's Piedmont province, where ancient metamorphic rocks tell stories millions of years in the making. The campground's location at Mile 26.1 places it in the transition zone between the rocky outcrops upstream and the broader floodplains approaching Great Falls. This unique positioning offers campers a diverse geological backdrop, from the hand-laid stones of the canal's engineering marvels to the natural rock formations carved by the Potomac's persistent flow. The interplay between human history and geological time creates a camping experience that connects visitors to both the recent past and the deep history of the landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were described.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details provided regarding the level of privacy at campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid low spots if expecting rain; review notes similar concerns.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable.
Check-out
Not applicable.
Stay Limit
Guests are limited to staying one night per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Capacity per site not mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo layout details provided.
Open and Closed SeasonWater turned off from November 15 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable for this site.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The Horsepen Branch Campsite offers opportunities for hiking and biking along the towpath, which provides a scenic and historical experience. The site is primarily focused on facilitating overnight stays for those traveling by foot or bicycle.
Hiking
The campsite is situated along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, which offers a mix of recreational and historical experiences. The towpath is ideal for bikers and hikers at all skill levels.Biking
The towpath serves as a long, scenic biking trail, connecting multiple campsites and points of interest.Winter Activities
The campsite is less accessible in winter as potable water is turned off from November 15 to April 15.Water Sports
No opportunities for non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- A grill is provided, suggesting fires are permitted within defined areas.
- Quiet hours are Not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited water availability during winter months and reliance on iodine-treated water pose risks.
Active alertsNo alerts specific to the Horsepen Branch HBO Campsite mentioned.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Poolesville, MD likely provides emergency services, but details on the closest hospital, police, or ranger station are unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season datesWater availability suggests an April 15 to November 15 peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash must be packed out as the park follows a 'Trash Free Park' policy.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath near water features.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate some low spots prone to flooding and seasonal water shutoff.
HostNo campsite host available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections can be accessed via https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
The directions suggest access via nearby major roads to Poolesville, MD, but lack details.Nearby places
Poolesville, MD (Exact distance and travel time unavailable)
Nearby supplies
Specific supply locations not stated, likely accessible in Poolesville, MD.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Campsite receives generally positive reviews, emphasizing its rustic charm and suitability for hikers and bikers. However, some reviews note limitations, such as low-lying areas prone to rain accumulation.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive comments praise the campsite's accessibility and convenient location along the towpath, as well as the provision of basic amenities like a water pump and chemical toilets. One user noted,...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users highlighted issues such as low-lying spots at the campsite, which could be problematic during rainy conditions. Another noted that the water spigot is turned off in winter, limiting water...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to choose high ground for their tents if rain is expected and to bring water purification tablets, as the water is treated with iodine. Additionally, they should plan for the...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter camping may be less convenient due to the unavailability of potable water from November 15 to April 15. Campers should also prepare for reduced maintenance during colder months.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Good campground has some low spots. Pick wisely if you expect rain.' 2. 'It's a small campsite but I don't imagine it gets much use. There is a water spigot but they have it turned off in the...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or areas are highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews are available regarding accessibility for disabled campers.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews are available regarding pet policies or experiences from pet owners.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025