Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite
02 reviews, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, USA
Irons Mountain 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 fees are required; camping is free to all visitors.
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Nestled at mile marker 175.3 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite welcomes weary travelers with open arms and no admission fee. This rustic retreat provides everything a cyclist or backpacker needs for a restorative night under the stars: a sturdy picnic table for evening meals, a grill for cooking up trail-worthy feasts, and essential facilities including a chemical toilet and access to untreated water. It's the perfect waypoint for adventurers traversing the legendary 184.5-mile canal path.
Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite is a primitive setup specifically designed for hikers and bikers traveling along the towpath. It does not accommodate RVs, group camping, or luxury setups.
Historical SignificanceYour tent sits on storied ground where mule-drawn canal boats once carried coal, lumber, and agricultural goods along this 18th-century engineering marvel. Part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this campsite connects modern adventurers to the legacy of the canal era, when this waterway served as the lifeblood of commerce between the Potomac Valley and the nation's growing cities. Every mile of towpath whispers tales of lock keepers, bargemen, and the communities that flourished along these waters.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing face of the canal through all four seasons at this year-round sanctuary. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, summer offers lush green canopies, autumn paints the towpath in brilliant golds and crimsons, while winter reveals the canal's stark beauty. Note that water access hibernates from mid-November through mid-April when freezing temperatures arrive, so winter campers should pack extra supplies.
ElevationThe gentle grade of the historic towpath ensures a relatively level camping experience, following the natural contours of the Potomac River valley as it winds through Maryland's diverse landscapes.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the soft light filtering through a cathedral of trees as the morning mist rises from the canal's still waters. This woodland sanctuary showcases Maryland's natural splendor, where towering oaks and sycamores frame views of the peaceful canal. Wildlife abounds in this riparian corridor – watch for great blue herons stalking the shallows, white-tailed deer browsing at dawn, and countless songbirds filling the forest with their melodies. The interplay of water, woodland, and weathered locks creates a photographer's paradise.
Geological RegionPositioned within the Potomac River watershed, the campsite rests in a fascinating geological transition zone where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Ridge and Valley Province. The surrounding Maryland landscape tells an ancient story written in limestone cliffs, shale outcroppings, and river-carved valleys. The canal itself follows the path of least resistance carved by millions of years of water flow, offering campers a front-row seat to the ongoing dialogue between human history and geological time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for tents and accommodate basic camping setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not detailed, but the campsite is described as a hiker-biker campground along the towpath.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific recommendations about choosing sites are provided.
Best CampsitesNo information on individual campsite rankings or preferences is available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time is required as reservations are not applicable.
Check-out
No specific check-out time is required as reservations are not applicable.
Stay Limit
Stay limit is one night per hiker-biker campsite.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest rules are defined.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsite layout includes a picnic table, chemical toilet, grill, and water at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but availability of untreated water is seasonal, turned off from mid-November to mid-April.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with no advanced reservations needed.
Cancellation PolicyCamping is free and does not require reservations, so cancellations are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This campsite is tailored for hikers and bikers traversing the C&O Canal Towpath. Activities focus on enjoying the natural surroundings and the towpath itself.
Hiking
Located along the C&O Canal Towpath, which provides approximately 184.5 miles of trail suitable for hiking. The towpath offers an easy and scenic route.Biking
The C&O Canal Towpath is a popular route for biking, stretching 184.5 miles and accommodating long-distance bike touring.Winter Activities
Winter camping is limited as water is turned off mid-November to mid-April.Water Sports
No water sports are detailed for this campsite.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within provided grills. Fires must be extinguished completely upon leaving.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWater at the campsite is untreated and requires filtration, chemical treatment, or boiling before use. Additionally, seasonal water availability is limited.
Active alertsGeneral park closures and detours related to hazardous conditions in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Specific alerts not provided for this campsite.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.1 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 at 866-677-6677 or 911. The nearest city is Hagerstown.
Good to know
Peak season datesCamping availability and water use is seasonal, with water turned off during colder months.
Trash and recyclingThe park operates as a 'Trash Free Park,' requiring visitors to remove all trash before departure.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite includes access to untreated water but is near the canal towpath.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention train noise as a drawback for light sleepers.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, USA
Driving directionsDirections for Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
No specific road accessibility details are provided in the source material.Nearby places
No specific distances to nearby cities are provided in the source material.
Nearby supplies
No details about the nearest grocery or camping supplies are provided in the source material.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's suitability for bike touring and its basic amenities but note drawbacks like train noise. "Not a bad spot to camp after a long day of bicycle touring," one user remarks, appreciating the firepit, grill, porta potty, and trash bags. A common complaint is the noise from trains nearby.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
The campsite is praised for its accessibility along the towpath and its basic amenities like chemical toilets, picnic tables, grills, and water access (with treatment).
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Train noise is the most frequently mentioned downside, with one review stating, "Nice enough, it is by no mean’s quiet at night!"
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs to mitigate train noise. Ensure you pack water filtration or purification systems as the water is non-potable.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campsite is most convenient for use during the spring, summer, and fall months when water is available, as it is turned off mid-November to mid-April.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice enough, it is by no mean’s quiet at night!" "Not a bad spot to camp after a long day of bicycle touring. Plenty of space for tents. Pros: Firepit, grill, trash bags, porta potty. Cons: Train...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not discussed explicitly in reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Information regarding pets is not provided in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025