Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
02 reviewsLeopards Mill 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
"This is a fee-free campsite."
About this campground
Escape to a tranquil riverside retreat at Mile 129.9 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, where primitive camping meets timeless natural beauty. This secluded campsite offers adventurers a perfect basecamp with essential amenities including a chemical toilet, iodine-treated water, and a picnic area complete with table and grill for memorable outdoor meals. Here, you'll discover the simple pleasures of backcountry camping while remaining connected to one of America's most storied waterways.
Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite is a primitive campsite designed specifically for hikers and bikers along the C&O Canal Towpath. It offers a self-sufficient camping experience with minimal facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this historic mile marker along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, once a vital commercial lifeline connecting the Potomac River communities to the nation's capital. The towpath beneath your feet once echoed with the clip-clop of mule teams pulling cargo-laden boats through 184 miles of American history. Today, these preserved grounds serve as a living monument to the canal era, where campers can sleep under the same stars that guided countless boatmen on their journeys.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing moods of the Potomac River valley throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds along the towpath, while summer's leafy canopy provides welcome shade for cyclists and hikers. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a spectacular display of autumn colors, and winter reveals the canal's historic structures through bare branches, offering unique photographic opportunities and peaceful solitude.
ElevationNestled at a gentle elevation along the Potomac River corridor, this campsite offers level ground perfect for tent setup while maintaining easy access to both the waterway and the historic towpath. The site's strategic position provides natural drainage and comfortable camping conditions throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine woodland sanctuary where towering trees create a natural cathedral along the Potomac River's edge. The campsite is embraced by mature forest that filters golden sunlight by day and frames starlit skies by night. Wake to the gentle sounds of the river's current and the morning songs of woodland birds, while the historic towpath invites exploration in both directions, revealing hidden coves, wildlife viewing opportunities, and ever-changing river vistas.
Geological RegionLocated within the remarkable Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this campsite rests in the heart of the Potomac River Valley's diverse ecosystem. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where ancient river terraces meet Appalachian foothills, creating a unique habitat that supports an incredible variety of plant and animal life. The interplay between the managed canal environment and wild river corridor offers campers a fascinating study in both natural and human history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeThe campsite is designed for small groups, suitable for hikers and bikers. There is no clear data on the exact dimensions of the individual sites.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy at campsites is not detailed in the sources.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in: Any preferred time as per arrival provided there is no one else. For emergencies, call US Park Police.
Check-out
12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
"One night per site, per trip"
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not mentioned.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not mentioned in the sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed Season"Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15."
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"First-come, first-served basis."
Cancellation Policy"No reservation system is in place."
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite offers a very basic, natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The site is ideally located for hikers, bikers, and paddlers exploring the C&O Canal Towpath and Potomac River. The primary focus is on self-reliant outdoor activities.
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity at this campsite due to its location on the C&O Canal Towpath, which offers well-maintained and historic trails for exploration.Biking
Biking is a significant activity here, as the campsite is situated on the towpath, which caters to long-distance bikers.Boating
Boating is a viable activity due to the site's proximity to the Potomac River. However, there is no formal boat ramp, and access may involve climbing the riverbank.Winter Activities
Winter camping may be possible, but with limited facilities and water turned off from November 15 to April 15, campers need to be self-sufficient.Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are popular due to the site's proximity to the Potomac River. The location lacks formal launch facilities, so access may be challenging.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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Hazards
General hazardsnull
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.5 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
"Park Emergencies: Dial 911 or 1-(866)-677-6677."
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingAs this is a primitive campsite, trash and recycling facilities are not provided. Campers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsMore information is available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
"No driving access to this campsite. Accessibility is by foot only."Nearby places
"The nearest city is Hancock, Maryland, located approximately 5 miles from the campsite."
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campsite is appreciated for its simplicity and strategic location along the C&O Canal Towpath. Hikers and bikers value the convenience and natural setting, but some note the lack of signage visible from the Potomac River.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campsite's accessibility for hikers and bikers and its placement along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath. The primitive amenities are adequate for short overnight stays.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users expressed concerns about the lack of signage visible from the Potomac River, making it hard for paddlers to locate the site. Others mentioned the absence of potable water in winter and the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Bring your own water purification tablets or a backup water supply, especially if visiting in winter." "Look for the site from the trail, as signage from the river is limited."
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visitors note the difficulty of water access and the colder conditions for camping. Summer visitors might find the site less visible from the riverbank due to full foliage.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Love these little primitive campsites along the towpath... great idea!" - Crafty TrebleChef. "There's no sign on the side of the river that you're on Leopards Mill Campsite. However, if you're on...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific details about numbered sites or their differences are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided in the source material.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025