Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite
03 reviews: null
Licking 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
This campground does not charge a fee.
About this campground
Discover the simple charm of Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite, a hidden gem where adventure meets accessibility along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. This complimentary, first-come, first-served sanctuary welcomes weary travelers with thoughtfully placed amenities—a chemical toilet for convenience, a sturdy picnic table for trail-side dining, a grill for evening cookouts, and water access to refresh and replenish. Whether you're pedaling through on a multi-day journey or hiking the towpath's scenic miles, this peaceful stopover offers everything you need and nothing you don't.
Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite caters to hikers and bikers traveling along the C&O Canal Towpath, offering free, basic amenities for overnight stays.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history flows alongside the water at this treasured site within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Once the lifeline of American commerce, this 184.5-mile corridor carried coal, lumber, and agricultural goods between Cumberland and Georgetown. Today, the preserved towpath tells stories of mule-drawn boats, lock keepers' dedication, and the canal era that shaped the nation's growth. Your tent stakes claim to the same ground where canal workers once toiled and traders once traveled, connecting you to centuries of American heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campsite's seasonal rhythms as nature dictates the pace of your stay. From mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows freely for your camping needs, though it requires treatment before drinking. As autumn's last leaves fall and winter approaches, the water supply hibernates until spring's return, transforming the camping experience into a more self-sufficient adventure. Winter visitors should pack extra water and embrace the quiet solitude of the off-season, when frost decorates the canal and fewer travelers share the towpath.
ElevationThe campsite rests at the gentle grade of the C&O Canal Towpath, where the historic waterway maintains its near-level route that once allowed boats to navigate between the Potomac's falls and the Appalachian foothills.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where human history and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. The mighty Potomac River flows nearby, its waters whispering tales of time while providing a stunning backdrop for your outdoor escape. Towering trees create a verdant canopy overhead, their branches forming nature's cathedral along the historic canal. Morning mists often drift between the forest and water, while evening light filters through leaves to paint the towpath golden. Wildlife thrives in this corridor—watch for great blue herons fishing in the canal, deer emerging at dusk, and the occasional beaver working along the waterway.
Geological RegionNestled within the Potomac River Valley's remarkable geological tapestry, the campsite occupies a unique intersection where the ancient river carved its path through varied terrain over millions of years. The C&O Canal Towpath follows this natural corridor, taking advantage of the river's patient work in creating a relatively level route through otherwise challenging topography. Here, the enduring partnership between water and stone has created an ecological haven where riparian forests thrive and the canal's historic infrastructure harmonizes with the timeless rhythms of the Potomac watershed.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeStandard campsite sizes suitable for individual hikers and bikers.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about site privacy provided.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring portable water filters or purification methods to treat non-potable water.
Best CampsitesThe site is a single campsite designed for hiker-biker use.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable due to first-come, first-served availability.
Check-out
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group camping options mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle site layout designed for hiker-biker use.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from mid-November to mid-April.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite is primarily used as a stopover for hikers and bikers exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. Recreational activities like fishing and wildlife viewing may be possible in the nearby areas but are not the primary focus of this facility.
Hiking
The campsite is located along the C&O Canal Towpath, offering a continuous hiking and biking route along the historic canal.Biking
As a part of the C&O Canal Towpath, the campsite supports biking activities with its proximity to the trail.Winter Activities
No specific information about winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No details available about water sports at this location.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated grills.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNon-potable water requires treatment before use. Wildlife encounters are possible.
Active alertsNo specific alerts for this campsite.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesOpen year-round; water availability from mid-April to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are provided; campers are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite is adjacent to the Potomac River, but water from the hand pump is non-potable.
Common complaintsSome visitors have reported noise due to nearby I-70 traffic.
HostThere is no on-site host or staff.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsDriving directions are available on the official C&O Canal website: http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
The campsite is accessible via the C&O Canal Towpath.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies, as well as emergency services, are not specifically detailed for this campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campsite receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating the convenience and basic facilities for hikers and bikers, while others noted issues like noise and maintenance concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers liked that the campsite was easily accessible along the C&O Canal Towpath and appreciated the inclusion of a grill and picnic table. One user remarked, 'A great campsite along the C&O...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the maintenance of the grass and noise from nearby I-70 traffic. A reviewer noted, 'Almost stopped at this campsite. The water works, the grass is a little...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring adequate water filtration or purification methods, as the water is non-potable. Campers should also bring earplugs if they are sensitive to traffic noise.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April, which may affect usability for winter campers. Additionally, the site's proximity to I-70 may result in louder noise levels during busier travel...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'A great campsite along the C&O Canal...Such an awesome ride!!!' - Mark Perschel.
- 'Almost stopped at this campsite. The water works, the grass is a little bit tall, all being on the good side....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews tied to individual sites at this campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility for those with disabilities.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about the pet policies or experiences at this campsite.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025