Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite
3.718 reviewsLittle Pool 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 is required for camping at Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite.
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider(301) 739-4200choh_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 120.4 along the historic C&O Canal towpath, Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite serves as a welcoming waystation for adventurers traversing this storied trail. This thoughtfully equipped site offers everything weary travelers need for a restorative overnight stay, from sturdy picnic tables and grills for evening meals to essential facilities including chemical toilets and water access. Whether you're pedaling the full 184.5-mile journey or hiking a scenic section, Little Pool provides a perfect pause in your towpath adventure.
The Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite is a primitive camping facility designed for hikers and bikers along the C&O Canal Towpath. The campsite operates on a free, first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations.
Historical SignificanceLittle Pool sits within the remarkable Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where every mile tells a story of American ambition and ingenuity. This campsite places modern adventurers directly on the path once trod by mule teams hauling coal-laden barges between Cumberland and Georgetown. Today's cyclists and hikers follow in the footsteps of canal boat captains, lock keepers, and the countless workers who kept this vital waterway flowing during America's canal era.
Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. During the warmer months from mid-April through mid-November, fresh water flows freely for campers. As autumn gives way to winter, the water supply is shut off to prevent freezing, so cold-weather adventurers should plan accordingly. Each season brings its own charm to the towpath, from spring wildflowers to autumn's spectacular foliage display along the canal.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your tent, you'll catch glimpses of the mighty Potomac River through the treeline, its waters having carved this valley over millennia. While direct river access may be limited, the campsite's position offers a front-row seat to the canal's quiet beauty, where great blue herons stalk the shallows and turtles sun themselves on fallen logs. The surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of sound, from morning birdsong to the evening chorus of crickets and frogs.
Geological RegionThe campsite rests within the Potomac River Valley, where the ancient waterway has sculpted a dramatic corridor through the Appalachian landscape. Here, the C&O Canal parallels its natural predecessor, threading between weathered cliffs and gentle floodplains. This unique positioning along the historic towpath offers campers an intimate connection with both the geological forces that shaped this region and the human engineering that tamed it for commerce.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options for individuals with disabilities are not specifically described.
Sites SizeThe campsites are standard in size, suitable for small groups of hikers or bikers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but the campsite is likely open and simple, in line with its hiker-biker designation.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping options are not mentioned for this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonWater turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year. Camping is available year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is free and walk-up only; no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite offers limited recreational activities, primarily centered around hiking and biking along the historic C&O Canal Towpath. The location's natural setting provides opportunities for relaxation and scenic enjoyment.
Hiking
The campsite is ideally situated along the C&O Canal Towpath, which is flat and suitable for hikers and bikers of various skill levels. Reviews have described the trail as 'very flat and quiet' with opportunities for scenic stops.Biking
The campsite is located along the C&O Canal Towpath, a popular route for long-distance bikers. The trail’s flat terrain is ideal for leisurely biking.Winter Activities
Winter camping is not recommended as water is unavailable from mid-November to mid-April.Water Sports
No information about water sports is available for this site.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed in grills provided at the campsites.
Hazards
General hazardsNon-potable water, and freight trains across the river may disturb the experience. Grass is reportedly uncut in some areas.
Active alertsNo active alerts specific to this campsite; general park closures mentioned.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.3 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
Emergency contacts are provided as (866) 677-6677 or 911 for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot applicable; camping is free year-round.
Trash and recyclingThe site does not provide trash bins or recycling facilities. Campers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Potomac River, though access to the river is reportedly restricted.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention uncut grass, trash left by previous campers, lack of potable water, and train noise.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections provided include visiting the website at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
No specific details on road quality, seasonal closures, or terrain challenges available.Nearby places
Hancock is the nearest city. Additional distances and travel times are not available.
Nearby supplies
Details on grocery, camping supplies, or fuel stations are not available.
Camper Reviews
3.7
8 reviews
Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of the Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite are mixed, with some users appreciating the basic setup and tranquil environment, while others criticize the lack of maintenance and water availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Several reviewers highlight the peaceful location and its distance from major roads, making it an ideal stop for a quiet camping experience. For example, one user noted, 'Great place to camp. Due to...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Many complaints focus on the lack of potable water and poor site maintenance. One user stated, 'Do not go. No water (the pump is broken), no access to the river and the field is not taken care of...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and ensure they have a water filtration or purification method for using the non-potable water. It’s also recommended to pack out all trash and be...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campsite is less appealing during the winter months due to the lack of water and colder conditions. Summer months are more popular but may see occasional flooding or overgrown grass.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'It's free, has a fire pit, picnic table, water, and river view, but every hour or so a freight train would pass across the river blowing its horn.' - Christopher. 2. 'We did a 10-mile hike along...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site number reviews are available, as the campsite appears to be uniform and not divided into numbered sites.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences related to pets.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025