Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite
01 reviewPigmans Ferry 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 or reservations required for the Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite.
About this campground
Nestled along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite offers a refreshing escape into simplicity. This free, first-come-first-served haven welcomes weary travelers with essential amenities including chemical toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and grills perfect for evening cookouts. While water is available on-site, adventurers should come prepared to treat it before drinking. The campsite's strategic riverside location creates a natural barrier against mosquitoes, allowing for peaceful evenings under the stars. Visitors consistently praise the remarkable tranquility here, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and the gentle flow of the nearby Potomac.
Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite is a free, first-come, first-served camping option designed specifically for hikers and bikers. It is a primitive camping site with very basic amenities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Pigmans Ferry, where every footfall on the towpath echoes with the memories of mule-drawn canal boats that once navigated these waters. As part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this campsite serves as a living museum to America's ambitious canal era. The weathered towpath beneath your feet once witnessed the dreams of merchants, the determination of canal workers, and the transformation of a young nation. Today, it offers modern adventurers a chance to connect with this rich heritage while creating their own stories along the historic waterway.
Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with each passing season, offering unique experiences throughout the year. During surveyed periods, visitors can expect partly cloudy skies with about 52% cloud cover, creating dramatic sunsets and comfortable shade. Temperatures typically dance between a crisp 28.5°F and a mild 41.8°F, with light precipitation adding atmosphere to the journey. Winter brings a crystalline beauty with occasional snowfall, though camping becomes more challenging. The sweet spot for visiting falls between late spring and early autumn, when wildflowers bloom along the towpath and the forest canopy provides natural shelter. Note that water facilities hibernate from mid-November through mid-April, so winter warriors should plan accordingly.
ElevationThe campsite rests along the famously gentle Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, where the terrain flows as smoothly as the historic canal once did. This relatively flat landscape makes it an ideal basecamp for cyclists and hikers of all skill levels, offering easy access to miles of scenic exploration without the challenge of steep climbs. The level ground also ensures comfortable tent placement and peaceful nights of sleep.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in Maryland's natural splendor at this riverside sanctuary, where towering forests create a living cathedral of green. The mighty Potomac River flows nearby, its waters reflecting the changing moods of the sky and providing a soothing soundtrack to your camping experience. Spring arrives with bursts of wildflower color, summer brings a lush canopy of shade, autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, and winter reveals the elegant architecture of bare trees against pewter skies. The ecological diversity here supports abundant wildlife, from melodious songbirds at dawn to deer silently grazing at dusk.
Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park corridor, the campsite occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the Potomac River has carved its ancient path through Maryland's diverse landscape. This region showcases the harmonious blend of riparian ecosystems and upland forests, creating a rich tapestry of habitats. The interplay between the historic canal infrastructure and the natural river valley offers campers a unique perspective on how human ingenuity and natural forces have shaped this distinctive Mid-Atlantic landscape over centuries.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the information provided.
Sites SizeThe campsite offers a chunk of camp area away from the river, which helps reduce mosquito population.
Sites PrivacySites are noted to be quieter, with trains and traffic farther away, providing a more secluded experience.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers are advised to treat the water on-site and to plan visits outside the mid-November to mid-April period when water is unavailable. The campsite is quieter and away from traffic.
Best CampsitesThe site itself is a singular location without specific numbered or rated campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Groups
Group camping specifics are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe site is a singular hiker-biker campsite along the towpath, with basic amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from mid-November to mid-April, and campers must filter, treat, or boil non-potable water during other months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required for this campsite.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as reservations are not required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not required; hence, no cancellation policies apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campsite is located along the towpath, making it ideal for hikers and bikers. Its placement away from the river reduces mosquito activity, and users have generally noted its quieter location away from trains and traffic.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are a key feature, as the campsite is directly accessible from the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath.Biking
The campsite's location along the towpath makes it well-suited for bikers.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Grills are available for campfires at the site. No further information on fire restrictions was provided.
Hazards
General hazardsNon-potable water poses a risk if not treated. Seasonal closures from mid-November to mid-April limit water availability. Mosquito risks are mitigated due to distance from the river, as per user reviews.
Active alertsTowpath closures and detours due to hazardous conditions or maintenance affect accessibility in certain areas, but specific impacts to Pigmans Ferry Campsite are not stated. Alerts related to closures were posted on 6/22/2025.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.8 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
Hagerstown, MD; exact emergency services like hospitals or ranger stations are not detailed in the source materials.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling information is not mentioned, so it is unclear whether these facilities exist at this campsite.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite is near the Potomac River but sufficiently distanced to mitigate mosquito risks. The water provided on-site is non-potable and seasonal.
Common complaintsWhile the site is generally praised for its quietness and being away from train and traffic noise, it lacks potable water and features minimalistic amenities, which may not suit campers seeking advanced facilities.
HostNo campground host is mentioned in the source materials.
Campground Map
Driving directionsMore information is available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/
The campground is located along the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The towpath is accessible, but it is not explicitly stated if roads leading to the area are paved or unpaved. Accessibility may be affected during the mid-November to mid-April period when water is shut off and possibly due to seasonal conditions.Nearby places
Hagerstown, MD
distance and travel times are not explicitly provided in source materials
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campsite is generally well-received, with users emphasizing its quieter location and suitable amenities for hikers and bikers. "Nothing extra special about Pigmans Ferry Campsite, but it does fall into one of my top 5 favorite sites."
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quieter location, away from trains and traffic, and the placement away from the river, which reduces mosquitoes. "Its a pretty good chunk of camp area, also away from river,...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
There are no specific complaints mentioned in the user reviews provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider treating or filtering the water before use, as it is non-potable. The campsite's proximity to the towpath makes it ideal for hikers and bikers.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Water availability is seasonal, turned off from mid-November to mid-April, which could affect usability during colder months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nothing extra special about Pigmans Ferry Campsite, but it does fall into one of my top 5 favorite sites." "Its a pretty good chunk of camp area, also away from river, which helped keep the...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or unique site features beyond the general description are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or user experiences with pets is provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025