Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite
02 reviewsnull
Stickpile Hill 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 campground is fee-free, as explicitly stated. "No fee charged."
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 149.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite beckons weary travelers with its promise of simple pleasures and peaceful nights under the stars. This fee-free wilderness retreat strips camping down to its essentials, offering adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world. Your riverside sanctuary comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables for evening meals, grills for campfire cooking, and basic facilities including chemical toilets. While water is available on-site, it's treated with iodine, so seasoned campers know to pack their purification tablets for that extra peace of mind.
Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is a primitive camping facility designed for hikers and bikers traveling along the canal towpath.
Historical SignificanceYour tent sits on storied ground within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where the echoes of 19th-century commerce still resonate along the towpath. Once a vital artery of transportation and trade, this historic waterway carried the dreams and goods of a young nation. Today, cyclists and hikers follow the same route that mule-drawn boats once traveled, connecting modern adventurers to the pioneering spirit of America's canal era.
Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own character to your outdoor experience. From mid-November through mid-April, the water supply hibernates along with much of the local wildlife, reminding visitors to pack extra water during these months. Winter adventurers will discover a crystalline landscape where moderate winds whisper through bare branches and temperatures plunge into genuinely cold territory—perfect for those who relish the stark beauty of a frosty morning by the canal.
ElevationThe gentle terrain at Stickpile Hill offers an accessible camping experience, with the site positioned at a comfortable elevation that welcomes hikers and bikers of all skill levels along the famously flat towpath.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering sycamores spread their distinctive mottled branches overhead, creating a natural cathedral alongside sturdy black walnut trees and flourishing boxelders. This verdant canopy frames your camping experience, offering dappled shade by day and a rustling lullaby by night. The campsite's prime location along the Potomac River means you'll wake to misty mornings over the water and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of one of America's most storied waterways flowing past your tent.
Geological RegionStickpile Hill rests in the embrace of the ancient Appalachian region, where millions of years of geological history have sculpted a landscape of rolling forests and river valleys. The campground serves as your gateway to this timeless terrain, where the C&O Canal Towpath threads between weathered ridges and the patient Potomac, offering glimpses into the natural forces that shaped the Eastern United States.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campsite.
Sites SizeThe site sizes are not specifically described, but they are primarily intended for hikers and bikers.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level of the sites is not detailed in the materials provided.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCarry water purification tablets due to iodine-treated water. Early arrival is advised due to limited space.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are ranked or highlighted as superior.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSimple and compact, the site accommodates a few tents.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year. This may affect usability during the cold season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not possible; this site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only; operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation is required, so cancellation rules do not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is geared towards hikers and bikers transiting the C&O Canal Towpath. Activities such as hiking and biking are primary recreational options due to the access to the towpath.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in established fire rings. Fallen dead timber may be used for firewood, but live growth cutting is strictly prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated, but typical quiet hours in the park range between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWater treated with iodine is available, but users are advised to carry purification tablets. Wildlife hazards, including ticks and potentially venomous snakes, should be considered in a forested environment.
Active alertsMultiple closures and detours are listed for the larger park. Specific points of interest might be inaccessible.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
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
Emergency services can be contacted via the National Capital Region Communications Center at (866) 677-6677 or 911.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates are mentioned, but water is turned on seasonally from April 15 to November 15.
Trash and recyclingThe campsite does not provide trash cans, as the park follows a 'Trash Free Park' policy. Campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe site is near the Potomac River, though swimming is prohibited.
Common complaints"Not a huge place. Maybe room for 4 to 6 tents," as one user review notes.
HostNo campsite host is noted.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsDetails about driving directions are available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
The accessibility to this campground requires navigating the C&O Canal Towpath. Users should be prepared for uneven terrain, and it appears that vehicle access is not directly available.Nearby places
Little Orleans, MD is the nearest city
other nearby population centers are not provided.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Overnight Campsite is a less-visited camping facility noted for its remote and minimalist setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the availability of basic amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and water, though the latter is treated with iodine.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users have noted the limited space available, with one review mentioning, 'Not a huge place. Maybe room for 4 to 6 tents.' Another review highlights the campsite's remoteness: 'Nice campsite,...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring water purification tablets and to be prepared for self-sufficiency, as the site lacks potable water during specific months and does not provide trash facilities.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campsite is seasonal, with water turned off between November 15 and April 15. This limits its usability during the winter months.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Nice campsite, very remote. Plenty of sycamores, black walnut trees, and boxelders.' - 'Not a huge place. Maybe room for 4 to 6 tents.'
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
There were no accessibility-specific reviews available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There were no reviews specifically mentioning pets.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025