Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite
4.067 reviewsTurtle Run 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
There is no fee to stay at this hiker-biker campsite. Reservations are not required.
About this campground
Nestled at mile marker 34.4 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite beckons weary travelers with its rustic charm and riverside tranquility. This free wilderness retreat caters exclusively to those exploring the towpath on foot or two wheels, offering essential amenities including a chemical toilet, picnic table for trail-side meals, and a grill for evening cookouts. A water source is available on-site, though adventurers should come prepared with purification tablets or filters, as treatment is required before drinking. Note that water access hibernates with the cold, shutting off from mid-November through mid-April when frost grips the region.
The Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite is designed for primitive camping targeted towards hikers and bikers on the C&O Canal Towpath. It does not support RVs or group camping.
Historical SignificanceTurtle Run serves as a living gateway to America's industrial past, positioned along the legendary Chesapeake & Ohio Canal that once connected the young nation's eastern ports to its western frontiers. As part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, campers sleep where mule teams once trudged and canal boats carried coal, lumber, and agricultural goods. The towpath beneath your tent has witnessed nearly two centuries of American history, from the canal's ambitious construction in the 1820s through its transformation into one of the country's most beloved long-distance trails.
Weather and SeasonsThe campsite transforms with the seasons, from spring's verdant awakening to autumn's golden display along the towpath. Winter visitors should plan accordingly, as water sources freeze and become unavailable from mid-November to mid-April. During these colder months, the stark beauty of the dormant canal and bare forest creates a different but equally compelling wilderness experience. Summer brings lush canopy coverage and the gentle sounds of the flowing Potomac, while fall paints the surrounding hardwoods in brilliant oranges and reds.
ElevationThe campsite rests at a gentle elevation along the Potomac River valley, where the ancient river has carved its patient path through the Maryland countryside. This riverside positioning offers relatively flat terrain ideal for pitching tents, with the subtle undulations of the landscape providing natural windbreaks and cozy camping spots among the trees.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a cathedral of mixed hardwood forest, Turtle Run offers an intimate woodland experience where towering oaks, maples, and sycamores create a natural amphitheater around your campsite. The mighty Potomac River flows nearby, its waters whispering stories of centuries past while providing a stunning backdrop for morning coffee or evening reflection. The historic canal prism, now often dry or marsh-like, supports a unique ecosystem where great blue herons hunt, deer come to drink, and countless songbirds fill the canopy with their melodies. Wildflowers dot the towpath edges in spring and summer, while the autumn forest floor becomes a carpet of golden leaves.
Geological RegionPositioned within Maryland's Potomac River corridor, Turtle Run occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the ancient Appalachian foothills meet the coastal plain. This Eastern United States landscape showcases millions of years of natural history, from exposed rock formations that tell tales of prehistoric seas to the rich alluvial soils deposited by countless floods. The mixed hardwood forest ecosystem thrives in this temperate zone, supporting diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, and over 200 bird species. The interplay between the river, the human-made canal, and the natural forest creates a unique habitat where history and nature intertwine seamlessly.
Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is not provided.
Sites SizeThe site layout is not specifically detailed, but it accommodates tents and hiker-biker visitors.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about site privacy are provided.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers suggest avoiding low spots that may collect water during wet conditions.
Best CampsitesThere is only one campsite available at Turtle Run.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Walk-in access only
- check-in time not applicable.
Check-out
- Walk-in access only
- check-out time not applicable.
Stay Limit
Overnight stays are limited to one night.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle campsite including a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water source.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campsite is open year-round, but water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campsite operates on a walk-up basis. Reservations are not required.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation is required, hence cancellation policy does not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
This site is primarily used as a stopover for hiker-biker campers along the towpath. Activities such as hiking and biking are prominent due to the site's location on the C&O Canal Towpath.
Hiking
The campsite is located directly on the C&O Canal Towpath, offering easy access to this historic and scenic trail for both hiking and biking.Biking
The towpath is a popular route for bikers, making the campsite a convenient stopover.Winter Activities
Winter camping may be challenging as the water supply is turned off from mid-November to mid-April.Water Sports
Water sports are not supported at this location as the water is non-potable and swimming is prohibited.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated grills.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWater at the campsite is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before use. Low spots may collect water during wet conditions.
Active alertsScheduled closures at other points along the C&O Canal Towpath may affect accessibility.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 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
Emergency services can be contacted at (866) 677-6677 or 911.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash as there are no trash or recycling facilities provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite is adjacent to the Potomac River and the C&O Canal Towpath.
Common complaintsWater is non-potable and requires treatment before use. Some users have mentioned low spots that can collect water during wet conditions.
HostNo campsite host is available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections are available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
The Turtle Run campsite is accessible via the C&O Canal Towpath. While detailed driving directions are not provided, the towpath is typically suitable for hikers and bikers. It is recommended to review the NPS website for specific road access details.Nearby places
Poolesville, MD is the closest city.
Nearby supplies
Closest supply details are not provided for this specific campsite.
Camper Reviews
4.1
7 reviews
Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's convenience for hikers and bikers on the towpath but also emphasize its minimal amenities. Some users appreciated its maintenance, while others noted challenges such as sloping ground and low spots during wet weather.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
"One of the best campsites on the C&O," remarked a user, appreciating its location and maintenance.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Many users pointed out that the water is non-potable and the site can become muddy during rain. A reviewer stated, "Watch out for the low spots if it is wet at all or might rain."
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water and to avoid the campsite during heavy rain due to low-lying areas that can become muddy.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campsite is more pleasant during dry weather and warmer months when the water supply is available.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
'One of the best campsites on the C&O,' 'Nice campsite but watch out for the low spots if it is wet at all or might rain,' and 'Barely survived 2 days' provide a spectrum of opinions highlighting...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There is only one campsite, and users mentioned it has a slope but enough level spots for tents. It is well-maintained overall.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions or reviews about pet policies at this site were found.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025