Spring Gap Campground
4.0354 reviewsSpring Gap Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for individual campsites range from $10 during non-peak seasons to $20 in peak seasons. Group sites cost $40 during the peak season and $20 during non-peak season. Additional charges may apply for late cancellations.
Share this campground
Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Nestled at Mile 173.3 along the historic C&O Canal Towpath, Spring Gap Campground beckons adventurers seeking an escape into Maryland's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem embraces the banks of the mighty Potomac River, where 12 intimate drive-in sites and 2 spacious group camping areas offer your perfect basecamp for exploration. Here, the rhythm of the river and the whisper of towering trees create a symphony of tranquility that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Campground accommodations include 12 single drive-in campsites, suitable for tents and small RVs, and 2 group sites that can host up to 30 people each.
Historical SignificanceYour tent stakes touch ground where history runs deep. Spring Gap serves as a gateway to the storied C&O Canal National Historical Park, where the echoes of mule-drawn barges and canal workers still linger. Just a short journey away, the engineering marvel of the Paw Paw Tunnel awaits discovery, while the nostalgic whistle of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad carries tales of America's industrial past through the mountain valleys.
Weather and SeasonsSpring Gap transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to your camping experience. From mid-April through mid-November, the campground comes alive during peak season, when warm days invite riverside adventures and cool evenings are perfect for campfire gatherings. As autumn gives way to winter, the non-peak season unveils a quieter, more contemplative side of the wilderness, where hardy campers can enjoy solitude and crisp mountain air at reduced rates.
ElevationPerched in the rolling highlands of Western Maryland, Spring Gap Campground offers a gentle mountain camping experience where the terrain creates natural privacy between sites and frames stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryWestern Maryland's mountain majesty unfolds in every direction from Spring Gap, where ancient forests meet the ever-flowing Potomac. In autumn, nature stages its grandest performance as hillsides burst into flames of gold, crimson, and amber. Spring brings delicate wildflowers to the forest floor, while summer's green canopy provides blessed shade. The river itself serves as both backdrop and playground, its waters reflecting the changing moods of mountain weather.
Geological RegionSpring Gap rests in a remarkable convergence of natural forces, where Western Maryland's ancient mountains slope down to meet the Potomac River's patient carving through bedrock. This unique landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where forested ridges, river valleys, and the hand-carved canal create a tapestry of natural and human history. The surrounding forests cloak weathered rock formations and shelter diverse ecosystems that thrive in this protected corridor between mountain and river.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe sites can accommodate small RVs/trailers up to 20 ft. or tents. Group sites accommodate up to 30 individuals.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are in close proximity with limited natural barriers, providing minimal privacy.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup sites 9 and 10 are suitable for larger groups and well-situated near the trail. However, campsite 13 has been associated with theft.
Best CampsitesCampsites 1, 2, 8, and 13 are highlighted for their convenience and level ground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights and a total of 30 nights within each year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each non-group site allows up to 8 people. Group sites can accommodate up to 30 people.
Groups
Group sites 9 and 10 can host up to 30 people and allow space for two vehicles. Each group site includes four picnic tables, a fire pit, and a grill.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 12 single sites and 2 group sites. Single sites accommodate vehicles or small RVs, with picnic tables, a fire pit, and a grill.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground opens on April 16th and closes on December 31st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated, but the campground is described as reservable. Details on walk-up availability are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyFor individual sites, a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (within 1 day of check-in) incur an additional charge of the first night’s fee. For group sites, cancellations within 14 days of check-in incur a $10 fee plus the forfeiture of the first night’s fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spring Gap Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The campground features a boat ramp for easy water access and is located along the C&O Canal Towpath for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Spring Gap Campground is located along the C&O Canal Towpath, providing miles of flat and well-maintained trails suitable for hiking and biking.Fishing
Fishing is allowed on the Potomac River, accessible via the campground. A Maryland Fishing License is required for individuals aged 16 or older.Biking
The C&O Canal Towpath offers excellent biking opportunities. One user highlighted a 35-mile round trip from the campground, suitable for both casual and experienced cyclists.Boating
The campground includes a boat ramp for kayaks and canoes. However, some users mentioned difficulty accessing the river due to narrow, unsafe trails.Winter Activities
The campground is open during the winter season, but no specific winter activities are highlighted in the source materials.Water Sports
Apart from kayaking and canoeing, no additional water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings. The cutting of live trees is prohibited, but fallen dead timber may be used as firewood.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include proximity to train tracks and the highway, leading to noise disturbances. Theft has been reported, and visitors should secure belongings.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 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 are not explicitly mentioned. However, as Cumberland is the nearest city (7 miles away), it likely provides access to hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 16 - November 15
Trash and recyclingAs a 'trash-free park,' visitors must carry out all trash generated during their stay and bring their own trash bags.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Potomac River, with a boat ramp providing access for fishing and kayaking.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include significant train and road noise, poorly maintained roads with potholes, and limited or no cell service.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Cumberland, MD: Follow MD-51 S/E Industrial Road for approximately 7 miles. Campground will be directly off 51, on the right side of the road.
The campground is directly accessible off MD-51 and is approximately 7 miles from Cumberland, MD. However, the road into the campsite is described as very rutted with many potholes, making it dangerous for regular cars and bicycles.Nearby places
Cumberland, MD (7 miles)
Nearby supplies
Shops for provisions are located in Cumberland, MD, 7 miles away. Visitors should plan to bring supplies as the campground is described as remote and not near any stores.
Camper Reviews
4.0
54 reviews
Spring Gap Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Spring Gap Campground is described as a scenic and well-maintained location with direct access to the C&O Canal Towpath and Potomac River. However, noise from nearby trains and roads is a recurring concern among reviewers. The campground is appreciated for its affordability and natural beauty, but it lacks advanced amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers often commend the campground for its proximity to outdoor activities such as biking and fishing, cleanliness of the toilet facilities, and scenic views of the Potomac River. 'Perfect place...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints relate to noise from trains and traffic, lack of privacy at campsites, and limited cell service. One user stated, 'If hearing trains and the road is your thing, this is...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs due to train and road noise. Plan to arrive with sufficient supplies, as there are no stores nearby. Carry extra water if visiting outside the April 15 - November 1 season when the...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal seasons for camping due to moderate weather and scenic views. Summer reviews indicate issues with high humidity and insects, while noise-related complaints...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Great place to take a day trip or to stay longer,' remarked one reviewer. Another noted, 'The train sounds are annoying, but the campsite is nice.' A visitor observed, 'Very magical at night during...
Based on 54 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group sites 9 and 10 are praised for their capacity to host larger groups, such as Boy Scouts. Campsite 14 was criticized for lacking a picnic table. Campsite 12 reportedly offers minimal privacy.
Based on 54 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically comment on accessibility features.
Based on 54 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be restrained by a leash at all times. There are no specific reviews highlighting pet-related experiences.
Based on 54 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025