This is a great camping trip because of the “hiker-biker” campsites along the C&O canal and the primitive camping at several points along the GAP. These trailside sites offer primitive camping (pump, chemical toilet, picnic table) shared with other hikers and bikers. They are located about every 5 to 10 miles from Swains Lock (C&O 16.7) to Cumberland (C&O 184.5) and at a few locations on the GAP. Water is from wells; at the Hiker-Biker sites, if the weekly test is suspect the NPS removes the pump handle, so carry plenty of water. These campsites are not accessible by car. Do not plan to use them unless you’re carrying all your camping gear on your bikes. If you have more than 6-8 people or 4 tents in your party, don’t count on using C&O Hiker-Bikers.
There are also car-accessible sites. The C&O canal offers primitive drive-in and walk-in sites (some without water). The walk-in sites are close to parking areas. In addition to the C&O sites, there are public campgrounds at Ft Frederick (C&O 112) and Confluence (Yough Dam Outflow, GAP 62). Several commercial campgrounds are located near the trail. Get directions to the campground when you make reservations. Be sure to ask for directions for biking from the trail, not for driving directions from the highway.
Our focus is on self-supported camping; these campgrounds are within easy biking distance of the trail (or the winter Savage Tunnel detour). Some are seasonal, others may be temporarily closed, so check on availability while you”re planning. Campsites marked “primitive, no cars” have no automobile access; these are for self-contained touring only. Numerous other campgrounds offer facilities for people who’re driving, but our emphasis here is on self-supported camping. We are not personally familiar with most of the campgrounds. We present this information as a service; it is not a review or recommendation.
| trail MP | Distance | Name | Type | Phone | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C&O 169.2 fix milepost | on Trail |
service map  Pigmans Ferry Hiker Biker | Primitive | 301 739-4200 | |||||
| C&O 173.3 fix milepost | 384 ft |
service map Spring Gap Hiker Biker | Comm | ||||||
| C&O 175.3 fix milepost | on Trail |
service map Irons Mountain Campsite | Comm | 301 739-4200 | |||||
| C&O 179.9 fix milepost | on Trail |
service map Evitts Creek Campsite | Comm | ||||||
| C&O 182.8 fix milepost | 0.7 mi |
service map Rivers edge campground on the Potomac | Comm | ||||||
| C&O 182.8 fix milepost | 3.1 mi |
service map Rivers Edge on the Potomac Campground | Comm | ||||||
| C&O 183.4 fix milepost | near Trail |
service map (1) HILLCREST RIVER CAMPGROUND (2) CANAL TUNNEL RIVER CAMPGROUND | Comm | 301 777-3472 | |||||
| C&O 185.0 fix milepost | 2.8 mi |
service map Hillcrest campground area 1 | Comm | 301 707-7098 | |||||
| C&O 185.0 fix milepost | 6.2 mi |
service map Union Grove Campground | Comm | 301 777-0024 | |||||
| GAP 0.1 fix milepost | 1.1 mi |
service map Cumberland YMCA (Riverside) (train noise) | Comm | 301 777-9622 | |||||
| GAP 14.5 fix milepost | 6.5 mi |
service map Indian Creek Camplands Inc | Comm | 724 455-7900 | |||||
| GAP 15.5 fix milepost | near Trail |
service map Trail Inn Lodging & Campground | Comm | 301 689-6466 | |||||
| GAP 15.5 fix milepost | 9.5 mi |
service map Dan's Mountain Campground | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 20.6 fix milepost | 3.3 mi |
service map Mason-Dixon Campground | Comm | 814 634-5982 | |||||
| GAP 31.9 fix milepost | 0.4 mi |
service map Festival Park Campground | Comm | 814 634-0213 | |||||
| GAP 36.6 fix milepost | 9.3 mi |
service map Forbes State Forest Motorized Site 6 | Comm | 724 238-1200 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 2.4 mi |
service map Paddler's Lane Retreat | Comm | 814 964-0410 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 2.4 mi |
service map Paddler's Lane Campground | Comm | 814 964-0410 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 2.8 mi |
service map Scottyland | Comm | 814 926-3200 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 3.5 mi |
service map Posey Corners Campground | Comm | 814 442-1281 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 3.8 mi |
service map Camp T. Frank Soles | Unkown | 412 213-5321 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 4.7 mi |
service map Hickory Hollow Campground | Comm | 814 926-4636 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 5.4 mi |
service map Lost Mountain Campground | Comm | 814 352-7310 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 6.6 mi |
service map Laurel Hill State Park Campground | Comm | 814 445-7725 | |||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 7.3 mi |
service map Laurel Hill State Park, Group Camp 1 | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 61.3 fix milepost | 8.0 mi |
service map Camp Ground | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 61.4 fix milepost | 489 ft |
service map Outflow Campground | Comm | 814 395-3944 | |||||
| GAP 61.4 fix milepost | 8.2 mi |
service map Somerfield Beach Campground (seasonal - no weekly / weekend rentals) | Comm | 814 395-3528 | |||||
| GAP 61.5 fix milepost | 0.3 mi |
service map Wendy World Campground | Comm | 814 395-2474 | |||||
| GAP 61.5 fix milepost | 5.1 mi |
service map Yough Lake Campground | Comm | 800 472-3846 | |||||
| GAP 71.9 fix milepost | 5.7 mi |
service map Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground | Comm | 724 329-4097 | |||||
| GAP 71.9 fix milepost | 8.6 mi |
service map Tall Oaks Campground | Comm | 724 329-4777 | |||||
| GAP 71.9 fix milepost | 8.7 mi |
service map Conservatory Tent | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 72.1 fix milepost | 2.4 mi |
service map Scarlett Knob Campground Inc | Comm | 724 329-5200 | |||||
| GAP 89.0 fix milepost | 10.0 mi |
service map Mill Run Recreation Area | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 89.4 fix milepost | on Trail |
service map Stewart's Crossing Campground & Adirondack Shelters | Primitive | ||||||
| GAP 92.2 fix milepost | 479 ft |
service map Uniontown / Adelaide KOA Campground | Comm | 724 628-4880 | |||||
| GAP 92.2 fix milepost | 0.1 mi |
service map The Blue Canoe RV Resort | Comm | 724 628-4880 | |||||
| GAP 99.6 fix milepost | on Trail |
service map RoundBottom hiker-biker Campground | Primitive | 724 872-5586 | |||||
| GAP 110.2 fix milepost | on Trail |
service map Cedar Creek Trekker Campground | Comm | 724-830-3000 | |||||
| GAP 110.3 fix milepost | 223 ft |
service map Cedar Creek Park Scout Camping Area | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 114.1 fix milepost | 7.0 mi |
service map Madison / Pittsburgh S.E. KOA Journey | Comm | 724 722-4444 | |||||
| GAP 114.3 fix milepost | 0.3 mi |
service map Gap Trail Campground LLC | Comm | ||||||
| GAP 122.4 fix milepost | near Trail |
service map Dravo's Landing Camping Area | Primitive | 724-872-5586 | |||||
| GAP 122.4 fix milepost | 194 ft |
service map Queen Aliquippa Camp | Comm |