Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Scouts built the Marsden Tract Group Campground to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and the historic Old Anglers Inn (private). The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
More like this: reservable in Maryland · tent only in Maryland · pets allowed in Maryland · group sites in Maryland
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group tent areas | 6 |
Site guide
6 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Partial | Riverfront | 30 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 002 | Partial | Riverfront | 30 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 003 | Partial | Riverfront | 30 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 004 | Partial | Riverfront | 30 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 005 | Partial | Riverfront | 30 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 006 | Partial | Riverfront | 30 / – | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Potable water is located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge heading towards MacArthur Blvd (water may not be available during cold winter months). Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Carderock Recreation Area or Angler's Inn are the two closest parking areas. Each is a one-mile walk respectively. There are flush toilets located at the Angler's parking area. There is a temporary stopping area on MacArthur Blvd near the intersection of Brickyard Rd.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
You may park at either the Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from the Anglers Inn Restaurant. We recommend Carderock as it is slightly closer to walk the towpath to the campsite from there. Search "Billy Goat Trail C - North Parking Lot" on Google Maps for the best directions. From I-495 in Maryland: 1.
| Nearest town | Williamsport, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 38.9787° N, 77.2161° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- This area may be used to off-load gear and be walked down the hill, however overnight parking in this area is not permitted.
Charges and cancellations
No rain dates or weather-related refunds.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | REI ↗ | 4.2 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 5.8 mi |
| RV sales & service | RV sales & service ↗ | 30.5 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Worth a stop
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles (22.5 km) outside of Washington, D.C. providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.
- 2.3 mi
- 9.8 miGeorgetown Visitor Center ↗Visitor center
- 13.3 mi
Other campgrounds nearby
Historic landmarks nearby
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Natural features
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.
Recreation
The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Guidebooks for Maryland
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
Sites at Marsden Tract Group Campsite are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Marsden Tract Group Campsite have?
6 sites, including 6 group tent areas.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
There are flush toilets located at the Angler's parking area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
Yes, pets are allowed at Marsden Tract Group Campsite. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE and AT&T 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Marsden Tract Group Campsite?
Williamsport, Maryland. Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles (22.5 km) outside of Washington, D.C.
Source: Getting there
What if Marsden Tract Group Campsite is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite (3.9 mi, first-come), Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite (11.6 mi, first-come), and Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite (16.2 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is Marsden Tract Group Campsite in?
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is a Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.