Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite
The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, across from the town of Paw Paw in West Virginia. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
More like this: reservable in Maryland · tent only in Maryland · pets allowed in Maryland
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗



Site mix
| Tent-only | 10 |
Site guide
10 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 002 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 003 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 004 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 005 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 006 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 007 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 008 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 009 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes | Standard |
| 010 | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | 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 |
There are 10 single campsites, each has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each site can accommodate eight people. If there is a larger group, reserve two sites next to each other. Portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available from April 15-November 1.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles (39 km). Paw Paw Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.
| Nearest town | Williamsport, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39.5416° N, 78.4597° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window • Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. • Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. • Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 5.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Trail Depot ↗ | 14 mi |
| RV sales & service | Bear Creek RV ↗ | 56.4 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Paw Paw Tunnel campground review in WV off the C&O Canal.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Senator P. E. Nixon HouseBuilding · Paw Paw · 0.5 mi
- Paw Paw Old Mayor's Office and JailBuilding · Paw Paw · 0.5 mi
- Saint Charles Catholic Mission ChurchBuilding · Paw Paw · 0.5 mi
Natural features
Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year, but especially during autumn.
Nearby
Continue your adventures at Green Ridge State Forest! The city of Cumberland, MD is just 25 miles (40 km) west on MD Route 51.
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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Sites at Paw Paw Tunnel 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
What does it cost to cancel a reservation at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
Source: Charges and cancellations
How many sites does Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite have?
10 sites, including 10 tent-only sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Yes, pets are allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
FCC coverage maps show T-Mobile 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is the nearest town to Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Williamsport, Maryland. Continue your adventures at Green Ridge State Forest!
Source: Getting there
What if Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite (0.5 mi, first-come), Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite (2.1 mi, first-come), and Town Creek Hiker-Biker Overnight (Hbo) Campsite (4.4 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite in?
Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is a Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.


