Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

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. Hamp pump water is available from April 15-November 1.

Notifications and Alerts

Alcohol is prohibited in C&O Canal NHP campgrounds.

Need to Know

Suggestions: Bring a backup supply of potable water as pump handles may not be in place at all times. Restrooms will be cleaned twice weekly. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, soap and toilet paper as these items have been the subject of theft.
Please bring ample water if winter, and food as minimal supplies are available if at all in surrounding towns.
Fires are permitted in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area. The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought.
Scouts and Large Groups: Please reserve two adjacent sites; check the facility map for numbering.
Please observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds. They must be restrained by a 6 ft. leash at all times and their waste must be picked up and taken with the owner.
The park is a 'Trash Free Park' and trashcans are not provided. Trash must be picked up and the area left in a clean condition before the group departs.
Check in time is 1:00 p.m. EST and Check out time is 12:00 p.m. EST.
Marijuana is illegal on federal property.
If someone is in your campsite claiming they paid or you have emergencies, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.

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 Attractions

Green Ridge State Forest is a local park to continue your adventures. Cumberland is 25 miles west on MD 51.

Recreation

The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

Changes & 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.

Contact Information

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Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD-51 S/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles. Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.

Available Campsites

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