Located between the Carderock Recreation Area and Angler’s Inn at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, the Marsden Tract Campground is a group campsite south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. Each of the three group campsites at the campground have the capacity to hold up to 30 campers. The following amenities are included at each campsite: accessible grills, lantern posts, portable toilets, campfire rings, water (seasonal), and drinking water (peak seasonal). Campers may park in the parking lots of the Carderock Recreation Area and then proceed to commute to the campground on foot along the towpath.

Marsden Tract campers will enjoy fishing, biking, rock climbing, and hiking many woodland trails. If visitors are looking for a challenging hike, they may aim to travel the three sections (A, B, and C) of the Billy Goat Trail. Campers with a Maryland fishing license can fish in the C&O Canal or Potomac River. Those looking to explore nearby attractions will discover the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., 14 miles outside of the campground, where they may visit the Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, Capitol, White House, and several other tourist attractions.

Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.

Please visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s website for detailed camping information, or you can call 301-739-4200 with any questions. Site reservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website.