Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite

For those of us in Maryland who love to explore our state's rich history and natural landscapes on foot or by bike, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is an absolute treasure. Along its historic towpath, you’ll find a series of unique, primitive campsites designed specifically for adventurers like us. Among these is the Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite in Big Pool, a practical and welcoming stop for anyone embarking on a long-distance journey or simply seeking a rustic overnight experience.

This isn't your typical RV park with all the bells and whistles; rather, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite offers a back-to-basics camping experience, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency. It's an integral part of the C&O Canal's extensive network of overnight stops, providing a convenient and free place to rest after a day of cycling or hiking. The camp embraces the ethos of minimal impact camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings that define this historic corridor.

As locals, we understand the appeal of getting out into nature, and the C&O Canal provides an unparalleled opportunity to do just that. Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite, situated at milepost 116.0, is designed to support multi-day adventures along the towpath. It offers essential amenities while encouraging campers to be prepared and self-reliant, reflecting the true spirit of outdoor exploration. It's a testament to Maryland's commitment to preserving its natural and historical assets for public enjoyment, providing accessible and free overnight options for those who embrace the journey.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is situated at Milepost 116.0 on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, near Big Pool, MD 21711, USA. Its location is intrinsically linked to the towpath itself, meaning direct vehicle access to the campsite is not available. This is a deliberate design choice, emphasizing its role as a primitive, hike-in or bike-in facility for long-distance trekkers and cyclists.

For those arriving by car, parking is typically available at various access points along the C&O Canal, from which you would then cycle or walk to the campsite. For example, nearby Fort Frederick State Park or areas around Big Pool may offer parking options, requiring a subsequent journey along the towpath to reach Licking Creek. This makes the campsite a true destination for adventurers who are prepared to carry their gear and enjoy the journey itself.

One notable aspect of its accessibility, as highlighted by reviews, is the presence of a "pretty steep hill that you have to go up and down to get to the site." While challenging for fully loaded bikes, this incline adds to the site's privacy, setting it slightly apart from the main trail. Despite its rustic and remote feel, the campsite is relatively close to Interstate 70, which provides some background noise but also indicates its general proximity to major transportation arteries in Maryland. This blend of natural seclusion and strategic location on a major trail system makes Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite a convenient and compelling stop for those exploring the C&O Canal.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite, like other similar sites along the C&O Canal Towpath, offers essential primitive services designed to support hikers and bikers on their journeys. These facilities are kept basic to maintain the natural integrity of the park and to encourage self-sufficiency among campers.

• Chemical Toilet: Each site is equipped with a chemical toilet (often referred to as a "Jiffy John" or "Porta Pot"), providing basic restroom facilities. These are maintained by the National Park Service.
• Water Pump: A hand pump is available at the campsite for water. It is important to note, as highlighted in reviews and official park information, that this water is typically "non-potable." This means it is not treated and is not safe for drinking or cooking without further treatment. Campers are strongly advised to filter, chemically treat (e.g., with iodine tablets), or boil the water before consumption. Water is generally turned off from mid-November to mid-April due to freezing temperatures.
• Picnic Table: Each designated site includes a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for preparing meals, eating, or planning your next day's route.
• Grill: A metal grill is provided at each site, suitable for cooking over a campfire or charcoal. Fires are restricted to these designated grills.
• Large Grass Area: The campsite features a generous grass area, providing ample space for setting up tents and spreading out gear.
• Privacy from the Trail: Despite being an open area, the site is designed to offer a good degree of privacy from the main towpath, allowing campers a sense of seclusion.
• First-Come, First-Served: These campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are required or accepted.
• No Fee: Use of Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is free of charge.
• One-Night Limit: Stays are typically limited to one night per site, per trip, to ensure availability for other passing adventurers.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite, though primitive, offers several key features and highlights that make it a notable stop for those exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. Its strengths lie in its strategic location and the core provisions it offers to long-distance travelers.

• Strategic Location on C&O Canal Towpath: Positioned at milepost 116.0, it's one of a series of campsites spaced approximately every 5-7 miles, providing essential and predictable resting points for multi-day cycling or hiking trips along the entire 184.5-mile canal.
• Free Camping: As a federally run campsite within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, there is no fee for its use, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option for adventurers.
• Ample Space with Privacy: Despite being an open grass area, reviews indicate it's "on the larger side" with "a lot of privacy from the trail," thanks to surrounding trees and the slight elevation, providing a comfortable and secluded feel.
• Essential Basic Amenities: The provision of a chemical toilet, water pump (non-potable), picnic table, and grill covers the fundamental needs for primitive overnight camping, allowing travelers to pack lighter for basic necessities.
• Proximity to Licking Creek Aqueduct: The campsite is near the historic Licking Creek Aqueduct, one of the nine stone aqueducts built between 1835-1839 to carry the C&O Canal over tributaries. This offers a point of historical interest for campers.
• Immersion in Nature: Surrounded by trees and the natural environment of the C&O Canal corridor, the site provides a true outdoor experience, away from developed areas.
• Suitable for Self-Reliant Campers: The primitive nature of the site means it appeals to experienced hikers and bikers who are comfortable with self-sufficiency and carrying their own purification methods for water.
• Accessibility from the Towpath: While there's a "pretty steep hill" to navigate, its direct access from the C&O Canal Towpath makes it incredibly convenient for those already on the trail.
• Part of a Larger Network: Being one of many hiker-biker campsites, it integrates into a comprehensive system that supports multi-day adventures, allowing for planned itineraries from Georgetown to Cumberland.

As a primitive campsite, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite does not have a dedicated phone number for reservations or direct contact, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It is part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park system.

Address: Big Pool, MD 21711, USA (specifically at C&O Canal Towpath Milepost 116.0)

For general inquiries about the C&O Canal National Historical Park and its primitive campsites, you may contact the park directly. However, for Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite itself, it's about being prepared for a self-sufficient stay.

General Park Information (not specific to this campsite): (301) 739-4200 (C&O Canal National Historical Park)

For us Marylanders who cherish our state's historical trails and natural beauty, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is an excellent example of accessible, authentic outdoor adventure right in our own backyard. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique offering within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, a landmark that many of us frequently visit or aspire to explore more deeply.

Firstly, it embodies the spirit of self-reliant outdoor recreation, which appeals to many Marylanders who enjoy hiking, biking, and connecting with nature on a deeper level. The fact that it's a free, first-come, first-served site means it offers an unpretentious and readily available option for a night under the stars, perfect for spontaneous trips or as part of a planned multi-day journey along the C&O. We appreciate the simplicity – a chemical toilet, a water pump (with the understanding of needing purification), a picnic table, and a grill – which are all the essentials needed for a genuine primitive camping experience.

While the "noise from I-70" is noted, many locals understand that a trade-off often exists between deep wilderness seclusion and convenient access. The privacy offered by the site and its large grassy area, along with the beautiful surroundings of the C&O Canal and the Licking Creek Aqueduct, generally outweigh this minor drawback. For Marylanders looking to embark on a quintessential C&O Canal adventure, whether for a weekend or a longer trip, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite provides a practical, enjoyable, and genuinely local way to experience our state's rich history and stunning natural landscapes.