- Pine Cliff Resort
- Campgrounds & RV Parks
- Maryland
- Allegany County
- Oldtown
- Campgrounds & RV Parks in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath
- Potomac Forks Campsite
Potomac Forks Campsite Introduce
Potomac Forks Campsite is a charming and secluded camping destination located along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath in Oldtown, Maryland. Nestled within the scenic landscape of the C&O Canal, this campsite offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying access to historical sites and outdoor activities.
The campsite provides a rustic yet functional environment for travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Whether you're biking along the towpath, hiking through the nearby trails, or simply looking for a peaceful place to unwind, Potomac Forks Campsite offers a perfect blend of nature and convenience.
### Services and Amenities
- Camping Areas: The campsite features designated areas for tent camping, including flat spots and spaces suitable for hammocks. The site is small but well-maintained, offering enough space for a comfortable stay without feeling crowded.
- Toilet Facilities: A porta-john is available on-site, ensuring basic hygiene needs are met.
- Water Source: A water pump provides access to drinking water for campers.
- Picnic Area: Perfect for a break during your journey or a quick meal, the picnic area offers shaded spots and scenic views of the canal.
### Characteristics
- Historical Setting: As part of the C&O Canal, Potomac Forks Campsite is steeped in history. The Lockmaster's house nearby adds to the historical charm of the area.
- Scenic Views: Located along the canal, the campsite offers picturesque views of the waterway and surrounding nature.
- Wildlife: Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse wildlife in the area, including birds, small mammals, and fish in the canal.
### Customer Feedback
Customers who have stayed at Potomac Forks Campsite often highlight its charm and convenience for cyclists and hikers. Many appreciate the proximity to the towpath and the opportunities for outdoor activities. However, some visitors note the steep hill leading to the camping area, which can be challenging for those traveling with heavy loads. Additionally, the occasional noise from trains crossing the nearby tracks has been mentioned as a minor inconvenience by a few guests.
One visitor shared their experience of stopping for lunch and avoiding an overnight stay due to the difficulty of reaching the camping area with a loaded bike. Another guest described it as a great spot to spend the night after a long hike, appreciating the flat tent areas and hammock sites but noting the train noise kept some guests awake.
Overall, Potomac Forks Campsite is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Its small size and rustic charm make it ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying access to historical sites and outdoor activities.
Location
MarylandAllegany CountyOldtownChesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath
Customer Reviews
I had lunch at Potomac Forks in the fall of 2024 as part of a long distance bike trip. I avoided staying here on another occasion. It is a very interesting site and probably nice if you don't have heavily loaded bike. The camping area is on the other side of the canal from the trail and you have to get up a pretty steep hill that I was unable to do without help. The hill is not long but was too hard for me to push my bike up alone. Nice place for lunch and probably would make a nice campsite if you can get to it. The camping area is not large, probably one of the smaller on the C&O.
A great place to spend the night after a long ride or backpacking trek. There were two different flat areas for tents, an area to hang hammocks between trees into the woods behind the Lockmaster's house, a porta-john and a water pump. The only downfall would be the trains running the tracks across the river all night. I slept through them, but the two guys I was hiking with said they were up 6-8 times throughout the night because of them.
One of many lock keepers houses on C&O Canal Towpath. Some are in better condition. But thankfully they're still here. Campsite is great.
Nice secluded area.
Best site on the C&O Canal,
Is this a cool campsite? Yes! Beautiful and eerie in the best way? Absolutely! Is it good for sleeping? Not really — loud trains come through every few hours. Even with earplugs in, the horns woke me up. While I love trains they are loud and not condos I’ve to deep sleep haha. Maybe have lunch here or chill for a bit, but I’d recommend sleeping somewhere else.
Nice walk along the C&O Canal. Not far from the confluence of the North and South branches of the Potomac River. You just have to take a “side trail” and peek though the trees.
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