Swains Lock Hiker/Biker Campsite

The Hiker/Biker primitive campsites along the C &O Canal trailpath are nearly all convenient and part of the NPS. The porto-potties are nearly all clean and upkept thanks to the considerate user/citizens that use the campsite and NPS servicing. Most of the wells (except the first few near D.C.) are non-potable water which require boiling and/or treatment for drinking. (one or two had non functioning pumps) The pitch have grass but due to the frequent use, can be muddy especially after a rain. I highly recommend a ground/foundation tent sheet. The campsites are 'trash free' so you must carry all your garbage/refuse out with you.The path itself is wonderfully free of vehicles and many bikers (usually going SE/downhill) can be slightly technical with roots, rocks, mud and wildlife (!). but mostly hard packed gravel

What a beautiful, quiet, and small campsite. It’s really tucked in and hidden behind a trail, which means it can be quiet, but also have a lot of foot traffic. There are no more than 8 sites so be sure to get your spot locked in! I LOVE that this is right along the river. It’s also incredibly close to Great Falls, if you want to walk 3.5 miles on the towpath to get there.

This campground is supposed to be for overnight hikers and bikers only but that doesn’t seem to be enforced. It’s a mix of homeless folk, people who parked in the parking lot and walked in, and then a few of the folks who the place was actually designed for. It is posted as having a 1 night limit but that’s not enforced either. Probably best to have a Plan B if you’re actually a hiker or a biker.

This campsite had a day-use area on one side and 5 campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire pit. Not very much available firewood on the ground (quite picked over), but lots across the canal in the wooded area (nearby bridge makes that easy). Beautiful view of river but difficult access (steep banks about 10 feed straight down for most of it). Lovely flocks of merganser ducks and canada geese in late Nov in the morning. 4-5 port-a-potties up by the C&O path, campsite is downhill from it. Try to arrive with some daylight left or else it is difficult to find exactly where the campsites are.

It is so convenient to the road that it is a little to accessible. Other that that it is a beautiful area and sets up for a nice bicycle ride into DC...