Swains Lock Hiker/Biker Campsite offers a unique opportunity to experience nature while camping along the C&O Canal trailpath. This campsite is part of the National Park Service (NPS) and provides a primitive camping experience with tent-only sites nestled in a quiet, natural setting. Located in Potomac, MD, Swains Lock is a popular stop for hikers and bikers exploring the scenic towpath trails.
The campsite boasts easy access to the Potomac River and is just a 3.5-mile walk from Great Falls, one of the region's most iconic natural attractions. With its small number of sites (no more than 8), Swains Lock offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while being close to popular destinations.
Swains Lock Hiker/Biker Campsite features:
Campers should note that the site is "trash-free," meaning all garbage must be packed out. The surrounding trails are well-maintained but can have technical sections with roots, rocks, and mud, particularly after rain.
Customer feedback highlights Swains Lock's charm as a quiet, tucked-away campsite with easy access to the river and Great Falls. Many visitors appreciate its secluded nature despite being close to popular attractions. The small size of the campsite ensures a more intimate camping experience, but it’s recommended to reserve a spot in advance due to limited availability.
Swains Lock Hiker/Biker Campsite is an excellent choice for those seeking solitude and natural beauty while exploring the C&O Canal trailpath and nearby attractions. Whether you're a hiker or biker, this campsite offers a memorable way to connect with nature.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
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...