Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The Marsden Tract Group Campground was built by scouts to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn. The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract.

The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Portable toilets and potable water are located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge (water may not be available during cold winter months). No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Carderock Recreation Area or Angler's Inn are the two closest parking areas. Each is a one-mile walk respectively. There is a footbridge over the towpath off of MacArthur Blvd. near the interesection of Brickyard Rd. This area may be used to off-load gear and be walked down the hill, however overnight parking in this area is not permitted.

Notifications and Alerts

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources implemented a statewide ban on open air burning effective, November 1, 2024, in all Maryland counties. Effective immediately and pursuant to Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, sections 1.5(a), 1.5(a)(1), and 2.13(c); and to maintain consistency with the Maryland order, C&O Canal NHP will align with the state and prohibit campfires and charcoal grilling within all campgrounds, camps sites, and picnic areas. The use of propane stoves and grills remains permitted within park areas, with caution and attention to overhead and surrounding flammable materials.

https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2024/11/01/maryland-department-of-natural-resources-enacts-statewide-burn-ban/

Need to Know

Overnight parking is allowed only at the Carderock Recreation Area and the parking lot across from Angler's Inn.
You may arrive anytime after check-in time regardless of light conditions. There is no campsite host or staff. Just have a copy of your confirmation email available on a phone or printed. If someone is squatting in your campsite and you need law enforcement assistance please call US Park Police - (202) 610-8737
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area.
The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought.
Please observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds. They must be restrained by a 6 ft. leash at all times and their waste must be picked up and taken with the owner.
The park is a 'Trash Free Park' and trashcans are not provided. Trash must be picked up and the area left in a clean condition before the group departs. Bring trash bags.
Swimming and/or wading in the Potomac River or the C&O Canal is extremely dangerous and prohibited by law in this area of the park.
The hand pump well is turned on April 15 - October 31 and located up the towpath and across the bridge towards MacArthur Blvd. Please bring water for use if camping between November 1 - April 14. Portable toilets have been moved and are located near the water pump along MacArthur Blvd.
No rain dates or weather-related refunds.
This is a group facility, if you have 10 people or less we recommend using single site camping in other sections of the park.
Check in time is 1:00 p.m. EST day of reservation and Check out time is 12:00 p.m. EST. the day after reservation. There is no check-in or host procedure.
Marijuana is illegal on federal property.
If someone is in your campsite claiming they paid or you have emergencies, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.

Natural Features

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

Nearby Attractions

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.

Recreation

The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellations

A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer.

Camping and Day Use Facilities

Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window

• Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

• Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

• Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.

Contact Information

Default

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

You may park at either the Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from the Anglers Inn Restaurant. We recommend Carderock as it is slightly closer to walk the towpath to the campsite from there. Search "Billy Goat Trail C - North Parking Lot" on Google Maps for the best directions.

From I-495 in Maryland:
1. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin-9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
From I-495 in Virginia:
1. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock.
2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
From Washington (Georgetown):
1. From the intersection of Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road.
2. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin -9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
Directions from I-270 on reverse side.
From I-270:
1. Take I-270 South toward Washington.
2. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia.
3. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway.
4. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
5. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
6. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
7. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.

Park Emergencies: (866) 677-6677 or 911

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!