Campground

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Facilities

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.

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.

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.

Recreation Sites

  • Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Biking

Amenities

  • Drinking Water (Peak Season)
  • Parking Area
  • Portable Toilets
  • Lantern Pole
  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
  • Grills/Fire Ring
  • BBQ
  • Quiet Area
  • Grills
  • Lantern Posts

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.

Getting Here

Latitude
38° 58' 43.2401" N
Longitude
77° 12' 57.8599" W

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

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.

  • Additional Information