Spring Gap Campground

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The Spring Gap Campground is located at Mile 173.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath, near the city of Cumberland on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

Spring Gap Campground offers 12 single drive-in campsites and two drive-in group sites. Campsites 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13 can fit a single vehicle (i.e., car/pickup/van). Campsites 3-7, 12, 14 can fit a small 20 ft. or less RV/trailer/pop-up. Single sites can accommodate up to eight people. Each single has a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Campsites 9 and 10 are group sites capable of holding 30 people each. The group site has room for two vehicles. The group site has four picnic tables, a fire pit and grill. Pit and portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1.

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

Suggestions: Bring a backup supply of potable water as pump handles may not be in place at all times. Restrooms will be cleaned twice weekly. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, soap and toilet paper as these items have been the subject of theft.
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.
Fires are permitted only in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area.
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.
The hand pump well is turned on April 15 - October 31. Please bring water for use if camping between November 1 - April 14.
If someone is in your campsite claiming they paid or you have emergencies, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.
Check in time is 1:00 p.m. EST and Check out time is 12:00 p.m. EST.
Marijuana is illegal on federal property.

Natural Features

Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Cumberland, MD, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year but, especially during autumn.

Nearby Attractions

Cumberland, MD, has a C&O Canal National Historical Park visitor center open seven days a week, the Allegany Museum, Gordon-Roberts House, Gilchrist Gallery and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

Recreation

The most popular activities for Spring Gap campers are hiking the local trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, and kayaking or canoeing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and fisherman alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.

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

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Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD-51 S/E Industrial Road for approximately 7 miles. Campground will be directly off 51, on the right side of the road.

Available Campsites

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