Mccoy'S Ferry Campground

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The McCoys Ferry Campground is located at Mile 110.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the towns of Big Pool and Big Spring on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are drive-in, large enough to park a very small fifth wheel/travel trailer/RV/pop-out with a 20' ft. maximum. McCoys Ferry has a tunnel access which limits vehicle height to 10' 3".

The campground has 12 single drive-in campsites. Each single will accommodate up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is one group site available with space for two vehicles and a small trailer or support vehicle less than 20 ft. The group site can accommodate 30 people and has four picnic tables with grill and fire pit. Protected pit toilets and accessible portable toilets are available. Potable hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath. Parking is allowed in the drive-in campsites and the adjacent parking lot for vehicles with trailers.

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

McCoys Ferry has a tunnel access which limits vehicle height to 10' 3".
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.
Please bring ample water if winter, and food as minimal supplies are available if at all in surrounding towns.
Fires are permitted 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.
Check in time is 1:00 p.m. EST and Check out time is 12:00 p.m. EST.
If someone is in your campsite claiming they paid or you have emergencies, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.
Marijuana is illegal on federal property.

Natural Features

Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Ft. Frederick State Park, 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

Fort Frederick State Park is located nearby, a rare pre-Revolution stone fort from the French & Indian War. Living History programming is available weekends in the summer.

Recreation

The most popular activity for McCoys Ferry campers is boating and fishing. 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 Hagerstown: Take I-70W to Exit 18 towards Clear Springs. Make a left onto U.S. Route 40. About a mile later make another left on Martin Street. This road will head out of town for a few miles. Make a right on MD Route 56. Then a few miles later make a left on McCoys Ferry Rd. The road will dead end at the campground after passing under the tunnel.

Available Campsites

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