Marsden Tract Group Campground sites 4 5 6

For Maryland's active groups, from scout troops and youth organizations to large families and friends seeking a shared outdoor experience, the Marsden Tract Group Campground (specifically sites 4, 5, and 6) offers an exceptional opportunity. Located within the scenic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) National Historical Park near Potomac, this campground is a dedicated space designed to accommodate larger parties who wish to immerse themselves in nature and history. Unlike individual campsites, Marsden Tract provides ample room and specific amenities tailored for group gatherings, making it an ideal choice for fostering camaraderie and creating lasting collective memories in the heart of Maryland's diverse landscapes.

The unique appeal of Marsden Tract lies in its blend of rustic simplicity and strategic location. While it offers basic amenities, it ensures that your group can enjoy a genuine camping experience without the crowds often found at larger, more developed campgrounds. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the iconic C&O Canal Towpath and the stunning natural features of the Potomac River corridor. This particular section of the C&O Canal is renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making Marsden Tract a highly sought-after destination for those who value outdoor adventure with their chosen companions.

Whether your group is planning a multi-day hike or bike trip along the C&O Canal, or simply looking for a convenient and beautiful spot for a weekend gathering, Marsden Tract Group Campground provides the perfect setting. It encourages unplugging from daily distractions and reconnecting with nature and each other, all within the protected and historic environment of a National Historical Park. For Maryland locals, it represents an accessible and enriching way to experience the state's natural treasures through a shared adventure.

Marsden Tract Group Campground is strategically positioned at Mile 11.5 of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, near Potomac, MD 20854, USA. This central location within the C&O Canal National Historical Park places it between two popular access points: the Carderock Recreation Area and Angler's Inn. Its setting between the historic canal and the Potomac River provides a picturesque backdrop for any group camping trip.

Accessibility to Marsden Tract is primarily by foot or bicycle via the C&O Canal Towpath. Vehicle traffic is not permitted directly on the towpath. However, the closest parking areas are located at the Carderock Recreation Area and across from Angler's Inn, both approximately one mile (1.6 km) walking distance from the campsites. There is also a temporary stopping area on MacArthur Blvd near the intersection of Brickyard Rd, which can be used for off-loading gear, though overnight parking here is prohibited. This semi-remote access contributes to the campground's quiet and natural ambiance, ensuring a more authentic outdoor experience. Despite the short walk from parking, its proximity to major suburban areas of Montgomery County and Washington D.C. (approximately 14 miles away) makes it remarkably convenient for Maryland residents to reach for a memorable group outing. The well-maintained towpath ensures a relatively easy journey to the campsites for all members of your group.

Services Offered (Specific to Marsden Tract Group Campground):

• Six group campsites in total (sites 4, 5, and 6 are part of this), each accommodating up to 30 campers.
• Each campsite includes multiple picnic tables suitable for large groups.
• Each campsite features a campfire ring for cooking and evening gatherings (fires permitted only in established rings).
• Portable toilets (porta-potties) are located between group campsite #1 and group campsite #2, and are regularly maintained.
• Potable water available via a hand pump located a short walk up the towpath and across a footbridge. Please note: water is typically available from April 15 - October 31 and is turned off during colder months (mid-November to mid-April). Users are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil water before consumption, and to bring their own water supply if camping outside the peak season.
• Accessible grills at each campsite.
• Lantern posts at each campsite.
• First-come, first-served basis for primitive sites, but Marsden Tract Group Campsites (including 4, 5, 6) are reservable online via Recreation.gov.
• Overnight stays are limited to one night per site.
• No RV hookups; sites are tent-only and accessible by foot.
• Trash Free Park: Visitors must pack out all trash, as no trash cans are provided.
• Pets are allowed but must be on a 6-ft leash at all times, and pet waste must be picked up and removed.

Features / Highlights (Specific to Marsden Tract Group Campground):

• Ideal for large groups: specifically designed to accommodate up to 30 people per site, perfect for scout troops, school groups, family reunions, or large friend gatherings.
• Direct access to the C&O Canal Towpath: unparalleled convenience for multi-day hiking and biking trips.
• Scenic riverside setting: nestled between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River, offering tranquil views and sounds of nature.
• Proximity to Great Falls Park: located just south of the stunning Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge, which are accessible via a relatively short hike or bike ride.
• Rustic and natural environment: provides a true outdoor camping experience away from developed amenities.
• Free camping during non-peak season, with a reasonable fee during peak season (reservations required for group sites).
• Opportunity for challenging hikes: direct access to the famous Billy Goat Trail sections (A, B, and C), one of the most popular and challenging rock scrambles in the East.
• Fishing opportunities: Maryland fishing license holders can fish in the C&O Canal or Potomac River.
• Historic context: immerse your group in the history of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
• Quiet atmosphere: maintained due to foot/bike access only and observance of quiet hours (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
• Sense of community: often shared with other trail users and groups on their own adventures.
• Campfires permitted in designated rings, offering a classic camping experience.

Contact Information:

Address: Potomac, MD 20854, USA (located within C&O Canal National Historical Park, Mile 11.5 of the Towpath)

Phone: (301) 739-4200 (C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters)

Mobile Phone: +1 301-739-4200 (C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters)

For reservations for Marsden Tract Group Campsites (including sites 4, 5, and 6), it is essential to book online through Recreation.gov. These sites are reservable and not first-come, first-served like the hiker-biker primitive sites. For park information, rules, and general inquiries, contact the C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters using the provided phone numbers or visit the official National Park Service website for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.

For Maryland locals, Marsden Tract Group Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for a memorable and convenient group outdoor adventure right in their backyard. The ability to reserve a dedicated group site means you can plan a significant gathering with certainty, making it perfect for scout troops, large family reunions, or a robust friends' getaway. Its proximity to major population centers, coupled with the unique "hiker/biker" access, allows for a relatively short journey to a truly immersive natural setting, maximizing your time spent outdoors rather than on the road.

The campground’s rustic nature fosters a genuine connection with the environment and encourages teamwork and shared experiences, which are invaluable for groups. The direct access to the C&O Canal Towpath and the incredible Great Falls area provides endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring some of Maryland's most iconic natural wonders. This means diverse activities are readily available, catering to different interests within your group, from challenging rock scrambles on Billy Goat Trail to leisurely riverside strolls.

Choosing Marsden Tract for your group's camping trip is not just about finding a place to stay; it's about embracing a shared adventure in a historically significant and naturally beautiful setting. It's an accessible, affordable, and deeply rewarding way for Maryland residents to build stronger bonds and create lasting memories, all while appreciating the natural and historical treasures preserved within their home state.

Marsden Tract Group Campground sites 4 5 6

Potomac, MD 20854, USA