Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Campground · Maryland · 10 bookable sites ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (National Historical Park) · Restricted Access

10
Bookable sites
up to 8
People per site
534 ft
Elevation
The Entrance to the Paw Paw Tunnel
Photo: NPS Photo (S. Spencer) · Recreation.gov

Overview

The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, across from the town of Paw Paw in West Virginia. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Facilities

There are 10 single campsites, each has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each site can accommodate eight people. If there is a larger group, reserve two sites next to each other. Portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available from April 15-November 1.

Natural Features

Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, 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

Continue your adventures at Green Ridge State Forest! The city of Cumberland, MD is just 25 miles (40 km) west on MD Route 51.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.

Charges & 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.

The facts

  • 10 bookable sites
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Site types

  • 10 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

10 campsites at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceAccessWaterMax rigPeople
001Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
002Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
003Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
004Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
005Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
006Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
007Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
008Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
009Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾
010Paw Paw Tunnel CampsiteTent Only Nonelectric——Hike InRiverfront—8 🐾

Getting there

From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles (39 km). Paw Paw Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.

39.54158, -78.45969 · 39°32'29.7"N 78°27'34.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 40°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F404352647381858377665444
Low °F212330404958626053423225
Precip in3.62.23.03.54.44.94.33.14.43.42.63.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Can you reserve a site at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Yes, Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite have?
10 sites.
Are pets allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Yes, pets are allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite.
Are campfires allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
Campfires are allowed at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.