Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite
Campground · Maryland ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (National Historical Park) · Restricted Access
- 163 ft
- Elevation
Mile 16.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water.
Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
Getting there
More information is available at http://www.nps.gov/choh/.
39.03100, -77.24458 · 39°1'51.6"N 77°14'40.5"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.1 | 2.7 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite
- Can you reserve a site at Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite?
- No. Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite
- Marsden Tract Group Campsite 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion 4.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas (DC) 11.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park 2.1 mi · Visitor Center
- Great Falls Park Visitor Center 2.4 mi · Facility
- Ranger Station 6.6 mi · Facility
- Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite 8.7 mi · Campground
- Nature Center 11.5 mi · Facility
- Cold War Museum 13 mi · Facility
- Old Stone House 13.2 mi · Facility
- Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite 13.2 mi · Campground
- Georgetown Visitor Center 13.2 mi · Visitor Center
Contact
- Phone (301) 739-4200
- Email CHOH_information@nps.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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