Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite

For outdoor enthusiasts in Maryland, the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park offers a journey back in time, and Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite serves as one of its most strategic rest stops. Located at milepost 101.2 of the towpath, just a stone's throw from the charming town of Williamsport, this campsite is a vital resource for long-distance cyclists and through-hikers. As part of a network of primitive sites spaced roughly every five to seven miles along the 184.5-mile trail, Jordan Junction provides a reliable, no-cost sanctuary for those exploring the natural and industrial heritage of the Potomac River valley.

What makes Jordan Junction particularly appealing to local Marylanders and trail travelers is its unique balance of seclusion and convenience. While many hiker-biker sites feel entirely removed from civilization, Jordan Junction is the closest campsite to the amenities of Williamsport. This allows campers to enjoy a night under the stars while remaining within a short bike ride or hike of local restaurants, grocery stores, and the historic Cushwa Basin. Whether you are tackling the entire trail from D.C. to Cumberland or just enjoying a weekend excursion near Hagerstown, this site offers a spacious, grassy area to pitch your tent and recharge for the next leg of your journey.

Location and accessibility are the primary draws for this site. Situated along the C&O Canal Towpath in the Wilsons area of Williamsport, MD, the campsite is strictly accessible by foot, bicycle, or horseback. There is no vehicle access to hiker-biker sites, which preserves the quiet, non-motorized atmosphere that trail users cherish. For those starting their trip in Williamsport, the site is approximately 1.5 miles downstream from the Williamsport Visitor Center and the iconic Conococheague Aqueduct. This proximity makes it an excellent "first night" or "last night" stop for regional travelers. The terrain is largely flat and wooded, offering a classic Maryland river-bottom forest experience with the Potomac River flowing just beyond the canal prism.

Services offered at Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite are primitive by design, adhering to the National Park Service's goal of providing a low-impact, "backcountry" experience within the historical park. While the amenities are basic, they provide the essential infrastructure needed for a safe and organized overnight stay. It is important to note that these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and stays are limited to one night per trip to ensure that all trail users have an opportunity to utilize the space.

• Free, first-come, first-served tent sites with no reservations or permits required for individual hikers and bikers.
• A hand-pumped water spigot is available on-site (please note that water is typically turned off from mid-November to mid-April).
• A chemical portable toilet (porta-potty) is maintained for guest use near the camping area.
• Access to a shared fire ring or grill for cooking (firewood must be gathered from dead-and-down wood only).
• A sturdy wooden picnic table provided for meals and gear organization.
• Proximity to the Williamsport municipal services, including a boat ramp and supply stores just over a mile away.

Features and highlights of Jordan Junction include its generous size and scenic surroundings. Unlike some of the tighter, more enclosed sites further down the canal, Jordan Junction is known for its open field layout, which can accommodate multiple small groups or several individual tents without feeling overcrowded. The site is a favorite for families, as the flat ground and easy access to Williamsport make it a manageable "good for kids" introduction to the world of primitive camping.

• Large, open grassy area allowing for flexible tent placement and group socialization.
• Direct visual and physical proximity to the historic towpath, making it impossible to miss while traveling.
• Access to the Potomac River for brave swimmers or those looking to filter additional water (use caution with river currents).
• Ideal location for stargazing due to the relatively open canopy compared to other heavily forested canal sections.
• Close proximity to Lock 44 and the Bollman Iron Truss Bridge, offering educational opportunities for history buffs.
• High probability of wildlife sightings, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and various waterfowl common to the Potomac.

If you are planning a trip along the canal and need to verify current park conditions, such as water availability or trail detours, the National Park Service provides regular updates. Because the campsite has no physical office on-site, administrative inquiries should be directed to the regional headquarters. Use the following contact information for your planning needs:

• Address: C&O Canal Towpath, Mile 101.2, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
• NPS Information Line: (301) 739-4200
• Email: CHOH_information@nps.gov
• Official Website: nps.gov/choh

What is worth choosing about Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite? For the Maryland resident, it is the ultimate "low-friction" camping option. There are no fees to pay, no complicated reservation systems to navigate, and no need to worry about being turned away if the sun starts to set earlier than expected. It is worth choosing specifically for its location near Williamsport. Many campers choose to set up their tents at Jordan Junction and then head into town for a hot meal at a local tavern, combining the fun of camping with the convenience of a canal-side community.

Furthermore, the site is worth choosing for its reliability. Even though the National Park Service occasionally posts notices about water quality (it is always recommended to boil or filter well water from the hand pumps), having a designated, legal spot to camp that includes a toilet and a level surface for your tent is invaluable on long treks. The community atmosphere at hiker-biker sites is often a highlight for solo travelers, as you are likely to meet fellow adventurers sharing stories from the trail. If you are looking for an accessible, friendly, and historically rich place to lay your head along the C&O Canal, Jordan Junction is a quintessential Maryland experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the towpath.