Marsden Tract Group Campground sites 4 5 6

For outdoor enthusiasts and organized groups in Maryland, Marsden Tract Group Campground serves as one of the most iconic and accessible primitive camping destinations in the Potomac region. Nestled within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, specifically at Mile 11.5 of the towpath, this campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Potomac River Valley without traveling far from the D.C. metropolitan area. Originally established by local scouts to facilitate larger group gatherings, the Marsden Tract remains a cornerstone for civic organizations, youth groups, and nature-loving Marylanders who seek a true wilderness experience within the boundaries of Montgomery County.

Campsites 4, 5, and 6 represent a specific section of the campground, positioned to the right of the footbridge when arriving from MacArthur Boulevard. These sites are particularly valued for their secluded, wooded setting, providing a natural canopy that offers ample shade during the humid Maryland summers. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, Marsden Tract is a hike-in facility, ensuring that the atmosphere remains quiet and focused on the natural environment. For local residents, it is a place where the sounds of the city are replaced by the rushing waters of the Potomac and the rustling of the surrounding hardwood forest, making it a perfect spot for "getting away from it all" while remaining strategically close to home.

Location and Accessibility are distinct at Marsden Tract. While the address is listed generally as Potomac, MD 20854, finding the site requires a bit of local knowledge. There is no direct vehicle access to the campground; instead, all campers must arrive by foot, bicycle, or boat. The most common access point for overnight campers is the Carderock Recreation Area or the parking lots near the historic Old Anglers Inn. From either location, visitors face an approximately one-mile hike along the level, gravel C&O Canal towpath. For those dropping off heavy gear or children, a temporary unloading area exists on MacArthur Boulevard near Brickyard Road, allowing for a much shorter quarter-mile walk down to the canal level, though no overnight parking is permitted at that specific drop-off point.

• Located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath in Potomac, Maryland, between Carderock and Anglers Inn.
• Accessible strictly by foot, bike, or boat; no motorized vehicles are permitted on the towpath or within the campground.
• Proximity to the Billy Goat Trail (Sections A, B, and C), offering some of the most challenging and scenic rock scrambling in the eastern United States.
• Close to the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge, providing world-class views and geological exploration.
• Within easy driving distance for residents of Bethesda, Rockville, and Chevy Chase, and just 14 miles from Washington, D.C.
• The terrain is flat but wooded, covered in natural forest debris rather than grass, providing an authentic backcountry feel.

Services Offered at Marsden Tract Group Campground reflect its commitment to a "primitive" camping philosophy. This is a place designed for those who enjoy the challenge of packing in their own supplies and packing out their own waste. As a "Trash Free Park," there are no disposal bins on-site, reinforcing a culture of environmental stewardship among Maryland campers. The park does provide the foundational elements necessary for a safe group stay, but visitors should come prepared with all their own gear, including light sources and cooking equipment. It is important to note that this campground is specifically designated for organized groups of 10 or more, and advance reservations are a strict requirement.

• Six spacious group campsites, with sites 4, 5, and 6 accommodating up to 30 campers each.
• A large picnic table and a heavy-duty fire ring/grill provided at each individual campsite.
• Potable water available seasonally (typically April 15 to November 15) via a hand pump located across the footbridge near MacArthur Blvd.
• Year-round portable toilets located within the campground for shared use among all six sites.
• Permit-based camping that ensures groups have a dedicated, reserved space for their entire stay.
• Emergency services coordinated through the U.S. Park Police, accessible via phone for added peace of mind.

Features and Highlights of Marsden Tract are centered on its unparalleled access to Maryland’s premier outdoor activities. The campground is a haven for those who love to be active. Because the sites are tucked between the canal and the Potomac River, water-based activities like fishing and paddling are right at your doorstep. Furthermore, the campground is "Good for kids," offering a safe, enclosed-feeling wooded environment where young Marylanders can learn basic woodcraft and enjoy the thrill of a night under the stars. The proximity to the Billy Goat Trail makes it a legendary "base camp" for weekend hiking expeditions.

• "Good for kids" designation, making it a favorite for local scout troops and school groups learning about nature.
• Front-row seats to local wildlife sightings, including Great Blue Herons, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer.
• Direct access to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath, a paradise for long-distance cyclists and hikers.
• Heavily wooded lots that offer significant privacy and separation between the different group sites.
• A strict no-alcohol policy, ensuring a family-friendly and respectful environment for all visitors.
• Potable water is treated with iodine; a unique feature that reflects the historic, rugged nature of the park’s wells.

To plan your stay at Marsden Tract Group Campground sites 4, 5, or 6, you must utilize the official National Park Service reservation system. Since the site is unstaffed, all administrative tasks and fee payments must be handled in advance. For general questions about the C&O Canal National Historical Park or current towpath conditions, the main park office is the best point of contact.

Contact Information:
Marsden Tract Group Campground
Address: Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Phone: (301) 739-4200 (NPS Main Office)
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov

What is worth choosing when it comes to Marsden Tract? The choice is simple for those who value tradition and physical activity. If you are leading a group and want to instill a sense of accomplishment, the hike-in nature of this campground provides a "rite of passage" experience that drive-in sites simply cannot match. Choosing sites 4, 5, or 6 offers the best of the tract’s wooded privacy and easy access to the towpath. It is a place where Maryland history flows as steadily as the river nearby, providing an affordable and deeply rewarding way to connect with the local landscape in 2026. Whether you are rock climbing at Mather Gorge or simply telling stories around a campfire, Marsden Tract is a destination that proves the best adventures are often found right in our own backyard.

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