Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker Campsite

Set along the picturesque C&O Canal towpath at the sweeping curve of the Potomac River, the Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker Campsite offers simple but essential amenities for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a true connection to nature. With no fees or reservations required, this first-come, first-served site caters to cyclists and hikers, featuring a picnic table, grill, and a chemical toilet. A hand-pumped water source is available, though campers should bring purification tablets as water is treated with iodine.

Located at Mile 79.2, just outside Sharpsburg, Maryland, the campsite is ideally positioned for those exploring the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Nearby, history buffs can visit Lock 40—a relic of the canal’s past damaged during Confederate raids in the Civil War—while nature lovers can enjoy the serene Potomac River setting. This quiet stopover is designed for brief, one-night stays, making it an excellent choice for travelers passing through on extended hiking or biking journeys.