Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite

### Discover the Rustic Charm of Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite on the C&O Canal

For Marylanders who love to explore the outdoors by foot or by bike, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite offers a true taste of wilderness camping along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park. Situated at Mile 144.5, this primitive campsite provides a much-needed respite for long-distance trekkers and local adventurers alike, offering essential amenities in a beautifully secluded setting. It’s an ideal spot to pitch a tent, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and experience the tranquility of the towpath.

This campsite embodies the spirit of self-sufficient outdoor exploration that many Marylanders cherish. It's a place where the journey is as important as the destination, and where simple pleasures—like cooking over an open fire and waking up to the sounds of nature—become the highlights of your trip. Devils Alley provides a genuine, no-frills camping experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural and historical landscape of the C&O Canal.

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### Location and Accessibility

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite is located at Mile 144.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, within the geographical area of Maryland 21766, USA, which encompasses Little Orleans. Its specific location makes it particularly appealing to those traversing the C&O Canal by foot or bicycle, as it is designed for "hiker-biker" access only. This means there is no direct vehicle access to the campsite itself; visitors must hike or bike in from nearby access points.

The site's position along the C&O Canal places it amidst a rich historical and natural landscape. The towpath provides a flat, scenic route for cyclists and hikers, making the approach to Devils Alley a journey in itself. It is approximately 6.1 miles from the Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite and not too far from other C&O Canal access points and nearby small towns, offering a balance of remote feeling and relative accessibility for resupply if needed. The nearby Green Ridge State Forest also borders the area to the north, offering additional opportunities for exploration for those willing to venture off the canal.

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### Services Offered

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite, like other hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal, provides basic, primitive amenities designed for self-sufficient campers. The emphasis is on preserving the natural environment and offering a fundamental camping experience. Here are the services you can expect:

• Designated Campsites: The site offers a common area for pitching tents, typically with space to accommodate multiple groups, though it's advised to share responsibly. There are no individual, reservable sites here.
• Chemical Toilet: A portable or chemical toilet (often referred to as a "Jiffy John" or "Porta Potty") is available on-site for waste disposal.
• Picnic Table: A shared picnic table is provided for meal preparation and dining.
• Grill: A metal grill or fire ring is available for cooking over an open fire. Campers should bring their own firewood or collect fallen deadwood where permitted and sustainable.
• Water Source (Seasonal & Non-Potable): A hand-pumped well is typically available at hiker-biker campsites. Important Note: The water from these pumps is generally non-potable and not treated. It is strongly advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil this water before use for drinking or cooking. Water is also turned off seasonally, typically from mid-November to mid-April, so campers must plan to carry in all their water during these months.
• No Reservations: Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• One-Night Stay Limit: Stays are limited to one night per site per trip to ensure availability for all canal travelers.
• "Trash Free Park" Policy: Campers are required to pack out all their trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. There are no trash receptacles at the campsite.
• No Vehicle Access: The site is accessible only by foot or bicycle along the towpath.

Campers should be prepared for a rustic experience and bring all necessary supplies, including water purification methods, cooking gear, and provisions.

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### Features / Highlights

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite, and its position on the C&O Canal, offers several compelling features and highlights for outdoor enthusiasts in Maryland:

• Historical Immersion: Camping directly on the C&O Canal towpath offers a unique opportunity to connect with American history. You'll be following the footsteps (and bike tracks) of those who worked and traveled along this vital waterway.
• Remote and Secluded Feel: Being accessible only by foot or bike contributes to a sense of remoteness and tranquility, away from vehicular noise and crowds. It is described as one of the "more remote hiker/biker campsites along the towpath."
• Free Camping: As a free, first-come, first-served campsite, it offers an economical option for overnight stays along the C&O Canal, making multi-day trips more accessible.
• Essential Amenities: The provision of a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill ensures basic comfort and convenience for campers without over-developing the natural setting.
• Proximity to Long Pond Trail: Located near Mile 144, the Long Pond Trail offers a 7-mile hiking trail leading into Green Ridge State Forest, providing an opportunity for more extensive exploration beyond the canal towpath.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting along the Potomac River corridor is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local fauna.
• Stargazing: Away from city lights, the night skies over Devils Alley can be exceptionally clear, offering fantastic opportunities for stargazing.
• Accessible by Bicycle: For avid cyclists, this campsite is perfectly positioned for multi-day bike tours along the entire 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath, providing a convenient overnight stop.
• Bordering Green Ridge State Forest: Its location bordering Green Ridge State Forest means additional opportunities for wilderness exploration for those willing to venture further.

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### Promotions or Special Offers

As a free, primitive hiker-biker campsite managed by the National Park Service within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite does not have traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The primary "offer" is its accessibility and its free, first-come, first-served nature, which is a significant benefit for long-distance travelers and budget-conscious campers.

However, users can benefit from:

• Cost-Effectiveness: The absence of a fee for overnight stays at hiker-biker campsites significantly reduces the cost of multi-day trips along the C&O Canal.
• Seasonal Accessibility: While water is turned off seasonally (mid-November to mid-April), camping is generally available year-round. Utilizing the site during the quieter, cooler months can offer a more solitary experience.

For the most current information regarding C&O Canal campsites, including any potential changes in status or availability of amenities, it is always best to consult the official National Park Service website for the C&O Canal National Historical Park or contact them directly.

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### Contact Information

For information regarding Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite and other amenities along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, the primary contact is the National Park Service. It's always advisable to contact them for the most up-to-date information on conditions, water availability, and any regulations.

Address: Mile 144.5, C&O Canal Towpath, Little Orleans area, Maryland 21766, USA

(Note: This is the general location. As it's a hiker-biker site, there's no street address for vehicle navigation directly to the campsite. Access is via the C&O Canal Towpath.)

C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters:

Phone: (301) 739-4200

This phone number will connect you with park staff who can provide details on current conditions, water availability at campsites, towpath closures, and any other information pertinent to planning your trip to Devils Alley or any other C&O Canal campsite.

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### Conclusion: Why Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite is Suitable for Locals

For Marylanders, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite represents an authentic opportunity to engage with the state's rich history and natural beauty in a unique, active way. It's particularly well-suited for local residents who are avid cyclists, hikers, or those seeking a truly off-grid camping experience without having to travel too far from home.

The free, first-come, first-served nature of this campsite makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for spontaneous overnight trips or as a strategic stop on a longer multi-day journey along the C&O Canal. It encourages self-reliance and fosters a deeper appreciation for Maryland's preserved natural spaces. The basic amenities – a chemical toilet, picnic table, and grill – provide just enough comfort while maintaining the primitive feel that many wilderness enthusiasts desire.

Furthermore, its location near Green Ridge State Forest and the Long Pond Trail offers extended recreational possibilities beyond the canal itself. Devils Alley is not just a place to sleep; it’s a vital part of the C&O Canal experience, inviting Marylanders to explore a significant piece of their state's heritage while enjoying the tranquility and challenge of an unadulterated outdoor adventure.

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite

Maryland 21766, USA