Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite

For Marylanders who love to explore our state's rich history and natural beauty on two wheels or on foot, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite offers a quintessential experience along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP). Located near Little Orleans, MD, this designated campsite is a welcome stop for adventurers traversing the iconic C&O Canal Towpath. It’s not a destination you drive to directly; rather, it’s a reward for the journey, providing a peaceful and essential resting place for long-distance cyclists and hikers.

The C&O Canal NHP stretches 184.5 miles from Georgetown in Washington D.C. to Cumberland, MD, following the scenic Potomac River. It’s a linear park that preserves the remains of the canal, which operated from 1828 to 1924, primarily transporting coal. Today, the gravel towpath that runs alongside the canal is a popular trail for biking, hiking, and even horseback riding, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Along its length, the National Park Service maintains a series of free, first-come, first-served hiker-biker campsites, designed specifically to support multi-day trips.

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite, situated at Mile 144.5, embodies the spirit of these trailside retreats. It provides fundamental amenities for a comfortable overnight stay, allowing adventurers to recharge before continuing their journey. Customer reviews highlight its key attributes: "Very nice campground. Spent our third night here biking up to Cumberland. Met a nice fellow biker. Good access to the river. Recommend staying here." Another notes, "Nice flat camping." These testimonials paint a picture of a functional, friendly, and well-located stop. While one reviewer playfully wished to "make any new devilish friends on my backpacking trip," the true spirit of these sites often lies in the camaraderie shared among fellow travelers. This guide will provide essential details about Devils Alley, helping Marylanders plan their next unforgettable C&O Canal adventure.

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite is strategically located at Mile 144.5 along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, near Little Orleans, MD 21766. Its address technically places it in Little Orleans, but it is important to understand that this is a "hiker-biker" campsite, meaning there is no direct vehicular access. Campers arrive by walking or biking along the C&O Canal Towpath itself.

For Marylanders planning a trip, access to the C&O Canal Towpath typically involves driving to one of the many access points or trailheads along the canal. From central Maryland areas like Baltimore or Washington D.C., you would drive towards Western Maryland via I-270 West and/or I-70 West to I-68 West, depending on your starting point on the Canal. For Devils Alley specifically, nearby vehicular access points in the Little Orleans area, such as Fifteenmile Creek Campground or even roads leading into Green Ridge State Forest, might serve as drop-off or pick-up points, but you will still need to bike or hike to the actual campsite.

The campsite's location at Mile 144.5 makes it a convenient stop for those undertaking longer multi-day cycling or hiking trips along the C&O Canal, especially for those heading westward towards Cumberland (Mile 184.5) or coming from that direction. Reviewers confirm its suitability for multi-day trips, with one person stating they "Spent our third night here biking up to Cumberland." The "Good access to the river" mentioned in a review is a significant highlight, allowing campers to enjoy the scenic Potomac and potentially cool off after a long day on the trail. While remote in terms of vehicular access, its position directly on the Towpath ensures maximum convenience for the very type of traveler it serves. Cell service can be spotty along remote sections of the C&O Canal, so it is always wise to have maps and trip details downloaded or printed beforehand.

Services Offered at Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite:

• Primitive Camping: This is a primitive campsite, meaning it provides basic amenities but does not have modern facilities like flush toilets, showers, or electric hook-ups. Campers should be prepared for a rustic experience.
• Chemical Toilet: A chemical toilet (port-a-potty) is available at the campsite for waste disposal.
• Water Source: A water source is provided, typically a hand pump. However, it is crucial to note that the water is often treated with iodine and may not be potable without further purification (e.g., using purification tablets or a filter). Water is turned off from approximately November 15 to April 15 each year.
• Picnic Table: Each site includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Grill: A grill grate is provided over the fire ring, allowing for cooking over an open fire.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. This allows for flexibility for those on long-distance trips.
• No Fee: There is no fee charged to camp at Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite, making it a highly economical option for overnight stays.
• One-Night Stay Limit: Stays are limited to one night per site, per trip, ensuring availability for other travelers.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally permitted on the C&O Canal and at its hiker-biker campsites, provided they are kept on a leash and pet waste is properly managed.
• "Leave No Trace" Ethic: Visitors are expected to adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles, including packing out all trash and waste.

Features / Highlights of Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite:

• Ideal for Bikers & Hikers: Specifically designed for those traversing the C&O Canal Towpath, making it a perfect, purpose-built stop for multi-day adventures.
• Free Camping: As a National Park Service hiker-biker site, there is no fee for overnight stays, which is a significant highlight for budget-conscious travelers.
• Flat Camping Area: Customer reviews confirm "Nice flat camping," which is highly desirable for comfortable tent pitching after a long day on the trail.
• Good Access to the Potomac River: Reviewers highlight "Good access to the river," offering scenic views, opportunities for cooling off, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the water.
• Sense of Community: One reviewer mentioned meeting a "nice fellow biker," indicating that these sites often foster a friendly atmosphere among like-minded adventurers.
• Basic Essential Amenities: The provision of a chemical toilet, water pump, picnic table, and grill ensures that fundamental needs are met for primitive camping.
• Secluded Trailside Location: While not fully isolated (as it's on a well-used trail), its specific location at Mile 144.5 provides a sense of being deep within the natural landscape, away from vehicular traffic.
• Historical Context: Being part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the campsite offers an immersive experience within a significant historical corridor, with nearby historical points of interest.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP), Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite operates under the National Park Service's guidelines for primitive trailside camping. As such, it does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense, as it is a non-fee campground.

The primary "offer" of Devils Alley is its inherent value:

• Free Camping: The most significant "promotion" is that camping at Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite is completely free of charge. This is a considerable benefit for long-distance cyclists and hikers, making multi-day trips along the C&O Canal highly economical.
• First-Come, First-Served Accessibility: While not a discount, the first-come, first-served policy is a benefit for those with flexible itineraries, allowing spontaneous overnight stays without the need for advance reservations or payment.
• Purpose-Built for Trail Users: The campsite's design and amenities are tailored specifically for the needs of those traveling by foot or bicycle, ensuring a suitable and convenient stopover.

For the most up-to-date information on the C&O Canal NHP's camping policies, water availability (especially regarding seasonal turn-offs), and any alerts or closures, visitors should always consult the official National Park Service website for the C&O Canal or call their information line. No loyalty programs, seasonal sales, or special discounts are applicable to this type of public, primitive campsite.

Contact Information:

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite is managed by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

Address (General C&O Canal NHP Information/Headquarters): 142 W. Potomac St., Suite 100, Williamsport, MD 21795 (This is the park's administrative address, not direct access to the campsite).

Phone: (301) 739-4200 (C&O Canal National Historical Park Information Line)

Email: choh_information@nps.gov (for general inquiries)

As this is a hiker-biker site, direct phone contact for the specific campsite is not available. For general park information, conditions, and water availability updates, the main C&O Canal NHP phone number or website are the best resources. Remember, there are no reservations for this first-come, first-served site.

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

For Maryland locals, especially those who embrace self-propelled adventures, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching experience along the C&O Canal Towpath. Its location near Little Orleans positions it perfectly for multi-day trips, providing a strategic and welcomed resting point for those cycling or hiking towards Cumberland or back east.

The primary appeal for Marylanders lies in the unique blend of accessibility and authenticity. As a free, first-come, first-served site, it provides an unburdened sense of freedom that is rare in modern camping. This flexibility is perfect for locals planning spontaneous overnight segments of their longer C&O Canal journeys. The confirmed "Nice flat camping" ensures a comfortable night's sleep, crucial after a long day of physical activity, while the "Good access to the river" provides not just scenic beauty but also a practical resource for cooling off or relaxation.

Furthermore, the sense of camaraderie often found at these hiker-biker sites, where you might "Met a nice fellow biker" as one reviewer noted, adds a social dimension. This shared experience among like-minded adventurers creates a supportive and friendly atmosphere that enhances the solo or group journey. While primitive, the provision of a chemical toilet, water pump (albeit requiring purification), picnic table, and grill covers the essential needs, allowing campers to focus on the trail and the surrounding nature. For locals who are keen on exploring Maryland's historical and natural landscapes by bike or on foot, Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite is more than just a stop; it's an integral part of an authentic, rewarding, and deeply local adventure along the beloved C&O Canal.

Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite

Little Orleans, MD 21766, USA