Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite

For Maryland's outdoor enthusiasts who cherish simplicity, history, and direct access to nature's pathways, Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite offers an authentic and rewarding experience. Located directly on the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath in Williamsport, this primitive campground is a favored stop for those exploring the C&O Canal by foot or by bike. It provides a no-frills, first-come, first-served camping option that truly puts you in the heart of the natural and historical landscape.

Jordan Junction is part of the extensive network of hiker-biker campsites managed by the National Park Service along the C&O Canal National Historical Park. These sites are designed for self-sufficient adventurers who appreciate the raw beauty of the outdoors and the camaraderie of fellow trail users. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Jordan Junction focuses on providing essential amenities while allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in the environment.

Visitors consistently praise its spaciousness and convenient location. While it’s designed for simplicity, it offers ample room for multiple tents and provides basic facilities to make your overnight stay comfortable. If you’re a Marylander looking to disconnect from the everyday and experience the iconic C&O Canal in its purest form, Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite could be the perfect addition to your next adventure.

Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite is strategically located at Mile 101.2 on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, specifically at "and Ohio Canal Towpath, Wilsons, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA." This places it in Washington County, near the charming town of Williamsport, Maryland.

The primary mode of access to Jordan Junction is via the C&O Canal Towpath itself, making it an ideal stop for hikers and cyclists embarking on multi-day journeys along the canal. While it's a "hiker-biker" site, its proximity to Williamsport offers a significant advantage. It's considered one of the closest campsites to town, meaning easy access to local amenities like food and supplies, which is a rare convenience for a primitive towpath campsite.

Although it is primarily accessed by foot or bike, there might be nearby vehicle access points for drop-offs or day-use parking at various points along the canal. However, campers should be prepared to carry their gear a short distance to the campsite from any parking area, as direct vehicle access to the individual campsites is generally not available for hiker-biker sites. Its location near the Conococheague Aqueduct and Cushwa Basin in Williamsport also positions it well for exploring these historical landmarks.

Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite provides fundamental services designed to meet the needs of primitive campers:

• Tent Camping Space: The campsite offers ample, relatively flat ground suitable for pitching multiple tents, accommodating various group sizes.
• Picnic Table: At least one picnic table is available, providing a designated surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring/Grill: A designated fire ring or grill is typically provided for campfires and outdoor cooking, though campers should always check current fire restrictions.
• Chemical Toilet: A basic, usually unenclosed, chemical toilet (often referred to as a "Jiffy John" or "privy") is on-site for restroom facilities.
• Non-Potable Well Water (Seasonal): A hand pump provides well water from approximately mid-April to mid-November. It is crucial to note that, as of Spring 2023, the National Park Service has officially designated water from hiker-biker campsite wells, including Jordan Junction, as non-potable. This means it is not treated and should not be used for drinking or cooking unless it has been filtered, chemically treated, or boiled beforehand. Campers should always bring their own water or purification equipment.
• No Fee Camping: There is no charge for using the hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal, including Jordan Junction, making it a very economical option for overnight stays.
• First-Come, First-Served: Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are required or accepted.
• Limited Stay: Stays are typically limited to one night per campsite, per trip, to ensure availability for all towpath users.

It's important for campers to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles, as there are no trash receptacles, showers, or electricity at this primitive site.

Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite, while primitive, offers several appealing features and highlights for the adventurous camper:

• Direct C&O Canal Towpath Access: Its location directly on the towpath makes it incredibly convenient for those cycling or hiking the C&O Canal, serving as a perfect overnight stop.
• Proximity to Williamsport: Unlike more remote hiker-biker sites, Jordan Junction is very close to the town of Williamsport, offering easy access to services like restaurants, grocery stores, and visitor centers. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate the option of resupplying or dining out.
• Spacious Layout: Reviews often note that Jordan Junction is "very big" and has "plenty of room" for multiple tents, making it suitable for larger groups or when you desire more personal space.
• Natural Setting: Despite its proximity to town, the campsite is nestled in a natural, wooded area with access to the Potomac River, providing a serene environment for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
• Historical Significance: Being on the C&O Canal, campers are immersed in a significant piece of American history, with opportunities to explore nearby historical structures like the Conococheague Aqueduct.
• Accessible Water Source (with Treatment): The presence of a hand pump, even if the water is non-potable, means campers can potentially access water for washing or for purification, reducing the need to carry large quantities of water. (Always treat water from these pumps before consumption.)
• Free Camping: As a National Park Service primitive site, there is no fee to camp, making it a budget-friendly option for outdoor adventures.
• Flexibility for Hammocks: While specific information varies, hammock camping is generally feasible at C&O Canal campsites where trees are present, and Jordan Junction's wooded areas would likely accommodate this.

As a primitive hiker-biker campsite within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Jordan Junction operates under the National Park Service guidelines. This means there are typically no traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense, as the campsite is already offered free of charge.

The primary "offer" is its inherent accessibility and affordability as a free, first-come, first-served camping option. The value lies in the unique opportunity to camp directly on the historic C&O Canal Towpath, with basic amenities provided by the park service.

Any updates regarding the campsite, such as water availability or temporary closures, would be communicated through the official Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park website (nps.gov/choh) or through posted signs at the site. It is always advisable to check the "Current Park Conditions" page on the NPS website before your trip, especially regarding water pump status, as this can change due to weather or maintenance.

Since Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite is a primitive, free, and first-come, first-served site managed by the National Park Service, there isn't a direct phone number for the campsite itself. For general inquiries about the C&O Canal National Historical Park or its campsites, you would typically contact the park's main visitor information line.

Address: and Ohio Canal Towpath, Wilsons, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA (Located at C&O Canal Mile 101.2)

General inquiries for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park can be directed to: (301) 739-4200. This number can provide information on park conditions, water availability updates, and general rules and regulations for camping along the towpath. For the most current status, particularly concerning water pumps, always refer to the official National Park Service website for the C&O Canal National Historical Park (nps.gov/choh).

For Maryland residents, Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite offers an accessible and authentic primitive camping experience without the need for extensive travel. Its location in Williamsport provides a convenient escape into nature for those living in or around Washington County and beyond.

This campsite is particularly well-suited for locals who embrace an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether you're planning a weekend bike tour along the C&O Canal or a multi-day hiking adventure, Jordan Junction serves as a perfect, free overnight stop. Its proximity to Williamsport means that while you're experiencing true wilderness camping, you're never too far from civilization if you need to resupply or grab a meal.

The rustic nature of the campsite encourages a deeper connection with the environment, free from the distractions of modern amenities. It's an excellent opportunity for families to introduce children to the joys of basic camping, for solo adventurers to find peace and solitude, or for groups of friends to bond over shared experiences on the trail. By offering essential facilities while remaining free and easily accessible, Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite stands as a valuable resource for Marylanders looking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.

Jordan Junction Hiker Biker Campsite

and Ohio Canal Towpath, Wilsons,, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA