McCoys Ferry Campground

Are you a Marylander craving an authentic outdoor experience, a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature? Look no further than McCoys Ferry Campground in Clear Spring, MD. Situated directly on the picturesque banks of the Potomac River and right next to the historic C&O Canal Towpath, this campground offers a unique blend of rustic charm and unparalleled access to outdoor adventure. It’s a favorite among those who appreciate simplicity, natural beauty, and a direct connection to Maryland’s rich history and diverse wildlife.

For local residents across Maryland, finding a campground that offers both affordability and an immersive natural setting is a true gem. McCoys Ferry Campground delivers on both fronts, providing well-equipped individual campsites at a very reasonable price. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, spending your days hiking or biking along the towpath, fishing in the Potomac, or simply watching the abundant wildlife. This campground offers a genuine escape, proving that you don't need luxurious amenities to have an incredibly fulfilling and memorable outdoor experience right here in our beloved Old Line State.

McCoys Ferry Campground is strategically located at 10700 Mc Coys Ferry Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722, USA. Its prime position is defined by its direct adjacency to both the C&O Canal Towpath and the Potomac River, placing campers right in the heart of a significant natural and historical corridor. This makes it exceptionally accessible for those looking to explore the famed C&O Canal by bike or on foot, and for those who enjoy water activities on the Potomac.

While the campground offers a feeling of being wonderfully secluded, it remains easily reachable for Maryland residents. Travelers can access the area via well-maintained local roads leading off major routes. It's worth noting that access to the campsites themselves might involve a tunnel with a height limit of 10' 3", which is important for those bringing larger RVs or trailers. However, for tents and smaller recreational vehicles, the drive-in access makes setting up camp straightforward. Its location in Western Maryland also puts it within convenient reach for those from the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas, offering a relatively short drive to a genuinely immersive natural retreat.

McCoys Ferry Campground provides essential services that cater to a rustic yet comfortable camping experience, designed for those who appreciate the outdoors:

• Individual Campsites: Each single drive-in campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire pit, and a charcoal grill, providing the fundamental elements for outdoor cooking and gathering.

• Potable Water: Potable hand pump water is available from April 15 to November 1, ensuring access to fresh water during the primary camping season. (It is advisable to bring a backup supply, as pump handles may not always be in place.)

• Restroom Facilities: Protected pit toilets and accessible portable toilets are provided, which are generally noted by visitors to be clean.

• Boat Launch: There's a convenient boat ramp on-site for easy access to the Potomac River, perfect for kayakers, canoers, and fishermen.

• Firewood Delivery (Local Service): A "sweet couple" in the vicinity offers to sell and deliver firewood directly to your campsite, adding a convenient touch to your experience. Look for their phone number before the entrance.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure (pets must be on a leash and picked up after).

• Trash Policy: As a "carry in, carry out" campground for trash, campers are responsible for disposing of their own waste, promoting a clean and respectful environment.

McCoys Ferry Campground offers a variety of compelling features that make it a standout choice for campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Maryland:

• Direct C&O Canal Towpath Access: Being right next to the historic towpath means instant access to miles of flat, scenic trail perfect for biking, hiking, and leisurely strolls, immersing you in history and nature.

• Riverside Location: Campsites are located directly on the bank of the Potomac River, offering beautiful views, soothing sounds, and easy access for water-based activities like fishing and boating.

• Abundant Wildlife: Reviewers consistently highlight the rich wildlife viewing opportunities, including owls, woodpeckers, and cormorants, providing a fantastic experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

• Affordable Rates: At just $10 a night (during non-peak season, fees may vary), McCoys Ferry Campground offers exceptional value, making it an accessible option for frequent campers and those on a budget.

• Basic Amenities for True Camping: The provision of picnic tables, fire pits, and charcoal grills at each site ensures that campers have the essentials for a comfortable, traditional camping experience.

• Rustic Charm: The campground maintains a simple, natural feel, appealing to those who prefer a less commercialized camping environment and appreciate the raw beauty of the outdoors.

• Proximity to Fort Frederick State Park: Located adjacent to Fort Frederick State Park, campers can easily explore this rare pre-Revolutionary stone fort and enjoy living history programming during summer weekends, adding a cultural dimension to their trip.

McCoys Ferry Campground, managed by the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, operates with a straightforward pricing structure rather than complex promotions. The most notable "offer" is its consistently affordable nightly rate. As noted in reviews and official park information, campsites are typically available for around $10 a night during the non-peak season (November 16 - December 15) and generally range from $20 to $40 per night during the main season. This low cost, especially considering the prime riverside location and direct access to the C&O Canal, serves as an excellent value proposition for Maryland residents looking for an economical outdoor escape.

Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. It's important to note that cash payments upon arrival are not an option. While there aren't traditional discount codes, the campground's inherently low fees and the provision of essential amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, grills, and water at each site represent significant savings compared to more amenity-rich campgrounds. For detailed pricing for specific dates and to secure your reservation, it's best to visit Recreation.gov or contact the National Park Service directly via the provided phone number.

Ready to plan your next camping trip to McCoys Ferry Campground? Here's how you can get in touch for information and reservations:

Address: 10700 Mc Coys Ferry Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722, USA

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

Reservations Phone: (877) 444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

Please note that reservations are required and can be made online via Recreation.gov or by calling the reservation line. It's always a good idea to check the National Park Service website for the most current information regarding fees, operating seasons, and any specific regulations for McCoys Ferry Campground.

For Maryland residents, McCoys Ferry Campground offers an unbeatable combination of accessibility, affordability, and authentic natural immersion, making it a highly suitable choice for a local getaway. Its prime location directly on the C&O Canal Towpath and the Potomac River provides immediate access to some of the state's most cherished outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you're an avid cyclist, a passionate angler, or simply someone who enjoys a peaceful walk amidst stunning scenery, this campground serves as a perfect base for exploring our natural heritage.

The feedback from fellow campers consistently highlights the core values that resonate with locals: "Great campsites on the bank of the Potomac," "So much wildlife," and the invaluable inclusion of a "picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill in each campsite." The rustic nature, coupled with the essential provisions like clean porta-potties and available water (seasonally), means you get a genuine camping experience without unnecessary frills or exorbitant costs. The unique charm of trains passing on both sides of the Potomac, while noted for noise by some, adds a distinctive character that many outdoor enthusiasts find appealing – it's part of the authentic, rugged experience of this unique location. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's "Well worth the adventure," and many express their intention to return, proving its enduring appeal.

The community aspect, even in a self-serve environment, is enhanced by thoughtful local services like the couple who "sell firewood and deliver it to your campsite." This personal touch adds to the feeling of a welcoming local environment. For Marylanders looking to truly unplug, embrace the tranquility of the riverside, and connect with the state's natural and historical landscape on a budget, McCoys Ferry Campground is an ideal destination. It's a place where memories are made under starry skies, by crackling campfires, and amidst the incredible wildlife that makes our state so special.

McCoys Ferry Campground

10700 Mc Coys Ferry Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722, USA