OutReserve

Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Great Falls of the Potomac
Campsite around fire pit with large tree stumps
Towpath near Marsden Tract
Campsite 2
Entrance to Sites 1, 2, 3

Featured amenities

Parking
Pet Friendly

About Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Scouts built the Marsden Tract Group Campground to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and the historic Old Anglers Inn (private). The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Number of accommodations: 6

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 15 to Nov 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Pet friendly
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Campfire Ring
  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

6 Sites Available

Site
Price
001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
004, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
005, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
006, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
30 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (88)

What Guests Are Saying

Marsden Tract Group Campsite offers a well-separated and clean site with ample firewood and nearby porta potties. While the steep hill for unloading can be challenging and water was unavailable in early April, the campsite is easily accessible and provides various activities like fishing and hiking. Overall, it’s a comfortable and enjoyable location for group camping experiences.

Review Summary

3.8
88 reviews
5
38.6%
34
4
31.8%
28
3
11.4%
10
2
11.4%
10
1
6.8%
6

Amanda M

Verified

April 14, 2026 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

Great, nicely separated site with plenty of fallen trees to use for fire wood. Porta potties were clean and close enough. The car parking spot a the top of the hill to unload your stuff was close, but that hill is no joke. If I did not have a cooler with wheels and a wheeled wagon to transport my supplies, I actually may have reconsidered and gone home. The water was not yet turned on as I went in early April, but the weather was great and the C&O tow path had lots of foot/bike traffic, but were not a noise issue.

Amanda M

Verified

April 14, 2026 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

Great, nicely separated site with plenty of fallen trees to use for fire wood. Porta potties were clean and close enough. The car parking spot a the top of the hill to unload your stuff was close, but that hill is no joke. If I did not have a cooler with wheels and a wheeled wagon to transport my supplies, I actually may have reconsidered and gone home. The water was not yet turned on as I went in early April, but the weather was great and the C&O tow path had lots of foot/bike traffic, but were not a noise issue.

Myagmarsuren S

Verified

January 25, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

1

This place don’t have a parking lot or proper direction no electricity no restroom no drinking water and nothing so far. It’s me this place is terrible.

Myagmarsuren S

Verified

January 25, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

1

This place don’t have a parking lot or proper direction no electricity no restroom no drinking water and nothing so far. It’s me this place is terrible.

Thomas B

Verified

April 14, 2025 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

Easy to get to, lots of activities (fishing, hiking), yet secluded

Thomas B

Verified

April 14, 2025 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

Easy to get to, lots of activities (fishing, hiking), yet secluded

Bruce H

Verified

April 12, 2025 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

4

Brought a Scout crew on a practice backpacking campout. This trip turned out to be a good choice for a first shakedown. The campsite was comfortable for our group size.

Bruce H

Verified

April 12, 2025 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

4

Brought a Scout crew on a practice backpacking campout. This trip turned out to be a good choice for a first shakedown. The campsite was comfortable for our group size.

Joe M

Verified

March 30, 2025 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

4

Joe M

Verified

March 30, 2025 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

4

Location Marsden Tract Group Campsite

Address:
142 W. Potomac St.
Williamsport, MD, 21795
United States

Highway access

Marsden Tract Group Campsite is accessible via I-495 (Capital Beltway) and the Clara Barton Parkway. The campground is located approximately 1 mile from the Clara Barton Parkway's Carderock exit.

Latitude & Longitude: 38.9787 / -77.2161

Elevation: 46 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

1PM

Check out time

12PM

  • You can arrive anytime after check-in time with proof of your reservation, but there is no staff on-site.
  • For squatters or emergencies, contact the National Capital Region Communications Center.

Vehicles & parking

  • Overnight parking is allowed only in designated areas and is not permitted in the temporary stopping area.

Fires & fuel

  • Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings and must be fully extinguished before leaving.
  • Cutting live plants is prohibited; you may use fallen timber for firewood and bring dried wood, but chainsaws are not allowed.

Safety & rules

  • Quiet hours must be observed at the campsite.
  • All trash must be removed by visitors; no trashcans are provided.
  • Swimming and wading in the Potomac River and C&O Canal are prohibited due to safety concerns.

Local regulations

  • Alcohol and marijuana are prohibited at the campsite.

Pets

  • Pets must be leashed and their waste must be removed by owners.

Utilities

  • Water from the hand pump well is available from April 15 to October 31; bring your own water from November 1 to April 14.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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