About Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Number of accommodations: 6
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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Reviews (43)
Review Summary
George P
VerifiedApril 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
This is a great location for a youth camping trip with a wooded feel, yet close to the city.
Nolan M
VerifiedMarch 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Plenty of room in Campsite 1. One picnic table in this campsite needs a new tabletop board (existing board is broken off at the steel support).
Brendan M
VerifiedMarch 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Our Scout group was very happy with this site. Great access to trails, hiking, scrambling, etc. Clean campground, drop off spot on the road is only 1/4 mile away, or a totally walkable mile or so to the overnight parking spot. Each site had multiple bbqs with grills, and fire pits. Well laid out and spacious. Tons of wildlife (although we were perplexed as to why there was a deer feeder in the back part of our site- probably should have been moved just a bit....) Will certainly go back again.
Chelsea P
VerifiedOctober 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
No parking and a hike to site. Copperhead snakes present in the area with rabid animals as well.
David d
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
nice campsite. Close to the city, but far enough to feel far way
Jason G
VerifiedMay 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
We camped with a Scout group at the Youth Group Site #3. The site was level with plenty of space for everybody to set-up their tents. There were two fire rings with stumps/benches to sit on around the fire. There were also plenty of picnic tables for the group.
The port-a-johns were about a 1/4 mile from the campsite, next to the drop-off area. The Marsden Trace address on Waze/Google maps takes you directly to the drop-off (no parking) area. For groups, I suggest dropping gear here and then driving back to the parking areas mentioned in your reservation. The parking area itself is about 3/4 mile from site 3.
Griffith G
VerifiedMay 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Marsden Tract is a beautiful campsite, with lots of space and good access to water.
Bruce L
VerifiedApril 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
I was a little disappointed to find that the porta-toilets had been moved from there normal location. and there was no signage stating their new location. As a result I fond that some people had used the old area as a latrine. with excrement and urine all over the place. I was also disappointed that a camping location so near to city services did not have water available.
Katherine P
VerifiedMarch 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
This is a great group camping location for hiking or biking the C&O or climbing at Carderock, but they have not serviced the port-a-potties since November. They were completely disgusting and full of trash. Hiking 0.7 miles for a usable bathroom is not acceptable.
Kristy W
VerifiedMarch 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite
The campsite was fantastic. Great location. Had to put in some effort to plan the arrival and departure logistics, but would be happy to do it again. However, the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. Looked like they hadn't been serviced in over a year. Made me want to vomit, seriously. I've never seen port-a-johns in such disgusting conditions.
Location Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Address:
142 W. Potomac St.
Williamsport, MD, 21795
United States
You may park at either the Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from the Anglers Inn Restaurant. We recommend Carderock as it is slightly closer to walk the towpath to the campsite from there. Search "Billy Goat Trail C - North Parking Lot" on Google Maps for the best directions.
From I-495 in Maryland: 1. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls. 2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin-9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn right and continue to the end of the road at Lot 4. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
From I-495 in Virginia: 1. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock. 2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn right and continue to the end of the road at Lot 4. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
From Washington (Georgetown): 1. From the intersection of Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road. 2. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin -9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn right and continue to the end of the road at Lot 4. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
Directions from I-270 on reverse side. From I-270: 1. Take I-270 South toward Washington. 2. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia. 3. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway. 4. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls. 5. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 6. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 7. Turn right and continue to the end of the road at Lot 4. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile. Park Emergencies: (866) 677-6677 or 911
Latitude & Longitude: 38.9787 / -77.2161
Elevation: 46 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Parking and Access. Overnight parking is allowed only at the Carderock Recreation Area and the parking lot across from the Angler's Inn. Both parking lots are a one-mile (1.6 km) walk respectively. There is a temporary stopping area on MacArthur Blvd near the intersection of Brickyard Rd. This area may be used to off-load gear and be walked down the hill. However, overnight parking in this area is not permitted. |
| General |
Check-in. You may arrive anytime after check-in time (1:00 pm) regardless of light conditions. There is no campsite host or staff. Just have a copy of your confirmation email available on a phone or printed. If someone is squatting in your campsite and you need law enforcement assistance please call US Park Police - (202) 610-7500. Check-out. Check out time is 12:00 noon ET the day after the reservation. |
| General |
Campfires. Fires are permitted only in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area. |
| General |
Firewood. The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought. |
| General |
Quiet Hours. Please observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. |
| General |
No Alcohol or Marijuana. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Marijuana is illegal on federal property. |
| General |
Pets. Pets are allowed in the campgrounds. They must be restrained by a 6 ft. leash at all times and their waste must be picked up and taken with the owner. |
| General |
Remove All Trash. The park is a 'Trash Free Park' and trashcans are not provided. Trash must be picked up and the area left in a clean condition before the group departs. Bring trash bags. |
| General |
No Swimming. Swimming and/or wading in the Potomac River or the C&O Canal is extremely dangerous and prohibited by law in this area of the park. |
| General |
Water. The hand pump well is turned on April 15 - October 31 and located up the towpath and across the bridge towards MacArthur Blvd. Please bring water for use if camping between November 1 - April 14. Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1. |
| General |
Emergencies. If someone is "squatting" in the campsite OR for emergencies, please call the National Capital Region Communications Center at 1-866-677-6677. |
