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

Brad K

Verified

April 20, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

Great spot for kids: 1 mile walk from parking, flat open ground, and fire pits. Right off the canal, so fishing too.

Brad K

Verified

April 20, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

Great spot for kids: 1 mile walk from parking, flat open ground, and fire pits. Right off the canal, so fishing too.

George P

Verified

April 13, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

This is a great location for a youth camping trip with a wooded feel, yet close to the city.

George P

Verified

April 13, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

This is a great location for a youth camping trip with a wooded feel, yet close to the city.

Nolan M

Verified

March 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

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).

Nolan M

Verified

March 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

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

Verified

March 6, 2022 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

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.

Brendan M

Verified

March 6, 2022 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

5

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

Verified

October 24, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

1

No parking and a hike to site. Copperhead snakes present in the area with rabid animals as well.

Chelsea P

Verified

October 24, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Marsden Tract Group Campsite

1

No parking and a hike to site. Copperhead snakes present in the area with rabid animals as well.

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 4, 2026

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