About Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Number of accommodations: 6
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Pet friendly
Cooking and Fire
- Campfire Ring
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
