Campsite 100

For Maryland locals with a passion for the outdoors, there’s nothing quite like packing up the gear and heading out for a camping adventure. If you're seeking a serene escape that connects you directly with nature and historic trails, Campsite 100 in Oldtown, MD, offers a compelling option. Tucked away in Western Maryland, this campsite provides a back-to-basics experience, perfect for those who appreciate the simpler joys of camping amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Campsite 100 in Oldtown, Maryland, is a designated camping area that caters to outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those utilizing the nearby Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath and the Potomac River. Unlike large, amenity-rich RV resorts, Campsite 100 is characterized as a more primitive, "hiker-biker" style campsite. This means it offers fundamental facilities, focusing on providing a clean and safe overnight spot for those exploring the extensive trail network or enjoying water activities. Reviews suggest a peaceful environment, with one visitor noting "Great time as always," indicating a consistent positive experience for repeat visitors. Such campsites are crucial for supporting multi-day trips along the C&O Canal, offering convenient rest stops that immerse campers in the natural and historical essence of the region. Prospective campers should anticipate a rustic experience, embracing the quietude and natural beauty that defines Western Maryland's outdoor landscape. It's an ideal choice for those who prefer tent camping and are prepared for a less developed setting, allowing for a genuine connection with the wilderness.

Campsite 100 is nestled in the scenic area of Oldtown, MD 21555, USA, a small, unincorporated community in Allegany County. This location places it strategically along the renowned Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, making it particularly accessible for hikers, bikers, and paddlers exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. The C&O Canal runs parallel to the Potomac River, and many campsites in this region, including those around Oldtown, offer direct access to both. For those driving, Oldtown is generally accessed via Maryland Route 51. While Oldtown is a small community, its proximity to larger towns like Cumberland, MD (approximately 10-15 miles away), provides convenient access to essential services such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and medical facilities. This balance of secluded natural beauty and reasonable access to urban amenities makes Campsite 100 an appealing destination. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and the historic canal, offering a tranquil setting that feels far removed from urban hustle, yet remains within reach for supplies and provisions.

As a primitive campsite, Campsite 100 offers fundamental services designed to support overnight stays for campers, particularly those engaged in outdoor recreational activities. Based on typical C&O Canal hiker-biker campsites, these services generally include:

• Tent-Only Sites: The primary offering is usually dedicated space for tent camping, often with relatively flat ground for pitching tents.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Campers can usually find a designated fire ring or grill at each site, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Chemical Toilets: Primitive restroom facilities, often in the form of chemical or pit toilets, are usually available for convenience.
• Water Access (Potable or Non-Potable): Water sources, such as hand pumps, are often provided. It's crucial for campers to note whether the water is potable (safe for drinking) or non-potable and plan to filter, treat, or bring their own drinking water accordingly. During colder months (typically mid-November to mid-April), water sources may be turned off to prevent freezing.
• Direct Trail Access: A key service is the immediate proximity and access to the C&O Canal Towpath, facilitating easy transitions for hikers and bikers.

It is important for campers to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies, as the services are basic and designed for a rustic camping experience rather than a full-service resort.

The allure of Campsite 100 lies in its natural features and its direct connection to the rich historical and recreational offerings of Western Maryland. Key highlights include:

• Proximity to C&O Canal Towpath: This is perhaps the most significant highlight. The campsite’s location directly on or very near the C&O Canal Towpath provides unparalleled access for cycling, hiking, and walking along the historic canal.
• Potomac River Access: Being close to the Potomac River often means opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and enjoying scenic river views.
• Natural Beauty: The surrounding area boasts the beautiful woodlands and natural landscapes of Western Maryland, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Primitive campsites like Campsite 100 are generally less crowded than larger campgrounds, offering a more serene and private experience for campers seeking solitude.
• Historical Significance: Camping along the C&O Canal means being immersed in a significant piece of American history, with remnants of the canal's past infrastructure nearby.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural environment provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, from various bird species to deer and other forest animals.
• Stargazing: Away from significant light pollution, the night sky in Oldtown can offer incredible opportunities for stargazing.

These features combine to create an authentic outdoor experience for those who appreciate nature and history.

Due to its nature as a basic or primitive campsite, often managed by a park service (like the National Park Service for C&O Canal campsites), Campsite 100 typically does not offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private resort might. Fees for such campsites are usually low or, in some cases, the sites might even be free for overnight use, with stays limited to one night per trip to ensure availability for all users of the trail. Any costs associated would be for a daily use fee or a minimal overnight fee. Discounts or special programs would more likely be part of broader federal or state park initiatives, such as:

• America the Beautiful Passes: For federal lands, annual passes might offer discounts on entrance fees to national parks and federal recreational lands, though primitive campsites themselves often have minimal or no fees regardless.
• Seasonal Availability: While not a "promotion," the availability of water and amenities can be seasonal (e.g., water turned off in winter), which is important for planning.

It is always recommended to check the official National Park Service website for the C&O Canal National Historical Park or contact the park directly to confirm any current fees, policies, or specific operational details for Campsite 100, as information can sometimes change.

As Campsite 100 is typically part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, direct contact would generally be through the park's main information channels rather than a specific phone number for the individual campsite. However, the address for the location is:

Address: Oldtown, MD 21555, USA

For more detailed information about Campsite 100, including current conditions, water availability, and any potential regulations, it is best to consult the official C&O Canal National Historical Park website or their main contact number, which often serves as the hub for all park-related inquiries. While a direct phone number for "Campsite 100" isn't provided, general park information can usually be obtained through the main NPS contact for the C&O Canal, which is typically (301) 739-4200.

For Maryland locals, Campsite 100 in Oldtown offers an authentic and accessible outdoor escape, embodying the rustic charm and natural beauty of Western Maryland. Its prime location along the C&O Canal Towpath makes it an ideal base for biking, hiking, and historical exploration without requiring extensive travel. This convenience means less time on the road and more time enjoying the tranquility of nature, whether for a quick weekend reset or a longer, immersive adventure. The primitive nature of the campsite encourages a true disconnect from daily stresses, allowing locals to fully embrace the simplicity of camping and reconnect with the natural world. It serves as a perfect stepping stone for multi-day excursions along the C&O Canal, providing essential rest stops for active outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, being part of the larger Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park means campers are not just visiting a campsite but engaging with a significant piece of national history and a vast network of recreational opportunities right in their backyard. For Marylanders seeking an affordable, back-to-nature camping experience that offers peace, outdoor activity, and historical immersion, Campsite 100 in Oldtown stands out as a suitable and truly local gem.