Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite

For Maryland locals with a passion for cycling, hiking, and embracing the great outdoors, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers a network of unique overnight spots. Among these, the Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite in Big Pool, MD, stands out as a practical and scenic stop for those traversing the historic C&O Canal Towpath. It's a place where history, nature, and adventure converge, providing a quintessential Maryland outdoor experience.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is a rustic, free-of-charge camping area located at canal milepost 116 along the renowned Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) Towpath. This site is specifically designed to cater to long-distance hikers and bikers exploring the historical and natural beauty of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. It’s one of many such primitive campsites strategically placed along the towpath, offering a convenient and essential stopping point for those on multi-day journeys.

As part of the C&O Canal’s extensive network of hiker-biker sites, Licking Creek provides basic amenities for overnight stays. Campers can expect a large grassy area, often with trees around the edges, offering a good degree of privacy from the main trail. It's a no-frills experience, focusing on providing a simple yet functional place to rest and recharge. The site’s location near the Licking Creek Aqueduct, a historic stone structure that carried the canal over the creek, adds a touch of historical significance to your stay.

Reviews from actual users highlight both the charm and the practical considerations of the campsite. It's praised for its spaciousness, privacy, and the reliable hand pump for water (though it's crucial to remember this water is non-potable and requires treatment). While there is some noise from the nearby I-70, many campers find the overall experience enjoyable and the site a welcome stop. For Maryland residents embarking on a C&O Canal adventure, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite offers an authentic and accessible segment of this iconic trail experience.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is located near Big Pool, MD 21711, USA, specifically at Mile 116.0 of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. Its location is a key aspect of its functionality, designed to serve those traveling along this historic pathway. For Maryland locals, understanding its accessibility is crucial, as it’s primarily a "hike-in" or "bike-in" site rather than a drive-up campground.

The campsite is nestled within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, running parallel to the Potomac River. This placement means that while it feels immersed in nature, it's also within a reasonable distance of more developed areas. For those driving to a starting point and then cycling or hiking in, there are often designated parking areas near the towpath. For example, a reviewer mentioned vehicle access near mile 140.8 (Fifteen Mile Creek Recreation Area) and also notes that Little Pool Campground, half a mile south of Licking Creek, has a footbridge leading to a parking lot off Interstate 70. This implies that while you can't drive directly to the site, there are accessible parking areas relatively nearby for those who need to stage their journey.

While the campsite offers a sense of privacy from the trail, users should be aware that there is some noise from the nearby Interstate 70. This is a trade-off for its relative proximity to major transportation routes and access points. For bikers, one review noted a "pretty steep hill that you have to go up and down to get to the site," which can be challenging for fully loaded bikes. Despite this, the accessibility along the C&O Canal towpath makes it an indispensable stop for long-distance adventurers. For Marylanders planning to explore the C&O Canal, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is a well-placed, albeit primitive, waypoint on their journey, connecting them to various points of interest along the historic canal.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite, as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park's network of primitive hiker-biker campsites, offers a basic but essential set of services designed for overnight stays by hikers and cyclists. These services prioritize functionality and a minimalist camping experience.

• Chemical Toilet (Jiffy John / Porta Pot): Each campsite is equipped with a chemical toilet for sanitation needs.
• Water Pump (Hand Pump): A hand-pumped water spigot is available at the site. It is crucial to note that this water is non-potable and requires purification (filtering, chemical treatment, or boiling) before consumption. Water is typically turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.
• Picnic Table: A picnic table is provided at the site, offering a surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Grill / Fire Ring: A grill or fire ring is available for cooking and campfires, enhancing the camping experience.
• Large Grass Area for Tents: The site features a spacious grassy area suitable for pitching tents.
• Trees for Shade/Privacy: Trees around the edge of the site offer some shade and increased privacy from the main towpath.
• Privacy from the Trail: The layout of the campsite provides a good degree of privacy, even in the open areas, allowing for a more secluded feel.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The campsites are available without reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Stays are limited to one night per site, per trip.
• No Fee for Use: There is no charge for using the hiker-biker campsites on the C&O Canal.

It is important for campers to arrive prepared with water purification methods and be aware of the water availability schedule. The simplicity of these services emphasizes a true outdoor, self-reliant camping experience.

Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite, while primitive, offers several notable features and highlights that make it a distinctive and appealing stop for adventurers along the C&O Canal Towpath.

• Ideal for C&O Canal Adventurers: Perfectly situated for long-distance hikers and bikers, it provides a crucial and free overnight stop every 5-7 miles along the historic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath.
• Spacious and Private: Reviews highlight the site's larger size, with a generous grass area for tents and trees around the edges that provide good privacy from the trail, even in open spaces.
• Basic but Essential Amenities: It comes equipped with a chemical toilet, a hand-pumped non-potable water source, a picnic table, and a grill/fire ring, covering fundamental camping needs.
• Historic Context: The campsite is located near the Licking Creek Aqueduct (canal milepost 116), one of the impressive stone aqueducts built to carry the C&O Canal, offering a glimpse into the canal's engineering marvels.
• Scenic Surroundings: While specific views from the campsite aren't detailed, the overall C&O Canal experience is known for its natural beauty, including the Potomac River.
• "Loved the Place": Despite the background noise from I-70, at least one reviewer expressed a genuine liking for the campsite, suggesting its positive attributes outweigh minor drawbacks for many.
• No Reservation Required & Free: Its first-come, first-served availability and zero cost make it highly accessible and convenient for spontaneous or budget-conscious travelers.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Spotting: As a natural area, campers often have the chance to observe local wildlife.

While the interstate noise is a consideration, the combination of its free access, essential facilities, and strategic location on the C&O Canal Towpath makes Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite a valuable and often appreciated resource for those exploring this iconic Maryland trail.

As a designated "Hiker Biker Campsite" within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite operates on a unique model that inherently constitutes a "special offer" in itself:

• Free of Charge: Perhaps the most significant "promotion" is that there is no fee for using the hiker-biker campsites on the C&O Canal. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for long-distance travelers.
• First-Come, First-Served Availability: While not a traditional promotion, the first-come, first-served basis means that no reservations are required, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips. This is a "perk" for those who prefer not to plan every detail in advance.

Given its status as a primitive, National Park Service-managed campsite, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite does not offer commercial promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs like privately owned campgrounds. Its primary "offer" is the provision of essential, free overnight resting points for those traversing the C&O Canal Towpath.

Users should be aware that the "free" aspect comes with the understanding of primitive facilities and the need for self-reliance, especially regarding water purification. The National Park Service's goal is to facilitate access and enjoyment of the historical park, and these free campsites are integral to that mission for long-distance hikers and bikers.

For detailed information on the rules and regulations associated with these free campsites, including stay limits (typically one night per site, per trip), campers should refer to the official Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park website or contact the park directly.

As Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is a primitive, free campsite managed by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the campsite itself. Instead, inquiries about the campsite and the C&O Canal National Historical Park in general should be directed to the main park information services.

Address: The campsite is located along the C&O Canal Towpath at Mile 116.0, near Big Pool, MD 21711, USA. This is a point along the trail and not a physical office or visitor center.

For general inquiries about the C&O Canal National Historical Park, including information about hiker-biker campsites, current conditions, water availability, or regulations, you can typically contact the National Park Service:

General NPS Contact for C&O Canal: +1 (301) 739-4200 (This is a general park information line, not specific to this campsite's direct contact).

Email: choh_information@nps.gov (General park information email).

There are no dedicated phone numbers for the individual hiker-biker campsites like Licking Creek. Campers are encouraged to consult the official Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park website for maps, alerts, and detailed information before embarking on their trip.

For Maryland locals, especially those with an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite offers a unique and highly suitable opportunity to engage with the state's rich history and natural landscapes. Its position along the iconic C&O Canal Towpath makes it an integral part of one of Maryland's most cherished recreational corridors. For cyclists embarking on a multi-day journey along the canal, or hikers exploring extended sections, this campsite provides essential, free overnight accommodation, making long-distance adventures more accessible and budget-friendly.

The primitive nature of the campsite, complete with basic amenities like a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and a non-potable water pump, appeals to those who appreciate a more rustic and self-reliant camping experience. It’s a chance to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature without the distractions of more commercial campgrounds. While the proximity to I-70 might introduce some background noise, many local users find this a minor trade-off for the convenience and the overall positive experience of being on the C&O Canal. The privacy offered by the site, even in its open areas, allows for a peaceful night's rest after a day of cycling or hiking.

Furthermore, for Maryland residents, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite serves as a gateway to exploring the historical significance of the C&O Canal and its surrounding natural environment. Its location near the Licking Creek Aqueduct adds an educational and architectural interest to the stay. Being part of the National Historical Park ensures that the area is preserved and maintained, offering a consistent quality for outdoor enthusiasts. In essence, Licking Creek Hiker Biker Campsite is an ideal spot for local Marylanders seeking an authentic, challenging, and rewarding outdoor experience along one of the state’s most celebrated trails, perfectly blending adventure with a touch of historical immersion.