Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is a national park campground in Maryland. Hookups: no hookups.
- Type
- National park campground
- Location
- Maryland
- Coordinates
- 38.97868, -77.21607
- Hookups
- No hookups
- Activities
- Biking, Camping, Hiking
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Overview 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. Recreation The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only. Facilities The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Potable water is located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge heading towards MacArthur Blvd (water may not be available during cold winter months). Portable toilets are located near Campsite 1. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsite
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources · 31 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- Exxon · 3.7 mi
- Low clearances
- 39 bridges or tunnels at 14 ft or less within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marsden Tract Group Campsite | Free campsite | under 0.1 mi | Free | — |
| Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion | National park campground | 1.0 mi | — | No hookups |
| Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite | National park campground | 3.9 mi | — | — |
| Lock 21 “Swains” Campground | Free campsite | 3.9 mi | Free | — |
| Robert C. McDonell Campground | Free campsite | 5.5 mi | Free | — |
| Lake Fairfax Large Group Campground | Private campground | 5.6 mi | — | — |
Open Marsden Tract Group Campsite in DryRig
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Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.