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Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

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As of September 2026, Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground is a campground in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland with 1 campsite. Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground is located at 38.9717° N, 77.1997° W.

people allowed on each site: 200

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Sep 30 (1 site)Oct 1 (1 site)Oct 5 (1 site)

1 site open on Sep 30 at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 21:27 UTC.

Campsites at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground

Group 1
Accessible 1

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: River.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Access
Carderock Picnic Pavilion	Group	200	Accessible

About Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground

Overview

The picnic pavilion at the Carderock Recreation Area is a large covered pavilion, open on three sides, that accommodates a maximum of 200 people. Convenient and ample parking is available for all attending your event as there are four parking lots. The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2. Both flush toilet facilities are closed for emergency repair. Portable toilets are located in parking lots 2 and 4.

Recreation

The most popular activity for Carderock Pavilion attendees 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

There are picnic tables in or around the pavilion and electricity (four 110-volt outlets) is available for your use. There are two large grills outside the pavilion and a large fireplace within the pavilion. Water and portable toilets are located nearby. There is a softball field and an area for volleyball or relay games. Horseshoe pits are near the front of the pavilion. All are for your use during your event. You must provide the sports equipment, though poles are provided for volleyball or badminton.

Natural Features

Carderock Paviion is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.

Nearby Attractions

The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. The Great Falls Overlook and Great Falls Tavern are a few miles upriver.

Rules and notices at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 27, 2026. Check Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

During Peak Season, reserve Carderock Pavilion for $250 per day plus an additional $100 for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

During Non-Peak Season, reserve the Carderock Pavilion for $125/day plus an additional $50 for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Alcohol Rules: Beer and wine only are permitted, in unbreakable containers (e.g. plastic cups or aluminum cans).

Carry Out all Trash. C&O Canal is a Trash Free Park. Be prepared with trash bags to remove any waste and recyclables as cans are not provided. The area must be left in a clean condition before departure.

Sunrise to Sunset Only. This permit is for use of the pavilion between sunrise and sunset only. Be aware that the restrooms adjacent to the pavilion may not be cleaned until at least 10:00 a.m. the day of your event.

Catering. Catering is permitted. However, no vehicle access will be provided to the pavilion. Caterers must be able to operate without running a generator or vehicle. The use of portable gas equipment is allowed.

Signs and Decorations. Contact the park for permission to post signs or banners on the roadways. Decorations may be hung in the pavilion provided that only tape is used and it is removed following the event.

Music and Amplification. Acoustic instruments and music may be played. Any volume amplification must be at a sound level that does not carry beyond the pavilion or interfere with the use of the area by other park visitors.

No vending, gambling, raffles or collection of fees. None of these activities is allowed on park property.

No amusement type rides and/or generators . For example, moon bounces, bouncy houses, pony rides, dunk tanks, etc. are prohibited.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Emergencies. If you have an emergency, please call National Capital Region Communications Center 1-866-677-6677.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground?

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground is rated "Very Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground have?

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion Campground has 1 campsites.