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Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite in Maryland
Very Hard to BookNational Park

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

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As of September 2026, Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is a campground in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland with 10 campsites. Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite is located at 39.5416° N, 78.4597° W.
people allowed on each site
8

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite reservations and next available dates

September 2026

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

Next Available Dates

Sep 30 (8 sites)Oct 1 (10 sites)Oct 2 (10 sites)

8 sites open on Sep 30 at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 00:25 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

  • Mid-stay changes allowed
  • Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive days
  • Maximum stay: 30 days

Published by Recreation.gov for Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

  • Tent 10

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: stargazing.

All sites at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
001Tent8
002Tent8
003Tent8
004Tent8
005Tent8
006Tent8
007Tent8
008Tent8
009Tent8
010Tent8

About Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Overview

The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, across from the town of Paw Paw in West Virginia. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Facilities

There are 10 single campsites, each has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each site can accommodate eight people. If there is a larger group, reserve two sites next to each other. Portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available from April 15-November 1.

Natural Features

Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year, but especially during autumn.

Nearby Attractions

Continue your adventures at Green Ridge State Forest! The city of Cumberland, MD is just 25 miles (40 km) west on MD Route 51.

Contact Info

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

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations

A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer.

Camping and Day Use Facilities

Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.

Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window

• Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

• Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

• Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.

Rules and notices at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Water & Hygiene. Bring a backup supply of potable water as pump handles may not be in place at all times. Restrooms will be cleaned twice weekly. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, soap and toilet paper as these items have been the subject of theft.

Winter supplies. Please bring ample water if winter, and food as minimal supplies are available if at all in surrounding towns.

Fires are permitted in established fire rings. Please ensure that your fire is extinguished completely each time you leave the area. The cutting or defacing of any live growth is strictly prohibited. Kiln fired or dried wood may be brought into the park. Fallen dead timber in the park may be used for on-site firewood. Bring handsaws to cut fallen wood. Chainsaws are prohibited. Park Rangers reserve the right to ban all fires during periods of drought.

Scouts and Large Groups: Please reserve two adjacent sites. Check the facility map for numbering.

Quiet Hours. Please observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Alcohol & Marijuana. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Marijuana is illegal on federal property.

Pets are allowed in the campgrounds. They must be restrained by a 6 ft. leash at all times and their waste must be picked up and taken with the owner.

Check-in and Check-out. Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. ET. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m. ET.

Remove All Trash. The park is a 'Trash Free Park' and trash cans are not provided. Trash must be picked up and the area left in a clean condition before the group departs.

Emergencies. If someone is "squatting" in your campsite OR for emergencies, please call the National Capital Region Communications Center at 1-866-677-6677.

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?

Cancellations happen frequently at Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite, 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 Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite have?

Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite has 10 campsites.

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