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 acc…
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 c
Photos
Campsite with picnic table, grill and fire ring — NPS Photo (Claire Conner)Lookout Point, Paw Paw Bends — NPS Photo (Steve Dean)Inside the Paw Paw Tunnel — Steve DeanThe grassy expanse of Paw Paw campground with the historic canal superintendent’s house — NPS Photo Inside the Paw Paw Tunnel — Steve DeanCampsite with pop-up tent over picnic table — NPS Photo (Claire Conner)Potomac River at Paw Paw — Claire Conner/NPSA single campsite with picnic table, grill and fire ring (historic superintendent's house in the background) — NPS Photo (Claire Conner)
How to Get There
From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles (39 km). Paw Paw Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite
Heading to Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
No central reservation system listed for Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252971) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Paw Paw Tunnel Campsite?
From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/E Industrial Road for approximately 24 miles (39 km). Paw Paw Campground will be directly off 51, on the left side of the road.
