About Spring Gap Campground
Overview The Spring Gap Campground is located at Mile 173.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath, near the city of Cumberland on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.Recreation The most popular activities for Spring Gap campers are hiking the local trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, paddling and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and anglers alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.Facilities Spring Gap Campground offers 12 single drive-in campsites and two drive-in group sites. Campsites 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13 can fit a single vehicle (i.e., car/pickup/van). Campsites 3-7, 12, 14 can fit a small 20 ft. length or smaller RV/trailer/pop-up. Single sites can accommodate up to eight people. Each single has a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Campsites 9 and 10 are group sites capable of holding 30 people each. The group site has room for two vehicles. The group site has four picnic tables, a fire pit and grill. Pit and portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1.Natural Features Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Cumberland, MD, 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 The C&O Canal National Historical Park Cumberland Visitor Center is in Cumberland, MD, open seven days a week. Also in Cumberland, MD: the Allegany Museum, Gordon-Roberts House, Gilchrist Gallery and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad are all worth a visit. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200.
How to Get There
From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/East Industrial Road for approximately 7 miles (11 km). Spring Gap Campground will be directly off 51, on the right side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
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 Spring Gap Campground
Heading to Spring Gap Campground? 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 Spring Gap Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Spring Gap Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252967) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Spring Gap Campground?
From Cumberland, MD: Follow MD State Route 51 South/East Industrial Road for approximately 7 miles (11 km). Spring Gap Campground will be directly off 51, on the right side of the road.
How do I contact Spring Gap Campground?
You can reach the park at email: choh_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
