About McCoy's Ferry Campground
Overview The McCoys Ferry Campground is located at Mile 110.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, between the towns of Big Pool and Big Spring on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are drive-in, large enough to park a very small fifth wheel/travel trailer/RV/pop-out with a 20' ft. (6.1 m) maximum. McCoys Ferry has a tunnel access which limits vehicle height to 10' 3" (3.12 m). Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.Recreation The most popular activities for McCoys Ferry campers is boating and fishing. The campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac River for kayakers and fisherman alike. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.Facilities The campground has 12 single drive-in campsites. Each single will accommodate up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is one group site available with space for two vehicles and a small trailer or support vehicle less than 20 ft (6 m). The group site can accommodate 30 people and has four picnic tables with grill and fire pit. Protected pit toilets and accessible portable toilets are available. Potable hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath. Parking is allowed in the drive-in campsites and the adjacent parking lot for vehicles with trailers.Natural Features Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Fort Frederick State Park, 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. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (301) 739-4200. Nearby Attractions Fort Frederick State Park is located nearby, a rare pre-Revolution stone fort from the French & Indian War. Living History programming is available weekends in the summer.
How to Get There
From Hagerstown, MD: Take I-70 W to Exit 18 towards Clear Springs. Make a left onto U.S. Route 40. About a mile (1.6 km) later make another left on Martin Street. This road will head out of town for a few miles. Make a right on MD State Route 56. Then a few miles later make a left on McCoy's Ferry Rd. The road will dead end at the campground after passing under the tunnel.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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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
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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 McCoy's Ferry Campground
Heading to McCoy's Ferry 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 McCoy's Ferry Campground?
No central reservation system listed for McCoy's Ferry Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252969) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to McCoy's Ferry Campground?
From Hagerstown, MD: Take I-70 W to Exit 18 towards Clear Springs. Make a left onto U.S. Route 40. About a mile (1.6 km) later make another left on Martin Street. This road will head out of town for a few miles. Make a right on MD State Route 56. Then a few miles later make a left on McCoy's Ferry Rd. The road will dead end at the campground after passing under the tunnel.
How do I contact McCoy's Ferry Campground?
You can reach the park at email: choh_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
