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The Marsden Tract Group Campground was built by scouts to provide access to larger campsites within easy commuting distance of the D.C. Metro area. It is located at Mile 11.5 on the C&O; Canal Towpath, between the Carderock Recreation Area and Anglers Inn. The group campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, rock climbing, paddling and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Marsden Tract.
The most popular activity for Marsden Tract campers 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.
The campground has six group campsites; all will accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. **Portable toilets and potable water are located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge (water may not be available during cold winter months).** No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Carderock Recreation Area or Angler's Inn are the two closest parking areas. Each is a one-mile walk respectively. There is a footbridge over the towpath off of MacArthur Blvd. near the interesection of Brickyard Rd. This area may be used to off-load gear and be walked down the hill, however overnight parking in this area is not permitted.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite 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.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite is located about 14 miles outside of Washington, D.C., providing affordable camping near the nation's capital. Many campers will base out of Marsden to see the sites such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Mall, Capitol and The White House.
**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.
You may park at either the Carderock Recreation Area or the gravel lots across from the Anglers Inn Restaurant. We recommend Carderock as it is slightly closer to walk the towpath to the campsite from there. Search "Billy Goat Trail C - North Parking Lot" on Google Maps for the best directions.
* From I-495 in Maryland:
1\. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
2\. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin-9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3\. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4\. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
* From I-495 in Virginia:
1\. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock.
2\. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3\. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4\. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
* From Washington (Georgetown):
1\. From the intersection of Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road.
2\. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin -9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
3\. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4\. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
* Directions from I-270 on reverse side.
From I-270:
1\. Take I-270 South toward Washington.
2\. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia.
3\. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway.
4\. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
5\. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817).
6\. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
7\. Turn right right and continue to the last parking lot. Take the short walking path to the canal. Turn upstream and hike about a 1/2 mile.
Park Emergencies: (866) 677-6677 or 911
Convenient camping spot for youth groups. You have to pack in all your gear but it's a short hike. Great area for firemaking and lots of firewood from fallen trees. Then you're right on Billy Goat B trail for some good hiking.
A great little campsite that is about 3/4 of a mile walk from the Carderock Parking area. Take the Billy Goat C trail from the parking lot to the C&O towpath. Then take the towpath until you see the sign on the left for the campsites. This is about 100 feet past the Billy Goat B trail sign. Potable water is up the towpath in the opposite direction of the parking lot across a foot bridge. Great location for scout troops, but a bit of a walk. Lots of nature. Saw a bunch of blue herons while I was there.
Campsite 1, 2 and 3 are left off of the foot bridge. 4, 5 & 6 are to the right and are closer to the bridge. All camp site areas are big and have a bike rack.
Water is just over the foot bridge. We use a fold up wagon to make life easier. Parking was not a big issue, we hade two vans, a pick up nd trailer and a mini van and a Jeep. We also had 3 camp sites book, so not a lot of competition.
The walk from parking the campsite was more of a hill and longer than I expected. Lots of steps as well, but doable.
Lot so traffic on the tow path, but nothing major. Other than the being in the flight path of the airport, and of course the bull frogs, not a lot of noise.
I would Suggest for the the price, if you are a scout troop, renting 1, 2 & 3 OR 4, 5, and 6 so you have the whole are to yourself.
"Backpacking lite." An oasis minutes outside of DC, great for testing your gear or just getting into the woods without having to drive or hike a long way.
Several Big Sites! Plenty of room for anyone hiking or biking the C & O. Closest campsites to DC less than 10 miles out of town.
Note: There is airplane noise throughout the night and it is a bit inland from the rivers edge
