All campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis and no fees are charged. One family or one camping unit is allowed for each site. The park defines a"family" as one head of household and immediate family. A "camping unit" consists of a non-family group of up to eight (8) persons.

Campsites (except the Marsden tract) may not be reserved in any manner. Abandoned or unattended personal property may be impounded. Campsites and/or camping facilities may not be transferred to another person or group. When a camper or group leaves the camping area, all equipment must be removed.

Parking trailers and pitching tents or other equipment are permitted only at designated sites. Trailer length in drive-in camps may not exceed 20 feet.

At the drive-in campgrounds at McCoy's Ferry, Fifteen Mile Creek and Spring Gap, stay is limited to thirty (30) days per calendar year (whether cumulative or consecutive). Remember, first-come, first-served. Visitors to campgrounds at McCoy's Ferry, Fifteen Mile Creek, and Spring Gap must park in boat parking areas.

Water is available at all hiker-biker campsites and at Antietam Creek and Fifteen Mile Creek Campground mid-April through mid-November. There is no water at Spring Gap or McCoy's Ferry campgrounds for visitor use. McCoy's Ferry and Spring Gap picnic areas close at dark.

Antietam Creek Campground is a hike-in campground with adjacent parking. Stay is limited to thirty (30) days per calendar year (whether cumulative or consecutive). Again, first-come, first-served.

At hiker-biker campsites and Paw Paw campground, stay is limited to one night per site, per trip.

Two youth hostels near the C & O Canal provide outdoor travelers with dormitory accommodations and cooking facilities for inexpensive overnight lodging:

Harpers Ferry Youth Hostel (Route 2, Box 248E, Knoxville, MD 21758, 301-834-7652) across the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry, WV, near Mile 59 and close to the Appalachian Trail, 40 beds, open year round.

Washington International Youth Hostel (1009 11th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20001 202-737-2333) located at the comer of 11th and K streets three blocks north of Metro Center, 250 beds, open year round.