FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite

Sterling, Maryland · Montgomery County · Campground

Mile 26.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and drinking water. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water…

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
39.06938, -77.39804
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite

Mile 26.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and drinking water. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.

How to Get There

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

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 Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite

Heading to Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) 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 Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite?

No central reservation system listed for Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251604) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite?

Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

How do I contact Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite?

You can reach the park at phone: (301) 739-4200 or email: choh_information@nps.gov.

Guides & rankings

More on Maryland parks & hiking

View all posts →
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Maryland, Ranked

Maryland's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Maryland's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Maryland trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Maryland

Ten gentle, well-marked Maryland trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Maryland

Maryland's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Maryland

Federal parks and recreation areas in Maryland ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Maryland: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Maryland's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min