Lock 21 “Swains” Campground
Facilities & details
Amenities and on-site features reported for Lock 21 “Swains” Campground.
Know before you go
Practical things to prepare for a trip to Lock 21 “Swains” Campground.
- This is a backcountry site — you'll need to carry in your gear and water.
Location
Where Lock 21 “Swains” Campground sits on the map and how to get there.
Nearby cities & towns
Towns and cities closest to Lock 21 “Swains” Campground — browse campsites near each.
What’s nearby
Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.
🏞️ Attractions
park in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States of America

park in Travilah, Maryland, United States
mountain in Maryland, United States of America
golf and recreation center on the banks of the Potomac River in Germantown, Maryland, United States
mountain in Virginia, United States of America
Great Falls is a series of rapids and waterfalls on the Potomac River in the state of Maryland 14 miles (23 km) upstream from Washington, D.C. As the border between the states of Maryland and Virginia generally follows the low-water line on the Virginia side, the river and falls at Great Falls lie within Montgomery County, Maryland, which abuts Fairfax County, Virginia on the far shore.
🛒 Amenities & services
🛒 Groceries
Safeway
Giant
7-Eleven
⛽ Fuel
- Sunoco
BP
Exxon
🍽️ Food & drink
- Hunter's Bar and Grill
- Bai Khao Thai
- The Tavern at Great Falls
➕ Medical
- Virginia Pediatric Group, Ltd.
- Doctors
CVS Pharmacy
🚰 Drinking water
- Drinking water
🚻 Toilets & showers
- Public toilets
🎾 Sports
- Potomac Woods Swim Club (private club)
- Seven Locks Swim & Tennis Club
- Baseball
🏧 ATM & bank
PNC Bank
Truist
Capital One
Weather
Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.
Best time to visit
Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground.
Good to know
Quick answers to common questions about Lock 21 “Swains” Campground.
How much does it cost to camp at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
Lock 21 “Swains” Campground is free to camp at.
Do I need to book ahead for Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
No — it's first-come, first-served.
Can I bring an RV or caravan to Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
No, caravans and RVs aren't permitted here.
Can I pitch a tent at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
Yes, tent camping is allowed.
Are there toilets at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
Yes, toilets are available on site.
Are showers available at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
No, showers are not available.
Is there WiFi at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
No, there's no internet access on site.
Is there an RV dump station at Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
No dump station is available.
Who runs Lock 21 “Swains” Campground?
Lock 21 “Swains” Campground is operated by National Park Service.
Reviews
Ratings, nightly prices and photos from people who’ve camped here.
No reviews yet — be the first!
Other campgrounds nearby
More places to camp close to Lock 21 “Swains” Campground.
- Marsden Tract Group Campsite
- Camp Fraser
- Robert C. McDonell Campground · Montgomery County
- Lake Fairfax Park Large Group Campground · Fairfax County Parks Authority
- Lake Fairfax Large Group Campground · Fairfax County Parks Authority
- Group camping area G-1 · Fairfax County Parks Authority