lockhouse 25 - c&o canal trust

One of the more primitive lockhouse options: no heat, electricity, or water. We went in November so we were prepared for the cold (good sleeping bags as bed linens) and large evening fire by the fire pit. Biggest issue: lighting. We understood that battery-operated lanterns would be provided since there is no electricity. Neither lantern worked--they had no charge. Had the lanterns worked, I would upgrade the review to four stars. But without lighting, this lockhouse is not habitable, particularly since the bedrooms are upstairs and the staircase extends across the passage between the two bedrooms (e.g. it would be very easy to trip and fall down the stairs at night without adequate lighting. Luckily we brought our own candles and flashlights. There is no good source of clean water off season. Note that water pumps along the route are listed as lasting only until October, so we brought just enough water for cooking/cleaning. However, the ONLY pump between DC and Lockhouse 25 that was NOT actually in use in mid-November was the one closest to lockhouse 25. All the others were available. I imagine the rangers in the other areas of the park use bit more flexibility in shutting down the pumps for winter, so we were still able to get water albeit 4.5 miles away.Bottom line: decent lockhouse, but bring your own candles since provided lanterns are unrealiable.