Parks / Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park
Park · MD
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.
Official NPS page →Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (6)
Adirondack Shelters
Reservations Required. No Walk Ins. Available year-round, the Adirondack Shelters located near the northern most point of the park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. There are two shelters that offer the bare minimum with regard to outdoor accommodation. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky and gently rolling terrain starting at Camp Round Meadow will lead you to these three-sided shelters.
Details →Camp Greentop
Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Greentop is a perfect location for organized groups to hold large events, retreats, or conferences. The camp has space for 150 people to sleep on twin beds. There are 12 cabins that sleep 10 each, one lodge that sleeps 12, and three smaller cabins. Recent upgrades include a new swimming pool, renovated Dining and Recreation Halls, and upgraded electrical systems including new outlets and ceiling fans in each of the guest cabins.
Details →Camp Misty Mount
Advanced reservations required. Camp Misty Mount is a cabin rental facility for individuals, families, or small groups. This historic cabin camp was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration. The camp is surrounded by hardwood forests on the slopes of Catoctin Mountain Park. Recent upgrades to Camp Misty Mount include a renovated swimming pool and bath house, new cots and mattresses, and upgraded electrical systems including new outlets and ceiling fans in each of the guest cabins.
Details →Camp Round Meadow
Advanced reservations required. Camp Round Meadow accommodates up to 120 guests in 4 heated dorms that sleep 30 people each. Each dorm has bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and electric outlets. Additional facilities include a dining hall, gymnasium, classrooms, a conference room, outdoor fire pit, and a small outdoor gazebo. Recent upgrades include renovated restrooms in the dorms and a new HVAC system in the gym.
Details →Owens Creek Campground
Advanced reservations required. Owens Creek Campground offers family camping in a wooded setting. There are 50 sites, 3 have ADA features. Maximum trailer length is 22 feet. One vehicle is permitted per site. There are no hook-ups. Use of alcohol is prohibited. Pets allowed and must leashed and tended to at all time. Tent pads have been updated and expanded to a minimum size of 12' x 12'. See reservations page for more details on each site.
Details →Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground
Reservations Required. No Walk-Ins. Poplar Grove is open to adult supervised organized youth groups whose members are under age 18. There are 3 sites within Poplar Grove. Each site accommodates up to 25 persons. Groups share pit toilets and a pavilion. Each site has picnic tables, grills and a fire circle.
Details →Upcoming Events
Movement on the Mountain: The African American History of Camp Round Meadow
Sep 5, 2026 · 4840 Manahan Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780 Upon entering Camp Round Meadow, park in the gravel lot you see in front of you. The Blacksmith Shop will be in front of you up the slight rise (to the right of the gymnasium)
Swing for the Fences: Beautifying Blue Blazes
Sep 26, 2026 · Meet at the visitor center, short walk to Blue Blazes Trailhead 14707 Park Central Road Thurmont, MD 21788
Things to Do
8-Mile Loop Trail
Covering the majority of the sites on the east side of the park, the 8-Mile Loop Trail provides hikers with a good challenge and rewards them with all of the best scenic points along the mountain ridge.
Birdwatching - Brown's Farm Trail
Birds can be observed throughout the entire park, but the secluded nature of the west side makes it ideal for birdwatching.
Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail
As you travel along the Blue Blazes creek, interpretive trailside signs explore stream ecology and the history of whiskey production on Catoctin Mountain during the time of Prohibition. The trail concludes at an actual whiskey still.
Brown's Farm Trail
The Brown's Farm Trail is a mostly flat, half-mile loop trail that passes through several different forest ecosystems and the remains of an early 1900s farmstead.
Cabin Camping
Lodging in the park can facilitate groups both large and small.
Catoctin Junior Angler Program
See what it takes to become a Junior Angler!
Catoctin Junior Ranger Program
Come explore Catoctin Mountain Park with our Junior Ranger Book!
Charcoal Exhibit Trail
This one-half mile loop trail will take you along several exhibits and displays that will tell the story of the once thriving charcoal making industry on the mountain.
Cross-Country Skiing
Generally, the best skiing is along certain sections of park roads which are closed to vehicular traffic.
Deerfield Nature Trail
This 1.3 mile loop trail travels along Owens Creek, exploring the historical and ecological importance of the area.
Fishing at Lewis Pond
The Lewis Pond offers a quiet and peaceful opportunity to go freshwater fishing.
Fly Fishing
Big Hunting Creek is a catch-and-return, fly fishing stream.
Hike to Chimney Rock: The Orange Blazed Trail
Chimney Rock reaches a maximum elevation of 1419 ft and Wolf Rock has an elevation of 1401 ft. Great for a romantic hike for that offers opportunities to get back in touch with nature and time to reflect on natures peacefulness and beauty.
Hike to the Falls and Hog Rock: The Yellow Blazed Trail
This loop is a moderate hike with uphill and downhill sections of the trail that include moderate to steep inclines. This trail is the longest loop (without making any variations) and features Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall at 78 feet and two stunning vistas. The Hog Rock Vista is the highest elevation overlook on any of the trails/loops reaching 1610 ft. Expect hills, uneven surfaces, and rocky terrain along this loop trail.
Hike to Thurmont Vista: The Pink Blazed Trail
Thurmont Vista Overlook, the highlight of the Pink Trail, reaches a maximum elevation of 1,499 ft. A moderate hike, traversing the mountainside, this trail provides hikers an opportunity to experience the second growth forests that cover the park.
Horse Riding
Public riding is not permitted on any trails in the park other than the designated public horse trail.
Orienteering
If you would like to practice your orienteering skills, the park maintains courses that are available for public use.
Park Museum
Step inside the visitor center to walk through the park museum exhibits.
Picnic Areas
Catoctin Mountain Park offers many places for individuals to sit down and enjoy a meal under the forest canopy.
Rock Climbing
Wolf Rock is the only location on site open to technical rock climbing.
Spicebush Trail
The Spicebush Trail is a short informative walk with wayside panels describing the ever-changing forests at Catoctin Mountain Park.
Tent Camping
Catoctin Mountain has multiple traditional camping options for various group sizes.
Visitor Centers
- Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.