The best camping in Catoctin Mountain Park, MD

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100% (33)

Get a close-up view of the history of the Old Line State on this park's well-maintained trails.  

The best camping in Catoctin Mountain Park, MD

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
100% (33)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Catoctin Mountain Park adventure.

Camper favorites near Catoctin Mountain Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Bears Den Campground

95%
(1171)
43mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 5 sites · Tents · Shenandoah Retreat, VA
Set up your tent in our remote but easily accessible campground, 100 yards off the Appalachian Trail. Roast marshmallows by the fire pit and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Site #1 is on a hilly slope and accommodates 4 campersSite #2 accommodates 8-10 campersSite #3 accommodates 4 campersSite #4 accommodates 6-8 campersSite #5 accommodates 6-8 campers About the property Located on a 66-acre plot just five miles from the Shenandoah River, our property offers amazing access to hiking and the outdoors while also keeping civilization within striking distance. Bear Chase Brewery is just a half mile walk across the street, and we are 15 miles from Purcellville. The land and lodge used to be the summer home of a trained opera singer, whose singing could be heard throughout the mountain. Your Host lives onsite in the stone house that also acts as a hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Built in the 1930's all from locally sourced hand-hammered stone, the house is open every night from 5pm - 9pm. Note that we offer several campsites relatively close to each other, so you should expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. About the listing Pitch your tent in a forested area just a short walk up from where you’ll park your car. Enjoy unbeatable proximity to hiking and panoramic views while still having basic amenities that ensure a comfortable stay. You’ll have access to a composting pit toilet, and can access potable water from the tap in the lodge. That’s also where you can access hot showers. As noted above, we host Appalachian Trail thru hikers on the property, so you may see them hanging around or sleeping in the bunkhouse near the shared facilities. so please be respectful of hours when you come in for a shower. No showers after 10 pm For meals, we have picnic tables, and you are encouraged to cook over the fire pits that accompany each site. Please practice Leave No Trace practices during your stay, as the property has raccoons and other critters who will be drawn to any food scraps that are left behind. Pets are allowed! Please keep them on leash during your stay. Trash can be disposed of in dumpster up the hill Additional details to note Expect to see and hear other campers on the property during your stay. No kitchen equipment is provided, so campers must bring their own supplies if they'd like to cook. We do not offer WiFi, but there is good cell reception for all common carriers.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$12
 / night

Taylors Landing Camping Club

99%
(498)
20mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Sharpsburg, MD
Experience the beauty of this historic property featuring a mix of woodland, grassy hilltops, and clover filled bottomlands. Enjoy the nearly direct access to the CO Canal Historic Park and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 11 similar sites available for your camping pleasure in our clover filled bottomland as well as our Hilltop sites for maximum privacy, exclusivity and star gazing potential. The natural Shade/Privacy nooks will keep the midday sun off of tents and the surrounding old growth forest makes for a great hike up to a very accessible and kid friendly cave to explore. All sites now have either 10x13, 13x20 or 16x20 shade sails available to keep the afternoon sun at bay. (check individual sites for shade sail size available and in the "extra" section) Throughout the summer, the river offers a user-friendly experience as water levels recede. Embark on float trips, kayaking, excellent fishing, swimming, cave exploring, or visit the historic towns and the Antietam Battlefields nearby for a touch of civilization during your stay. We have two kayaks on site free of charge. We have some life vests, but if you have your own, bring those along. The river's main beach located between sites 7 and 8, is shaded/filtered sun all day long while our smaller beach at site 1 is sunny most of the day and affords some of the nicest river lounging via a rock ledge that spans 4wd or All Wheel Drive are recommended. If it's been relatively dry, single wheel cars are 100% fine. We have ways to mitigate most weather events. Please pre-order firewood via a message to me or via the "extra" section for your site so I can have it waiting for you. $40 buys you a long night's ++ burn worth of well seasoned hardwood. Cash venmo paypal zelle all accepted upon arrival. If ordering firewood using the "extra" feature, 1 load is $20.00 which is a 1/2 nights supply. Order 2 if you want a full night/morning supply. I will credit unused wood. Please, no fireworks are permitted at any time.
Pets
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from 
$33
 / night

Willows Farm

99%
(254)
14mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Union Bridge, MD
Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.
Pets
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from 
$29
 / night

Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

97%
(280)
13mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 7 sites · Tents · Walkersville, MD
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet. We HIGHLY recommend a vehicle with AWD or at least a decent ground clearance.
Pets
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from 
$37
 / night

The Byrd's Nest on the River

99%
(282)
46mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Great Cacapon , WV
~ Awarded Hipcamp’s Best in State: West Virginia, since 2019 ~ The Byrd's Nest is a river front, primitive campsite on the scenic Cacapon River in Great Cacapon, WV. The property is very secluded, but only 2 hrs from D. C. and Baltimore. The space can accommodate 5 tents comfortably or a few small campers (w/o hookups). Please note- I only book one group at a time. You'll have plenty of privacy! Spend your day bird watching on the river deck, put up your hammock and chill, go hiking or mountain biking at Cacapon State Park, take the kayaks out and paddle around, go fishing, or take a float trip. I can provide info on put in/take out spots depending on how long you'd like to float. I have 3 kayaks available for your use, or BYO if you'd like to venture further outside of the property lines. There is one big fire ring for cooking and/or bonfires, along with a large stationary stand up charcoal camp grill. There is also a small communal shed down at camp that contains extra camping supplies, etc.. feel free to use use and put back and or/ contribute to it! :) This spot is close by to Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw Tunnel, Cacapon State Park, and other nature preserves. More hiking, biking, restaurants, spas, antiquing- all within a beautiful 20 minute drive if you wish to venture out. There is a cabin on the property. I will more often be home than not, I will communicate with you about that around your stay. Sometimes I"ll come down to the river frontage if I drop in for a float .Also, we all get around on four wheelers and UTV's. So you will hear them from time to time. If I am home, please feel free to come up if you have any concerns/questions or to say hi! :) *Please note, you can normally get to this site without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. However, when the river is high it will sometimes flood the low water bridge where it crosses the Cacapon. If this is the case during your stay, I will provide all necessary information regarding projected river levels and directions. I will also offer a full refund if the bridge is impassable. If I do not respond soon after your inquiry, it's because I am without reception. if your inquiry expires in 24 hours, I will still get back to you! Thanks in advance for your patience.
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from 
$94
 / night

Grouseland Hospitality

98%
(316)
48mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Clearville, PA
Grouseland's Private Campsites are located on top of our ridge offering a unique scenic overlook and a near virgin sky perfect for stargazing. We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. There are no exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. All sites include an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Tall Oaks Campsite: A small private site and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed maximum 6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a bench and charcoal grill. Twisted Oak Campsite: A medium-sized luxury private site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for maximum 8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for several tents. This site has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Red Maple Campsite: A large luxury private site that includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for a maximum 10 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be backed into with an RV and then pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, a charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Aspen RV Campsite: A medium private luxury drive through site great for RVs, rooftop tents, pop ups or camper vans. This site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed with water and electric hookups for a single camping vehicle, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. This site also has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and a bench.
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from 
$44
 / night

Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

98%
(124)
20mi from Catoctin Mountain Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Westminster, MD
Welcome to our fifth generation, mini-valley, woodland, and rolling hills. Empty Cupboard Farm has been family owned since 1918. It is presently planted in soy and corn. Wildlife abounds, including deer, small mammals, and geese. Bald eagles and Heron even take a pond dip periodically. Woodland trails are accessible and new tree plantings can be observed. We welcome RVs under 30'. It will be too hilly for anything longer. (Be aware: inclement weather is not your friend here if your vehicle can't handle potentially slippery conditions.) Enjoy the following activities: Mountain biking, pedal onlyPond fishing. (Sorry, no swimming in the pond; but an "An open to the public", private pool is 13 miles/20min. As is the Y. Lawn games and a fire pit are available. So are the stars at night; cloud permitting. Consider the free star gazing app, SkyView Lite, even in the day and under clouds. Don't miss our stunning sunsets at the "Red Door," our entrance. Historical towns within 10 miles any direction are reached over rolling countryside. Gettysburg is less than 20 miles. Baltimore is less than an hours ride by open highway. Blue Ridge mountains 18 miles. Taneytown, 1836, has an extraordinary antique store that is a delight to browse; as well as fine dining, drive through, an open air beer garden and close by grocery stores. Homemade ice cream is found at Baugher's and Hoffmans in Westminster. Baugher's Orchard has "pick your own" available. There is a mini farm animal petting zoo at the orchard. Additional things to see: Boating in Carroll County Maryland. Local wineries Ski Liberty Carroll is a full service county whatever your needs. Check out carrollcountytourism.org to learn more No lions, tigers, and Oh my! However, be aware that small critters may try to steal your food. No recent bear sightings. Geese visit occasionally. Coyotes are seen periodically. All hunting rights are reserved for long term clientele; therefore, hiking on the farm may be curtailed if they are present during hunting season. (November- January) Consider using Sky View Lite on line to watch the sky.
Pets
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from 
$15
 / night

Other options near Catoctin Mountain Park

The best camping in Catoctin Mountain Park, MD guide

Overview

About

Looking to stretch your legs? This park offers 25 miles of impressive hiking trails. Tucked in north-central Maryland, it's easily accessible from both Baltimore and Washington DC.

The trails here are conveniently split into two regions. Take the East Side trails if you'd like a bit of sightseeing with your hiking. Cunningham Falls Nature Trail takes you directly to the titular waterfall.

It's the largest cascading waterfall in the state, making this the park's most popular trail. History buffs will want to check out the Charcoal Trail, also on the East Side. This half-mile loop features educational exhibits tracing the history of the region's charcoal-making industry.

The West Side trails are a bit more remote and offer a quieter experience. If you're looking for a marathon challenge, tackle the Catoctin National Recreation Trail. This lengthy, mostly flat road travels just over 26 miles. It'll take you through a number of historic colonial sites.

Notable campgrounds

  • Rent a historic wooden cabin for a rustic and cozy retreat amid the forest.
  • Experience the great outdoors by camping under the stars at one of the park's serene campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as last-minute openings can occur.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Catoctin Mountain Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for hiking, though it can be crowded. Winters are cold and quiet, ideal for those seeking solitude.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking and changing weather conditions.
  • Be aware of wildlife and follow guidelines to ensure your safety and their protection.
  • Accessibility varies across the park; inquire at the visitor center for specific needs.
  • Restrooms and maps are available at the visitor center, helping you plan your day.
100%
33 ratings · 9 reviews