Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.Approved: Rick Slade, Superintendent, May 26, 2026In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Catoctin Mountain Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document, identified by italicized print. In addition to the park website, signed copies of the Superintendent's Compendium for Catoctin Mountain Park are available at the park headquarters, from any Law Enforcement Ranger, email, or via a written request for a physical copy at: Superintendent Catoctin Mountain Park 6602 Foxville Road Thurmont, MD 21788 Introduction
The Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) Superintendent's Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under the discretionary authority of the park Superintendent. It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on those public use and resource protection regulations that pertain to the specific administration of the park. It does not contain those regulations found in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and other United States Codes (U.S.C.) which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
The regulations contained in Title 36 CFR Parts 1–7 are used to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park, and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1–6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park System. Part 7 contains special regulations, which are specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of the Part 1–7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public.
The NPS is granted broad statutory authority in 54 U.S.C. 100101(a) et.seq. (National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to, "promote and regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” (54 U.S.C. 100101(a))
In addition, the Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to "prescribe such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units." (54 USC 100751(a)) In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (54 USC 100101(b)(1) et.seq.), Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted, system wide, the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various System units shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by subsection (a), to the common benefit of all the people of the United States. The authorization of activities shall be construed and the protection, management, and administration of the System units shall be conducted in light of the high public value and integrity of the System." (54 USC 100101(b)(2)) 54 USC 100501 defines the areas included in the National Park System as" ...any area of land and water administered by the Secretary, acting through the Director, for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes." Title 36 CFR Section 1.7(b) requires the Superintendent to compile, in writing, all the designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. This compilation, called the Superintendent's Compendium, shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request. In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is also guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2001). As stated in this document, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national, natural and cultural resources, while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitors and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience.The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. Each park Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, in which the Superintendent has a basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired; then that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.
This Compendium is in compliance with all regulations and delegated authority provided by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1–7 authorized by Title 54 United States Code 100751.
As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular NPS area.
The regulations contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise within the boundaries of federally owned lands and waters administered by the NPS as part of CATO.
Only NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers or a crossed designated Law Enforcement Officer can enforce the requirements of the U.S.C., CFR Titles, and this Superintendent's Compendium. However, many Federal laws and regulations, have similar statutes found in State and local law. Many of the requirements of this Compendium complement existing State and local law and regulations, which are also in effect within the park and enforced by State and local law enforcement officers.
A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in Title 36 CFR Parts 1–7, along with this compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding three months (36 CFR 1.3(b)), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings.
Part 1 General Provisions
(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established:
Visiting Hours:
Public Use Limits:
Closures:
Specific Use/Activity Restrictions:(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity and/or the following conditions or restrictions are imposed on a specific use or activity:
CCTV USE POLICY
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required:
Catoctin Mountain Park c/o: Permit Office 6602 Foxville Road Thurmont, MD 21788 cato_permits@nps.gov Permits for overnight camping or facility rental can be acquired by visiting www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777. cato_campmanager@nps.gov Part 2 General Regulations
(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected in the following designated areas for use as fuel for campfires:
(b) Hunting and trapping is prohibited.
(d) Transporting lawfully taken wildlife through the park is prohibited except on Foxville Deerfield Road and Maryland Route 77. The following conditions and procedures are required:
Pursuant to 18 USC § 930, firearms are prohibited in federal facilities. Federal facilities are marked with signs at public entrances. Pursuant to 54 USC § 104906, park visitors may carry firearms in the park if they are otherwise in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. (e) Traps and nets are prohibited except as permitted by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with 36 CFR chapter 1 or the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit pursuant to § 2.5(a).
Camping is defined as erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other material for use, parking a motor vehicle, motorhome or trailer, or mooring a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy. (a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities noted. A permit system and camping conditions have been established:
(b) The Superintendent may designate all or a portion of a park area where food, lawfully taken fish or wildlife, garbage, and equipment used to cook or store food must be stored as designated:
Picnicking is allowed, except in designated areas closed in accordance with §1.5
The following are prohibited: (a)(1) Operating motorized equipment, machinery, audio device, or musical instrument in a manner that makes unreasonable noise. (a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. (a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. (a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §§ 2.50 or 2.51. (a)(1) A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited. Fires are only allowed in existing fire rings or grills within designated picnic and camping areas (a)(2) The use of stoves or lanterns is prohibited, except under the following conditions:
(b) Fires shall be extinguished upon termination of use and in accordance with the following conditions:
This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition. (a)(2) Using park refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse is prohibited. (b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, swimming areas, and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:
This restriction does not apply to service animals. The NPS will use the same definition of service animal currently found in DOJ regulations 28 CFR 363104 and will not rely on 36 CFR 2.15. Service animals will be allowed wherever visitors or employees are allowed when accompanying a person with a disability.
(b) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited. (c) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
(d) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
The above designations are based upon a determination that such conditions are necessary for the safety of public health, and the protection of natural and cultural resources. (a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is prohibited outside of the following trails, routes, or areas designated for their use: Designated horse or pack animal areas:
(d) Free-trailing or loose-herding of horses or pack animals on trails is prohibited, except as designated:
(g) Violation of the following conditions established by the superintendent is prohibited:
The above designations are based upon a determination that such conditions are necessary for the safety of public health, and the protection of natural and cultural resources
(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent through written authorization.
(d) The use of aircraft shall be in accordance with regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Such regulations are adopted as a part of these regulations
(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, inner tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter sports are prohibited on park roads and in parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic, except as otherwise designated:
The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited, except in the following designated areas:
These conditions have been determined to protect park resources, ensure visitor safety, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities. (a) The following areas have been designated as closed to smoking:
These restrictions are consistent with federal law and have been determined to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.
(a) Leaving property unattended for periods longer than 24 hours is prohibited, except with the permission of the Superintendent.
(a) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses: Entrance Fee Areas:
Daily Site Use Fee Areas:
Special Recreation Permit Fee (Such as but not limited to, group activities, recreation events, and the use of motorized recreation vehicles):
(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
This closure is implemented following the determination that the consumption and possession of alcohol within Catoctin Mountain Park would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which the park is maintained and was established. This closure maintains consistency with regulations of the adjacent state park and reduces hazards and incidents relating to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.
(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. (b) Using or possessing fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefore has been issued by the superintendent.
(b) Demonstrations of 25 people or less are allowed within the park areas designated as available under (c)(2). Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity. (c)(2) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:
See attached map for details (Appendix 1) The above designations are based upon a determination that such locations will not negatively impact park resources, unreasonably interfere with park operations, impair public facility use, create a danger to public health and safety, or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in natural resource zones. (b) The sale or distribution of printer matter by 25 people or less is allowed within the park areas designated as available under §2.51(c)(2) (see above). The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit. Areas designated:
The above designations are based upon a determination that such locations will not negatively impact park resources, unreasonably interfere with park operations, impair public facility use, create a danger to public health and safety, or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in in natural resource zones.
(a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, lease, or contract.
(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
Part 3 Vehicles & Traffic Safety(a) Unless specifically addressed by regulations in this chapter, traffic and the use of vehicles within a park area are governed by State law. State law is now or may later be in effect is adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part. (b) Violating a provision of State law is prohibited. (a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
The above designations are based upon a determination that such conditions are necessary to ensure traffic safety and the protection of road surfaces and park resources. (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas and on routes designated for bicycle use.
Hitchhiking or soliciting transportation is prohibited.
Part 4 Commercial & Private Operations
Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.
Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be specifically authorized under special regulations.
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law. (b) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited, and requires permission or a permit issued by the Superintendent. (c) The Superintendent shall issue permits for commercial vehicles used on park area roads when such use is necessary for access to private lands situated within or adjacent to the park area, to which access is otherwise not available
Such activities, including tents, canopies, and other ground penetration, are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States.
Appendices
NPS Part 2 General Regulations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last updated: July 22, 2026