Alerts & Conditions

 

Catoctin Mountain Park begins phased reopening of park facilities and services

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Catoctin Mountain Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Starting June 11, Catoctin Mountain Park will open vault toilet facilities at the Hog Rock parking lot and Owens Creek picnic area. In addition, the Adirondack shelters will be available for overnight use. Reservations are required and can be made at www.recreation.gov.

Starting June 15, the comfort station at Chestnut picnic area will be opened for public use.

Starting June 19, Owens Creek campground and Camp Misty Mount will both be open for overnight use. Advance reservations are required and can be made at www.recreation.gov.

Please visit the Plan Your Visit page on the park’s website for more information on Owens Creek Campground, historic Camp Misty Mount and the Adirondack shelters.

In addition, all parking lots and trails remain accessible. The Visitor Center, Camp Greentop, Camp Round Meadow and Poplar Grove group campground remain closed at this time.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Catoctin Mountain Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/614/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/cato and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.