Alerts & Conditions

Catoctin Mountain Park continues with 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.

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

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. Check availablitity and make reservations at www.recreation.gov. Reservations are required for all overnight facilities.

Starting June 25, an outdoor contact station will be open at the park's visitor center. The building, including the bookstore, exhibits and restrooms, will remain closed.

Starting August 2, Camp Greentop will be open for overnight use with a 75% limit on overall occupancy.

Starting October 9, Poplar Grove group campground will be open. It is designated for use by youth camping groups. Reservations are required and can be made at www.recreation.gov

Starting October 9, Camp Round Meadow will be open for overnight use with a 50% limit on overall occupancy. Reservations are required and can be made at www.recreation.gov

Starting November 2, Camp Misty Mount, Camp Greentop, Owens Creek Campground, and the Chestnut Picnic Area comfort station closed for the season. Please visit the Plan Your Visit page on the park’s website for more information on the Adirondack shelters, Owens Creek Campground, Camp Misty Mount, Camp Greentop, Camp Round Meadow and Poplar Grove youth group campground.

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.