Year-round youth primitive camping. Gravel entrance road showing 1 of 2 pit toilet buildings, shared pavilion, and potable water pump. Firewood is available on site. Parking is limited to 1 vehicle per site April through November only.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Open

Open seasonally from spring through fall. Closed in winter due to seasonal road closures and accessible only by hiking during winter months. Reservations required and must be made online or by phone at least 2 days in advance. Walk-in reservations are not accepted. Water is not available; campers must bring their own supply.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 5:20PM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

5:20 PM — July 3rd, 1:30 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions each afternoon with heat index values between 110 to 113 expected. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. For the third Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 5:20PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

5:20 PM — July 3rd, 1:30 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions each afternoon with heat index values between 110 to 113 expected. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. For the third Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 5:20PM EDT until July 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

5:20 PM — July 3rd, 1:30 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions each afternoon with heat index values between 110 to 113 expected. * WHERE...Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia. * WHEN...For the first Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. For the third Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

About

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground provides a traditional wilderness camping experience for organized youth groups in Catoctin Mountain Park, located in the rolling hills near Thurmont, Maryland. The campground features three tree-sheltered, flat tent sites surrounded by hardwood deciduous forest, each accommodating up to 25 visitors. At least 50% of the group must be under age 18 and currently enrolled in the organization. The primitive camping area includes vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire circles with grills at each site, plus a shared pavilion. The park provides firewood, though campers may also gather dead and downed wood. Water is not available on-site due to changes in park utility systems, so groups must bring their own supply. The campground sits just steps from the Catoctin National Recreation Trail, and the park offers 25 miles of additional hiking trails. The Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center is four miles away with interpretive programs, and Cunningham Falls State Park is three miles away for fishing and canoeing.

Directions

From Route 15, exit at Catoctin Mountain Park/Route 77. Travel approximately six miles west, passing the Visitor Center and Park Central Road. Turn right on Foxville-Deerfield Road and bear to the right onto Manahan Road at the fork. Poplar Grove is located about a mile ahead on the gravel road.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $35

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email debbie_mills@nps.gov
Phone +1 (301) 663-9388

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Year-round youth primitive camping. Gravel entrance road showing 1 of 2 pit toilet buildings, shared pavilion, and potable water pump. Firewood is available on site. Parking is limited to 1 vehicle per site April through November only.
Youth enjoy rustic tent camping year-round.  Each of the 3 sites can accommodate 25 youth campers.
Each of the 3 group sites can accommodate 25 youth.  There are 2 shared pit toilet buildings, a pavilion, potable water, fire-rings and grills.  Firewood is available onsite.
Each of the 3 group sites can accommodate 25 youth.  There are 2 shared pit toilet buildings, a pavilion, potable water, fire-rings and grills.  Firewood is available onsite.

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