Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

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.