Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground

About

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground provides year-round primitive tent camping for sanctioned youth organizations in the rolling hills of Thurmont, Maryland. The campground sits just steps from the Catoctin National Recreation Trail, offering groups easy access to hiking and nature exploration. Three flat, tree-sheltered sites are nestled within a hardwood deciduous forest, each accommodating up to 25 people. Each site includes picnic tables, grills, and a fire circle. Groups share centrally located vault toilets and a covered pavilion. Firewood is provided or campers may collect dead and downed wood; bringing outside firewood is prohibited. Water is not available on site as of 2025, so groups must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Pets, alcohol, and fireworks are prohibited. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov and may be booked up to 6 months in advance with a minimum 2-day advance booking. Check-in is at 1:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM. Adult supervision is required at all times, and at least 50% of group members must be under 18 and currently enrolled in the organization.

Directions

From Route 15, exit at Catoctin Mountain Park/Route 77. Travel approximately 6 miles west, passing the Visitor Center and Park Central Road. Turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. At the fork, bear right onto Manahan Road (gravel). Poplar Grove is about 1 mile ahead. From the west, take MD 64 to MD 77 East, drive about 4 miles, turn left onto Foxville-Deerfield Road, bear right onto Manahan Road at the fork, and continue about 1.7 miles.