Overview
Catoctin Mountain Park is a unit of the United States national park system, in the state of Maryland. It is a popular weekend destination and home of the Presidential retreat, Camp David.
1 sights · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Baltimore)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HGR Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field, Hagerstown — 15 mi away. Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 49 mi away (major hub). Directions
The park is about 70 mi north of Washington D.C. and can be easily reached by car. From Washington D.C., take I-270 north to Frederick, Maryland. Take Route 15 north to Thurmont, Maryland and take Route 77 west. Travel 3 mi west on Route 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. Park Visitor Center is located on the right.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
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Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
The park area generally experiences a mild, four-season climate. Temperatures average about 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer but the weather occasionally can be more extreme. The park is a popular destination in the fall months when tree foliage is at its best.
Visitor information
Get in
The park is about 70 mi north of Washington D.C. and can be easily reached by car. From Washington D.C., take I-270 north to Frederick, Maryland. Take Route 15 north to Thurmont, Maryland and take Route 77 west. Travel 3 mi west on Route 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. Park Visitor Center is located on the right.
Fees and permits
Catoctin Mountain Park is open year-round during daylight hours. Seasonal road closures happen occasionally during winter. There are no entrance fees, but those staying overnight have to pay a camping fee.
See
See Catoctin Mountain
Do
- Fishing. Big Hunting Creek is popular among the fly fishermen. Maryland fishing license and trout stamp are required.
- Hiking. Catoctin Mountain Park offers about 25 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. The trails are not marked with blazes but are well maintained and easy to follow. Popular destinations include Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock and Hog Rock.
Sleep
Lodging
Camp Misty Mount offers individual cabin rentals. Each cabin sleeps 3-6 people and can be rented for $35 per night ($55 per night on weekends).
Camping
Individual camping is available at Owens Creek Campground from early spring to late fall. There are no reservations as the sites are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. The camping fee is $20 per night.
Backcountry
Go next
Visitors to Catoctin Mountain Park often visit waterfalls at the neighboring Cunningham Falls State Park.
You may also enjoy the atmosphere of nearby Thurmont.
Nearby
Thurmont
City / town · 19 listings · 3 mi away
Hagerstown
City / town · 48 listings · 13 mi away
Boonsboro
City / town · 6 listings · 14 mi away
Middletown
City / town · 3 listings · 15 mi away
Frederick
City / town · 49 listings · 16 mi away
Gettysburg
City / town · 40 listings · 18 mi away
Sharpsburg
City / town · 11 listings · 20 mi away
Chambersburg
City / town · 16 listings · 22 mi away
My experience
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