Established Camping

Adirondack Shelters — Catoctin Mountain Park

2 Reviews

About

National Park Service

Catoctin Mountain Park

Overview

The Adirondack Shelters, located near the northern most point of Catoctin Mountain Park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky but generally gently rolling terrain leads to the three-sided shelters similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail. Please plan to pack out everything you bring to the site. At Catoctin Mountain Park, the beauty and solitude of nearly 6,000 acres of mature Eastern Hardwood Forest beckon visitors in need of an escape.__

Recreation

The shelters are for backcountry hikers looking for a remote getaway. Birdwatching, or birding is a popular form of wildlife observation. Catoctin offers a 25-mile hiking trail system, fishing, picnic areas, and multiple camping options.

Facilities

This is a rustic backcountry area with no vehicle access or potable water. There is one pit toilet shared between the two shelters. Campers must carry adequate drinking water and supplies and pack trash out at the conclusion of their stay. The two shelters are several hundred feet apart, making them close enough for groups to use both, but far enough away to offer privacy. The sites are available year-round and can accommodate five campers. Tents or temporary structures are not permitted inside the shelters or surrounding area. Campfire rings are provided.__

Natural Features

Located about 60 miles from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park lies within the mountainous Blue Ridge Province of north-central Maryland. Scenic overlooks extend across the Monocacy Valley.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Wolf Rock for scenic vistas and thrilling rock climbing and rappelling. Or tour historic Camp Misty Mount, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Fee Info

<p>Shelters are free. However, to cover the cost of online services and the use of recreation.gov you will incur a non-refundable fee. You will pay $8 if your reservation is made through recreation.gov online and $10 if made at recreation.gov___s call center, (877) 444-6777 (toll free) or (606) 515-6777 (international) 10 a.m. ___ 12 a.m. (Eastern Time Zone).__</p>

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

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Features

For Campers

Fires

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Kristopher H.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Great first backpacking trip

The short 3 mile hike from the parking lot at round meadow was perfect for giving us our first real backpacking experience. The shelters worked just fine and the seating around the firepit was great. My only issue is finding out where to park was a bit of a pain. The reservations through recreation.gov didn't say where to park so we had to hunt for the lot.

Drew C.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2016

Great for Testing Gear

As I've heard of many shelters on the nearby Appalachian Trail, there is a problem with mice at these shelters. Proper food hanging is an easy way to alleviate this issue, and I experienced no problem with mice in or around my tent (Although I saw many scurrying around the shelter). Despite the sound of gunshots (Even at 11pm!) from nearby private property, We slept well and were shielded from the downpour outside. I reserved the shelters on a stormy weekend, and was very glad that I could hike regardless of the conditions with untested gear, knowing that if all else failed, I had a dry home base. The surrounding trails are a bit mundane however, and better suited for horseback riding. If you're looking for great hiking trails, check out the eastern half of Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State park, Frederick Municipal Forest, and Gambrill State Park.

Location

Adirondack Shelters — Catoctin Mountain Park is located in Maryland

Directions

GPS information is provided as verification of Shelter # 1, which is near Shelter #2. Users are asked to help protect park resources by using the trail system when accessing the shelters or other park features. Trail maps can be obtained at the park Visitor Center or downloaded from the Catoctin Mountain Park Website, www.nps.gov/cato. Hilly terrain and the forest canopy can prevent satellite signals from reaching your unit increasing the importance of a back-up strategy. Take route 77 west 5 miles to Foxville Road, turn right and follow signs to Camp Round Meadow parking area.