Camping at Owens Creek Campground

Basic Information

Owens Creek Campground is located within Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland, a unit of the National Park Service. It offers a rustic camping experience in a forested setting.

• Address: Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
• Season: The campground typically operates from spring through fall. Exact opening and closing dates can vary from year to year.
• Reservations: Sites can be reserved in advance, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Reservations can be made through the National Park Service's reservation system or a third-party site that manages bookings for national parks.
• Campsites: There are several tent and a limited number of RV sites, but RV hookups are not available.
• Facilities: Campsites usually include a fire ring, picnic table, and parking space. The campground provides modern restrooms with flushing toilets and potable water, but no showers.

Activities

Owens Creek Campground is a gateway to a variety of outdoor activities within Catoctin Mountain Park, including:

• Hiking: There are several miles of hiking trails suitable for different levels of experience.
• Wildlife Watching: The park supports diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and various bird species.
• Fishing: Anglers can fish in Owens Creek after obtaining the appropriate state fishing license.
• Ranger Programs: The park often offers educational programs led by park rangers.

Camping Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, campers should adhere to the following regulations:

• Firewood: To prevent the spread of invasive insects, the park may have restrictions on transporting firewood. Buy it locally or gather it within the park if permitted.
• Food Storage: Proper food storage is critical to deter wildlife, especially bears, from visiting campgrounds.
• Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours typically enforced during the evening and early morning. This is important for maintaining a peaceful environment for all campers.
• Pets: Pets may be allowed but must be kept on a leash and managed properly at all times. There could be restrictions on where pets are allowed on trails.
• Litter and Trash: Follow the Leave No Trace principles and dispose of all garbage in designated areas.

Accessibility

• The campground may offer some accessible sites for individuals with disabilities.
• Accessible restroom facilities are often a feature in developed campgrounds like Owens Creek.

Safety Considerations

• Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions and temperatures, especially when camping in mountainous areas.
• Wildlife: As with any park with wild animals, maintain a safe distance and do not feed wildlife.
• Emergency Services: Cell phone reception can be unreliable, and it may be a good distance to the nearest hospital, so basic first aid knowledge and a kit are essential.

Reservations and Contact Information

For reservations, visit the National Park Service reservation website or call the reservation service. For current information, it's also a good idea to contact the park directly since conditions and regulations can change.

• Reservation Website: Recreation.gov
• Park Contact Number: Check the Catoctin Mountain Park official website for the most up-to-date contact information. Typically, you can find general park information at 1-301-663-9388.

Remember to always check the latest information before planning your trip, as details about camping services and rules can change.