Camp Misty Mount

4.60

205 reviews

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

StargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Maryland#1 Spring Camping Maryland#2 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Maryland#3 +4 more

Quick Facts

1,102 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Campground is open f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,102 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Campground is open f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Camp Misty Mount

$0.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rates range from $0 for standard non-electric sites to $140 for electric cabins during peak season. Non-electric cabins are available at...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

301-271-3140Cato_Misty_Mount@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 205 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews describe Camp Misty Mount as a rustic, historic outdoor retreat with well-maintained cabins, clean facilities, and scenic surroundings. Positive feedback highlights friendly staff, beautiful trails, and the heated pool, while complaints include challenges with parking, pest infestations in some cabins, and uncomfortable mattresses."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Camp Misty Mount

14764 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Driving directionsFrom Washington DC, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north to I-495 onto I-270 north 27 miles to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 for 17 miles north to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West, the exit sign is marked Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. Pass the Visitor Center and continue 7/10 of a mile and turn left into Camp Misty Mount. From Gettysburg, PA, take Route 15 South. In Thurmont, MD, exit onto Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park). Travel approximately 3 miles west on 77 and turn right onto Park Central Road. Pass the Visitor Center and continue just under a mile and turn left into Camp Misty Mount.

Accessible via paved roads leading to Thurmont, MD, and Route 77 is marked for Catoctin Mountain Park. Roads appear well-maintained with signage clearly indicating Camp Misty Mount. Seasonal accessibility issues are not noted in the source.

Nearby places

Thurmont, MD (~3 miles, 10-minute drive). Gettysburg, PA (~27 miles, ~40-minute drive). Frederick, MD (~27 miles, ~40-minute drive).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and restaurants can be found in Thurmont, MD (~3 miles away). Firewood is available on-site in woodsheds near the host cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Camp Misty Mount

From May through November, Camp Misty Mount transforms with the seasons, each offering its own enchanting experience. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for hiking forest trails and exploring mountain streams. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwood forests burst into a spectacular display of crimson, amber, and gold, though evening temperatures remind visitors to pack extra layers. These thoughtfully preserved cabins provide cozy shelter, allowing guests to experience the mountain's moods while staying comfortably protected from the elements.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Pool access, warm weather and active trail use make summer appealing (reviews praise it).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and fewer crowds are highlighted as strengths in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 1; spring access is truncated and weather can be variable for early season stays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Camp closed outside May 1–Nov 2; winter stays/reservations unavailable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to November 2.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is open from May 1 to November 2 during peak season. Reservations are unavailable out of season.
Current Alerts: No current alerts are provided.

About Camp Misty Mount

Step back in time at Camp Misty Mount, where rustic stone and wood cabins from 1937 beckon modern adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Nestled within the lush Eastern deciduous forests of Catoctin Mountain Park, these historic structures offer a unique blend of heritage charm and natural beauty, inviting guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.

Camp Misty Mount primarily offers cabin camping with rustic accommodations. The cabins are historically significant and provide an outdoors experience with modern amenities like electricity and lighting.

Historical SignificanceThese aren't just cabins—they're living pieces of American history. Built in 1937 through the Works Progress Administration, these stone and timber structures stand as enduring monuments to the craftsmanship and resilience of the Great Depression era. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each cabin tells a story of determination and community spirit, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep within walls that have sheltered generations of mountain visitors.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through November, Camp Misty Mount transforms with the seasons, each offering its own enchanting experience. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for hiking forest trails and exploring mountain streams. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwood forests burst into a spectacular display of crimson, amber, and gold, though evening temperatures remind visitors to pack extra layers. These thoughtfully preserved cabins provide cozy shelter, allowing guests to experience the mountain's moods while staying comfortably protected from the elements.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await your discovery, the mountain setting provides that refreshing high-country atmosphere where the air feels cleaner and the stars shine brighter.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to misty mountain mornings where Eastern hardwood forests stretch as far as the eye can see, their canopy alive with birdsong and dappled sunlight. Crystal-clear streams tumble over moss-covered rocks, creating nature's soundtrack for your stay. This pristine ecosystem, characteristic of the Blue Ridge Province, offers endless opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, and quiet contemplation among ancient oaks, maples, and hickories.

Geological RegionCamp Misty Mount sits proudly within Catoctin Mountain Park, a jewel of the Blue Ridge Province where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling peaks and verdant valleys. Here, Eastern deciduous hardwood forests blanket weathered ridges, while pristine mountain streams have carved pathways through the terrain over millennia. This remarkable ecosystem represents one of the East Coast's most biodiverse regions, where every trail reveals new wonders of the Appalachian highlands.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabins accommodate between 3-8 people depending on size.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes three loops: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Lower loop features women's facilities, Middle loop has men's facilities, and Upper loop houses both.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including website and contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in reservations are not available. All reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or changed. A $10 fee applies to changes or cancellations. Late cancellations incur additional fees. Individual campsite late cancellations start from midnight one day before check-in, while cabin cancellations apply within 14 days of check-in.

AccessibilityThe campsite includes accessible paths and ramps near some cabins, such as Cabin 44, which is specifically noted for accommodating guests with limited mobility. The swimming pool is fully accessible, including ramps into the water.

Site SizeCabins accommodate between 3 to 8 people, depending on the layout.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by cabin; some are closely spaced, while others like Cabin 18 are noted for their seclusion.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose cabins in the Upper Loop for proximity to the swimming pool and renovated bathrooms. Cabin 20 is noted for privacy and spaciousness.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Camp Misty Mount offers activities ranging from hiking, wildlife viewing, and swimming to bouldering and rock climbing. Several trails connect to the campground, including Wolf Rock Trail, and Cunningham Falls State Park is accessible for waterfall hikes. The swimming pool is open seasonally, offering a popular spot for relaxation.

HikingCamp Misty Mount provides access to Catoctin Mountain Park's 25-mile trail system, including nearby trails such as Wolf Rock, Hog Rock, and Thurmont Vista Trail. Reviews mention stunning overlooks and varied terrain, with trails accommodating different skill levels.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFly fishing is available nearby, although further details about exact locations and types of fish are not specified.

SwimmingA heated swimming pool is open seasonally from late May through early September, receiving positive feedback from visitors for its accessibility and maintenance.

Wildlife viewingBirdwatching and wildlife photography are popular, with species like woodpeckers, skinks, and chipmunks frequently seen. Visitors suggest bringing cameras for capturing wildlife near cabin porches and throughout the campground.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground preserves its historical significance through its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and rangers provide informal educational insights, such as discussions about fungi in the forest.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters include bears, rats, and insects. Guests are advised to store food securely inside cabins. Fall temperatures may cause discomfort due to lack of heating.

Active AlertsNo current alerts are provided.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits/grills outside cabins. Firewood provided on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated but noise complaints suggest enforcement may be inconsistent.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Thurmont, MD (~3 miles away), which includes hospitals, police stations, and other facilities.

Trash & RecyclingWaste and recycling bins are provided in each cabin, and campers are responsible for cleanup prior to departure.

Water FeaturesSwimming pool available late May through early September. Cunningham Falls nearby for hiking access.

Camp HostCamp hosts are praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Notable hosts include Tim, Kari, and Dwight, who assist with guest queries and provide historical insights.

Weather at Camp Misty Mount

Reviews

4.6

205 reviews

Top-Rated

Camp Misty Mount is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe Camp Misty Mount as a rustic, historic outdoor retreat with well-maintained cabins, clean facilities, and scenic surroundings. Positive feedback highlights friendly staff, beautiful trails, and the heated pool, while complaints include challenges with parking, pest infestations in some cabins, and uncomfortable mattresses.

Review Summaries

Based on 205 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention clean and spacious cabins, friendly staff, free firewood, and proximity to hiking trails and attractions like Cunningham Falls. Many visitors praise the unique historical...

Based on 205 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include pest infestations such as cockroaches and mice in some cabins, uncomfortable mattresses, and limited parking near the cabins. Noise from neighboring cabins and cold conditions...

Based on 205 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing cold-weather gear for late-season stays, early arrival for orientation, and supplies like tablecloths for picnic tables. Reviews suggest choosing cabins in the upper loop...

Based on 205 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months receive praise for swimming pool access and warm weather, while fall highlights scenic foliage and fewer crowds. Late-season camping experiences include complaints about cold weather...

Based on 205 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great rustic cabin experience, friendly staff and clean facilities." "Beautiful place but some improvements could make it really special." "Cabins are quite close to each other." "Warning about...

Based on 205 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Cabin-specific feedback includes issues like pest infestations in Cabin #20 and #50, while cabins like #25 and #29 are praised for their proximity to facilities and scenic views. Cabin #16 has unique...

Based on 205 reviews