Owens Creek Campground

Star4.46
320 reviews
15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from April 25 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026
Owens Creek Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric campsites is $30.00 during the reservable peak season from April 25 to November 2. Fees do not include...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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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Provider
301-663-9388cato_superintendent@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 320 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Owens Creek Campground is widely praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility to nearby trails. However, issues such as wet, unburnable firewood and noisy campers have been noted by some users."

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Campground Map

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Owens Creek Campground

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Driving directionsFor GPS Use Only: The street address is 15882 Foxville Deerfield Road, Sabillasville, MD. This is not the mailing address. From Washington DC: Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north to I495 to I270 north 27 miles to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 17 miles north to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West, the exit sign is marked Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 6 miles west on 77 (you will pass Park Central Road and the park Visitor Center) and turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground. From Baltimore, MD: Take I695 beltway to I70 West to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 North to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park.) Travel approximately 6 miles west on Route 77 (you will pass Park Central Road and the park Visitor Center) and turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground. From Hagerstown, MD: Take I70 East to Route 66 North for 7 miles. Turn right onto Route 64 (East) for 1 mile then turn right at a traffic light onto Route 77 East for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground. From Gettysburg, PA: Take Route 15 South. In Thurmont, MD, exit onto Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park.) Travel approximately 6 miles west on 77 (you will pass Park Central Road and the park Visitor Center) and turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground.
Access is straightforward from major highways with paved roads leading to the campground. Seasonal closures may occasionally restrict access, particularly around Park Central Road.
Nearby places
Thurmont (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Frederick (22 miles, ~30 minutes), Gettysburg (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Hagerstown (30 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Thurmont (~5 miles away) include groceries, camping essentials, and fuel stations. Firewood is available onsite at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Owens Creek Campground

Spring arrives with a symphony of wildflowers and crisp evenings that call for cozy sleeping bags and warming campfires. Summer transforms the campground into a lush sanctuary, where warm days invite creek exploration and cool forest shade provides natural air conditioning. Fall paints the mountainside in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking. The campground embraces a winter slumber, closing its gates as snow blankets the forest in peaceful silence.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Lush and pleasant but can be crowded/noisy on summer weekends per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MD

Campground highly praised in fall for colorful foliage and quiet setting.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and crisp evenings are highlighted; reviewers praise spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: From April 25 to November 2.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 25 to November 2; closed during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Park Central Road closures may occur with little notice. Seasonal weather advisories such as wildfire smoke may affect usability.

About Owens Creek Campground

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience across 48 primitive tent sites. This cherished retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and untamed nature, where families gather under towering canopies and solo adventurers find solace in the rhythmic babble of mountain streams. As your basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails, this rustic haven strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.
Owens Creek Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping in a natural, primitive setting. Cabins and group sites are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Owens Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. The proximity to nearby attractions like Cunningham Falls State Park and historic sites enhances the camping experience.
HikingThe campground connects directly to the Deerfield Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that links to the park's western trails. Additional trails such as the Browns Farm Trail are nearby, providing options for various skill levels. Reviews highlight the well-maintained trails and their accessibility from the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe dense forest setting provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Birdsong and sightings of local species like scarlet tanagers are frequently mentioned by users.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsCultural programs include ranger-led presentations, such as a session on predator and prey animals for children. User reviews appreciate these educational opportunities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include falling tree limbs due to old-growth forest conditions, as noted by campers. Seasonal wildfire smoke and weather-related closures may also occur.
Active AlertsPark Central Road closures may occur with little notice. Seasonal weather advisories such as wildfire smoke may affect usability.

Weather at Owens Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
320 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Owens Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Owens Creek Campground is widely praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility to nearby trails. However, issues such as wet, unburnable firewood and noisy campers have been noted by some users.
Review Summaries
Based on 320 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praise includes well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and the availability of firewood. The surrounding forest setting and proximity to hiking trails are frequently...
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Based on 320 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include wet or difficult-to-burn firewood, noisy neighbors, limited privacy between sites, and occasional maintenance issues with restrooms and other facilities.
Based on 320 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend bringing an axe to split firewood, arriving early to secure preferred campsites, and exploring nearby trails such as the Deerfield Nature Trail. Several reviewers also suggest...
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Based on 320 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is highly praised in the fall for its colorful foliage and quiet setting. Summers can be noisy and crowded, especially on weekends. Spring visits are appreciated for the blooming...
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Based on 320 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms and showers were clean and had hot water." "The hiking trails around the park are easy to access and pleasant." "Firewood provided by NPS was clutch! Be sure to bring a splitting maul...
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Based on 320 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #30 is frequently mentioned as a favorite due to its proximity to a creek and seclusion. Site #49 is also praised for its spaciousness and cleanliness. Sites near restrooms receive both positive...
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Based on 320 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as ramps and grab bars are highlighted positively, but some users noted challenges with high tent pads and steps.
Based on 320 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many users appreciate the pet-friendly policy. However, some complaints about noisy dogs disrupting the experience were noted.
Based on 320 reviews

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Last updated March 8, 2026
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