How much does camping cost at Owens Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Owens Creek Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Owens Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Owens Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Owens Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Owens Creek Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Owens Creek Campground?

Owens Creek Campground is open April 24 to November 02. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Owens Creek Campground?

Yes, Owens Creek Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Owens Creek Campground have?

Owens Creek Campground has 48 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Owens Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Owens Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Owens Creek Campground?

Owens Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Owens Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Owens Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Owens Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Owens Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Owens Creek Campground: The transportation of firewood into the park is not permitted. Dead/downed wood may be collected. Firewood is available in the campground. Fires must not be left unattended.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.54

398 reviews

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

B+Report Card

Stargazing

Featured in:Spring Camping Maryland#1 Fall Camping Maryland#2 Group Camping Maryland#2 +9 more

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Owens Creek Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

301-663-9388cato_superintendent@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Owens Creek Campground

15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780

Nearby places

Thurmont (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Frederick (22 miles, ~30 minutes), Gettysburg (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Hagerstown (30 miles, ~40 minutes)

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.

Weather at Owens Creek Campground

Current alerts(12)

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from all park areas administered by Catoctin Mountain Park, unless authorized by a permit issued by the Superintendent.
Book Campsite reservations up to 6 months in advance online through Recreation.gov. No walk-in sites are available.
Campsites are limited to 5 persons (or the immediate family) and one vehicle, which must fit on the parking pad.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Best Time to Camp at Owens Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest advantage — crisp, cool days and spectacular hardwood color make hiking the ridge lines and streamside trails especially rewarding. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F and nights in the 30s–40s°F through October, ideal for day hikes, photography, and wildlife viewing without summer humidity. Trails are at peak scenic value (leaf color peaks mid-to-late October), and while weekends can be moderately busy with leaf-peepers, weekdays remain peaceful. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Rated best season: crisp days and spectacular hardwood color make fall highly recommended.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 24 to November 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 25 to November 2; closed during the off-season.

About Owens Creek Campground

Owens Creek Campground sits in Catoctin Mountain Park's hardwood foothills, a National Park Service site near Thurmont with tent, RV, and primitive options. The campground provides access to ridge-line hiking, stream fishing, and climbing routes within the park's forested terrain. Facilities include flush toilets, showers, and potable water, with designated quiet hours and a no-alcohol policy.

Owens Creek Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping in a natural, primitive setting. Cabins and group sites are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest advantage — crisp, cool days and spectacular hardwood color make hiking the ridge lines and streamside trails especially rewarding. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–60s°F and nights in the 30s–40s°F through October, ideal for day hikes, photography, and wildlife viewing without summer humidity. Trails are at peak scenic value (leaf color peaks mid-to-late October), and while weekends can be moderately busy with leaf-peepers, weekdays remain peaceful. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1289 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOwens Creek threads through the campground, its clear water tumbling over rocks you can hear from most sites. Hardwood forest provides good shade cover in summer and puts on a color show in fall. The rolling Appalachian terrain creates small valleys and ridges without requiring serious elevation gain. White-tailed deer appear at dawn, songbirds are active throughout the day, and fireflies light up summer evenings. The forest floor stays lush with ferns in warm months, and spring brings trilliums and other wildflowers.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel or lodge-style accommodations within Owens Creek Campground. Accommodations are limited to tent and RV campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural programs include ranger-led presentations, such as a session on predator and prey animals for children. User reviews appreciate these educational opportunities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 5 persons or an immediate family per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available. However, there are mixed reviews regarding accessibility; for example, some tent pads involve significant height differences, which may challenge wheelchair users despite the presence of grab bars.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and well laid out. Tent pads are covered with wood chips, and the size accommodates small to medium-sized tents comfortably.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate mixed privacy levels. Some campsites are well-separated with vegetation, while others are closer together, offering less privacy.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesLook for sites with elevated tent pads during rainy conditions. Sites near Owens Creek provide a serene atmosphere. Site #30 and #49 are ideal for privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 30 gets consistent praise for its proximity to Owens Creek and views. Site 49 offers better privacy and easy access to restrooms. If you're bringing a trailer or RV, sites 12, 39, and 43 are pull-throughs that handle trailers up to 22 feet and RVs up to 30 feet.

Need help booking Owens Creek Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground has no hook-ups or dump station. The closest dump station is located in Cunningham Falls State Park.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Owens Creek Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to Deerfield Nature Trail and ridge-line hiking in Catoctin Mountain Park.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Climbing3.0/5

Climbing routes exist within the park, but campground is not described as a major climbing base.

Fishing3.0/5

Owens Creek threads through the campground; stream fishing mentioned but not detailed as a major draw.

Swimming

Cultural and Educational Programs

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyThe transportation of firewood into the park is not permitted. Dead/downed wood may be collected. Firewood is available in the campground. Fires must not be left unattended.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate inconsistent cell phone service. Specific providers or general connectivity were not explicitly mentioned, but some users had to find specific areas for a signal.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

398 reviews

Top-Rated

Owens Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 398 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 398 reviews.

Site #30Loved
Site #30 is frequently mentioned as a favorite due to its proximity to a creek and seclusion.
Site #49Loved
Site #49 is also praised for its spaciousness and cleanliness.

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...

Based on 398 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 398 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...

Based on 398 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...

Based on 398 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...

Based on 398 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 398 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 398 reviews

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Owens Creek Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

301-663-9388cato_superintendent@nps.gov

Go if

You want maintained facilities and direct access to Catoctin Mountain hiking, fishing, and climbing during peak season.

Skip if

You need alcohol-permitted sites, guaranteed firewood quality, or weekday-only quiet.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.4

(38)

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

6602 Foxville Rd

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground sits in the hardwood forest of Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland. Operated by the National Park Service, this small group campground offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The setting supports youth-oriented programs and group activities, with hiking trails threading through the surrounding foothills.

Owens Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Owens Creek Campground

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Owens Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Owens Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Owens Creek Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Owens Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

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Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Owens Creek Campground

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Owens Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Owens Creek Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Owens Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns