How much does camping cost at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Camping fees at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Poplar Grove Youth Group 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 Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground has 6 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 Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground is open April 01 to November 30. 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 Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Fire policies at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground: Firewood. Firewood is available at Poplar Grove. The transportation of firewood into the park is not permitted. Dead/downed wood may be collected.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground have?

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground?

Popular activities at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

4.40

38 reviews

6602 Foxville Rd

StargazingTent CampingGreat for Groups

Featured in:Group Camping Maryland#3 Primitive Camping Maryland Mountain Camping Maryland +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Due to seasonal road...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Due to seasonal road...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1 (301) 663-9388debbie_mills@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

6602 Foxville Rd

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

6602 Foxville Rd

Nearby places

Thurmont (4 miles, 15 minutes), Cunningham Falls State Park (3 miles, 12 minutes)

Weather at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Current alerts(10)

Bring your own water. Water is not available in Poplar Grove.
Check-out. Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
Due to changes in park utility systems, water is no longer provided at this location. Campers will need to bring their own water.
No pets. Pets are not allowed

Best Time to Camp at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall is the standout season for Poplar Grove because the hardwood forest erupts in bright maples, oaks, and hickories, creating excellent conditions for scenic hikes and outdoor education. Expect crisp days and cool nights—typical daytime highs of roughly 50–65°F and evenings dipping into the mid-30s to low-50s°F—perfect for comfortable hiking and evening campfires. Wildlife viewing is strong as animals prepare for winter and group-camp activities are especially rewarding against the fall colors Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall highlighted for bright foliage and ideal hiking temps; peak scenic season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Due to seasonal road closures, the campground is closed in the Winter.

About Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

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.

Poplar Grove is a primitive youth group campground designed for tent camping only. It features three group sites, each accommodating up to 25 people. The campground is exclusively reserved for organized youth groups, emphasizing its focus on educational and outdoor learning experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall is the standout season for Poplar Grove because the hardwood forest erupts in bright maples, oaks, and hickories, creating excellent conditions for scenic hikes and outdoor education. Expect crisp days and cool nights—typical daytime highs of roughly 50–65°F and evenings dipping into the mid-30s to low-50s°F—perfect for comfortable hiking and evening campfires. Wildlife viewing is strong as animals prepare for winter and group-camp activities are especially rewarding against the fall colors Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1811 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryA mature hardwood forest of oak, maple, and hickory surrounds the campground, providing shade and seasonal color shifts. The Catoctin Mountain terrain features rolling ridges and stream valleys typical of Maryland's piedmont-to-mountain transition zone. Wildlife viewing opportunities increase in fall as animals prepare for winter. The forest canopy stays dense year-round, offering natural shelter and a secluded feel despite the campground's accessibility.

Lodging & AccommodationsPoplar Grove does not offer lodging accommodations such as cabins, lodges, or glamping facilities. The campground is exclusively for primitive tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Visitor Center, located four miles away, offers interpretive programs. Some campers noted ranger-led activities tailored to youth groups, such as a custom program for a visiting scout troop.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 visitors per site.

Groups

Each group site accommodates up to 25 people, allowing for two vehicles or one vehicle and one utility trailer. Additional vehicles must park at Camp Round Meadow, one mile away. Sites share a pavilion, vault toilets, and grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov and by phone at (877) 444-6777.

AccessibilityThis campground is not ADA accessible. Wheelchair accessibility and RV/trailer accommodations are not available.

Site SizeEach of the three group sites at Poplar Grove can accommodate up to 25 people and are described as spacious and flat. "The tenting area is massive — plenty of space for our group of 32," according to one review.

PrivacyPoplar Grove is noted for being quiet, secluded, and private, offering a group-focused camping experience. "It's a very private campground since it's for youth groups only," one user review noted.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite C001 offers a secluded experience but can have muddy fire pits during wet conditions. Campsite A001 is ideal for larger groups needing clean facilities and ample tent space.

Best CampsitesCampers praise Site A001 for its proximity to the vault toilets and well-maintained fire pit. Site B001 gets mentioned for extra privacy and a particularly spacious layout. All three sites are described as flat with massive tenting areas. One group of 32 found plenty of room.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground offers primitive camping amenities designed for organized youth groups. Campers share two vault toilets, a pavilion, and a centrally located potable water spigot (seasonal availability). Each campsite features picnic tables, a fire ring, and grills. Firewood is provided, and campers may collect dead wood. "Poplar Grove allows youth to connect with nature in a rustic campground setting," states the official description, emphasizing the simplicity and functionality of its facilities. According to user reviews, the campground facilities are well-maintained: "Great youth site. Clean and well-maintained pit toilet. Nice pavilion."

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Poplar Grove emphasizes outdoor activities such as hiking, campfires, and connecting with nature. The campground encourages youth to "use healthy doses of imagination while surrounded by the natural landscape." Campfire circles and hiking are particularly popular. Visitors can access 25 miles of hiking trails in Catoctin Mountain Park and enjoy interpretive programs at the nearby Visitor Center.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets serve as the primary restroom facilities.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

38 reviews

Recommended

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Poplar Grove receives high praise for its group-friendly design, cleanliness, and natural setting. Many reviewers highlight the well-maintained facilities and the campground's suitability for youth-oriented outdoor education. Common themes include the spaciousness of the sites, the quality of the vault toilets, and the provided firewood. "Wonderful campsite!" sums up the general sentiment.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 38 reviews.

Site B001Loved
Having the water on was a surprise bonus.". - Site B001: "Very private.
Site A001Mentioned
- Site A001: "Level with a shelter nearby.
Site C001Mentioned
Laid out nicely with 2 bath houses, pavilion, fire pit, and plenty of space.". - Site C001: "The fire pit was a little muddy but overall in great shape."

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities - Spacious and private group sites - Availability of firewood - Scenic location surrounded by hardwood forest - Supportive for youth-oriented programs - Good...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of water availability during winter - Sparse cell phone service - Some confusion about tent placement rules - Limited vehicle access during winter months

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Pack in water during winter months as the spigot may not be operational. - Park additional vehicles at Camp Round Meadow. - Verify tent placement rules to avoid misunderstandings. - Bring extra...

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is described as "challenging" due to the hike-in requirement and cold temperatures. Spring and fall are appreciated for their mild weather and scenic beauty, with fall foliage peaking...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great youth site. Clean and well-maintained pit toilet. Nice pavilion." "The reservation system does not mention this fact... In the winter time, no water is available." "The tenting area is massive...

Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features. It is noted that the campground is not ADA accessible.

Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Poplar Grove, and no reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 38 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're organizing a youth group outing and want a scenic, program-friendly base with hiking access and fall color.

Skip if

You need individual sites, winter water access, or clearly defined tent placement zones.

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Campgrounds

Catoctin Mountain Park

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

About Catoctin Mountain Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.

Directions

To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left.