Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

4.66

38 reviews

6602 Foxville Rd

Stargazing

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

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,811 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group sites are available for $35 per night with accommodation for up to 25 people per site. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or additional...

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$35.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

301-663-9388debbie_mills@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 38 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslocationhiking

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6602 Foxville Rd

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

6602 Foxville Rd

Driving directionsFrom Route 15, exit at Catoctin Mountain Park/Route 77. Travel approximately six miles west, passing the Visitor Center and Park Central Road. Turn right on Foxville-Deerfield Road and bear to the right onto Manahan Road at the fork. Poplar Grove is located about a mile ahead on the gravel road.

Access to the campground is via gravel roads during the summer months. During winter through spring, seasonal closures on Manahan Road require hiking access approximately one mile from parking at Camp Round Meadow.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Additional vehicles must park at Camp Round Meadow, approximately one mile away. Supplies for food, camping, and fuel can be found in Thurmont.

Best Time to Camp at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Each season transforms Poplar Grove into a distinct outdoor classroom. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and evening campfires, with comfortable temperatures hovering between 61°F and 81°F. Autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, with crisp air ranging from 45°F to 64°F and October delivering a spectacular foliage display. Winter blankets the campground in 5-12 inches of monthly snowfall, creating a serene wonderland with temperatures between 24°F and 41°F—ideal for teaching cold-weather camping skills. Spring awakens the forest with temperatures climbing from 41°F to 63°F, accompanied by refreshing rains averaging four inches monthly that nourish emerging wildflowers and create a symphony of natural sounds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm days (61–81°F), ideal for hiking and evening campfires; highly praised in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall foliage is a highlight; reviewers specifically praise autumn scenery.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower carpets and mild weather make it a favored season in descriptions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter camping described as 'challenging'; road closures often require hike-in access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1st to November 30th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens January 1st and closes November 30th for reservations. Winter road closures from December 1st to mid-April require hiking access.
Current Alerts: Chestnut Picnic Area inaccessible due to utility work until June 27, 2025.

About Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Nestled deep within a tranquil forest setting, Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience designed exclusively for young adventurers and their organizations. This primitive camping haven invites groups to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature beneath a protective canopy of mature trees. Rustic tent sites scattered throughout the property provide the perfect backdrop for campfire stories, team-building activities, and lifelong memories, while thoughtfully placed shared amenities ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.

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 SeasonsEach season transforms Poplar Grove into a distinct outdoor classroom. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and evening campfires, with comfortable temperatures hovering between 61°F and 81°F. Autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, with crisp air ranging from 45°F to 64°F and October delivering a spectacular foliage display. Winter blankets the campground in 5-12 inches of monthly snowfall, creating a serene wonderland with temperatures between 24°F and 41°F—ideal for teaching cold-weather camping skills. Spring awakens the forest with temperatures climbing from 41°F to 63°F, accompanied by refreshing rains averaging four inches monthly that nourish emerging wildflowers and create a symphony of natural sounds.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain undocumented, the campground's position within Maryland's rolling terrain provides gentle slopes and varied topography that add interest to every hiking adventure and outdoor activity.

Natural Features and SceneryA magnificent hardwood deciduous forest embraces Poplar Grove, creating a living cathedral of oak, maple, and hickory trees that shelter young campers from the outside world. This dynamic ecosystem transforms with each passing season—from the delicate wildflower carpets of spring to the snow-laden branches of winter. The ever-changing forest canopy provides natural education opportunities, wildlife viewing experiences, and a stunning backdrop that makes every group photo memorable.

Geological RegionPoplar Grove rests within the enchanting rolling hills of Thurmont, Maryland, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of gentle valleys and wooded ridges. As part of the greater Catoctin Mountain Park area, the campground serves as a gateway to diverse ecosystems where winding trails follow babbling streams through varied terrain. This remarkable setting combines the accessibility of Maryland's piedmont region with the rugged beauty of mountain landscapes, offering youth groups an ideal environment for outdoor education and adventure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

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

Site layoutThe campground includes three group tent sites, shared facilities like pit toilets and a pavilion, and designated parking for two vehicles per site.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required; no walk-up availability is supported.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night’s use fee if canceled the day before or the day of arrival. For a one-night reservation, the entire amount is forfeited.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Catoctin National Recreation Trail and is linked to 25 miles of trails within the park. Trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of the hardwood forest. "Good stopping point for youth groups hiking Catoctin National Trail," noted one reviewer.

Wildlife viewingThe hardwood deciduous forest surrounding Poplar Grove offers opportunities for wildlife observation. Seasonal changes bring different viewing experiences, such as blooming wildflowers in spring and snow-covered landscapes in winter.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe 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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter access requires hiking approximately one mile to the campground when roads are closed. Wildlife may be present, so proper storage of food and supplies is essential.

Active AlertsChestnut Picnic Area inaccessible due to utility work until June 27, 2025.

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

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated grills and fire circles. Dead wood may be collected for firewood, and additional firewood is provided on-site.

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

Emergency ServicesCatoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center, located four miles away, offers interpretive programs and basic visitor assistance. Emergency dispatch available 24/7 at 1-866-677-6677 or 301-714-2235.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available seasonally, and campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles. A bear-proof dumpster is provided in the parking lot, according to user feedback.

Water FeaturesCunningham Falls State Park, located three miles away, offers fishing and canoeing.

Camp HostNo staff are permanently on-site. Rangers are available for visitor assistance during park hours and emergencies.

Weather at Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

Reviews

4.7

38 reviews

Top-Rated

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site A001: "Level with a shelter nearby. The toilet facilities were clean and stocked. Having the water on was a surprise bonus." - Site B001: "Very private. Laid out nicely with 2 bath houses,...

Based on 38 reviews