Adirondack Shelters
4.3633 reviewsCatoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$8 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$8 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Adirondack Shelters
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Adirondack shelters are free, but reservation fees apply: $8 for online bookings and $10 for phone reservations through Recreation.gov.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider301-663-9388
What Campers Say
4.36
Recommended
Based on 33 reviews
Most mentioned
peaceful
Some mention
noise
"The Adirondack Shelters received mixed reviews. Many users praise the location's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for backcountry camping. However, others highlight issues such as the condition of the pit toilet and occasional difficulties with trail markings."
Fees & Passes at Adirondack Shelters
$8 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum of 7 consecutive nights per visit, up to 14 nights total annually.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled up to the day of check-in, with a $10 cancellation fee and potential fo...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Catoctin Mountain Park - National Park Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Adirondack Shelters
Four distinct seasons paint the landscape in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Spring and fall bring crisp, moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, while summer offers warm days balanced by cool mountain evenings. Rain transforms the forest into a lush, emerald sanctuary and creates a natural mosquito deterrent, though trails can become delightfully muddy adventures. Winter unveils a crystalline wonderland where experienced cold-weather campers can enjoy pristine solitude beneath snow-dusted branches, with the occasional dusting turning the shelters into cozy mountain retreats.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: January 1 - December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The shelters are open year-round.
About Adirondack Shelters
Escape into the wilderness at Adirondack Shelters, where adventure begins with every step along the trail. These secluded backcountry havens in Catoctin Mountain Park offer an authentic off-grid experience, accessible only by foot through forested paths. Each rustic shelter welcomes up to five adventurers seeking refuge from the modern world, complete with a crackling campfire ring for evening storytelling and shared pit toilet facilities. With no vehicle access or running water, this is camping stripped down to its purest form—just you, your gear, and the untamed beauty of Maryland's mountains.
The Adirondack Shelters provide a unique backcountry camping experience with rustic three-sided shelters. They are accessible only by foot after a three-mile hike.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the trees surrounding your mountain sanctuary. Just a short hike away, the storied Camp Misty Mount stands as a testament to the area's rich past, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places with tales of presidential retreats and wartime conferences. For those seeking vertical adventures, the legendary Wolf Rock beckons climbers and rappellers to test their mettle against ancient stone faces that have challenged adventurers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint the landscape in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Spring and fall bring crisp, moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, while summer offers warm days balanced by cool mountain evenings. Rain transforms the forest into a lush, emerald sanctuary and creates a natural mosquito deterrent, though trails can become delightfully muddy adventures. Winter unveils a crystalline wonderland where experienced cold-weather campers can enjoy pristine solitude beneath snow-dusted branches, with the occasional dusting turning the shelters into cozy mountain retreats.
ElevationPerched within the majestic Blue Ridge Province, these mountain shelters offer the perfect vantage point to experience Maryland's highland wilderness. While specific elevation markers remain nature's secret, the terrain's gentle rise and fall creates natural amphitheaters of forest and sky, where morning mists dance through valleys and evening light paints the ridgelines gold.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the cathedral-like grandeur of a mature Eastern Hardwood Forest, where towering oaks and maples create a living canopy overhead. From strategic overlooks, sweeping vistas unfold across the Monocacy Valley, revealing a patchwork quilt of forests, fields, and distant ridgelines. This pristine ecosystem serves as nature's theater, where deer emerge at dawn, songbirds orchestrate the sunrise, and seasonal transformations—from spring's delicate wildflowers to autumn's blazing foliage—create an ever-changing masterpiece of natural beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover the ancient backbone of north-central Maryland in Catoctin Mountain Park's Blue Ridge Province, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of rolling peaks and hidden valleys. This mountainous terrain, cloaked in Eastern Hardwood Forests, rises like an emerald island above the surrounding countryside. Scenic overlooks carved by time and weather reveal breathtaking panoramas stretching across the Monocacy Valley, where the earth's story unfolds in layers of rock, forest, and sky.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility is limited due to the remote location and the three-mile uphill hike required to reach the site.
Sites SizeThe two shelters can accommodate a maximum of five campers each.
Sites PrivacyThe shelters are several hundred feet apart, offering privacy while still being close enough for groups to use both.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesShelter #1 offers more privacy due to its distance from Shelter #2. Shelter #2 is closer to a natural water source.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
User reviews suggest check-in flexibility, but no official time is listed.
Check-out
User reviews suggest check-out flexibility, but no official time is listed.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 consecutive nights per visit, up to 14 nights total annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 5 campers per shelter.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo Adirondack shelters are spaced several hundred feet apart, offering privacy for individual groups.
Open and Closed SeasonThe shelters are open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsBookings can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their call center at 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required, no walk-up sites are available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day of check-in, with a $10 cancellation fee and potential forfeiture of the first night’s recreation use fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties. Changes to reservations cost $10 if dates are altered outside the original reservation period.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Adirondack Shelters cater primarily to backcountry hikers and nature enthusiasts. The campground is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with "birding" being a popular activity. The nearby Catoctin Mountain Park boasts a 25-mile hiking trail system, fishing opportunities, and scenic overlooks. Activities like picnicking in designated areas are also mentioned. Some reviews highlight the shelters as "a great starting point for hikes around the park."
Hiking
The campground is accessible via a moderate three-mile hike. The park has a 25-mile trail system with varying terrain. User reviews mention trails being "well-marked," though some hikers found the approach "rugged."Climbing
Climbing 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.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Catoctin Mountain Park, though no specific details about the types of fish or fishing facilities near the Adirondack Shelters are provided.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching is noted as a popular activity. One user reported seeing a doe and her fawn near the shelters.Winter Activities
The Adirondack Shelters are available year-round. Winter camping is mentioned as "always a wonderful hike, and overnight especially in winter" by one user.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are provided; campers must collect wood from downed trees and are prohibited from cutting live trees.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include poison ivy along trails and muddy conditions after rain. Bats may nest in shelter rafters but pose no direct threat to campers.
Weather at Adirondack Shelters
37
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Thurmont approximately 5 miles away. Ranger stations are available within Catoctin Mountain Park.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash as there are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresShelter #2 is near a natural water source accessible after rain.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues with trail markings, shelter cleanliness, and poorly maintained pit toilets. Other concerns include uneven shelter steps and occasional noise from nearby roads.
Campground Map
Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Driving directionsTake Route 77 west 5 miles to Foxville Road, turn right and follow signs to Camp Round Meadow Parking Area. Hikers must protect park resources by using the trail system when accessing shelters or other features. Trail maps can be obtained at the park Visitor Center or downloaded from the Catoctin Mountain Park website.
Road access to shelters is restricted as this is a hike-in backcountry site. Overnight vehicles must park in the Camp Round Meadow gravel lot, followed by a moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky terrain to reach shelters. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are permitted.Nearby places
Thurmont is approximately 5 miles away
Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD are both about 60 miles from the campground.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Thurmont, located about 5 miles from the park.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
33 reviews
Adirondack Shelters is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Adirondack Shelters received mixed reviews. Many users praise the location's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for backcountry camping. However, others highlight issues such as the condition of the pit toilet and occasional difficulties with trail markings.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Users often praised the seclusion, scenic surroundings, and simplicity of the shelters. "Great short backpacking destination," "peaceful and beautiful place," and "perfect for testing out new gear"...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include unclean pit toilets ("nightmare fuel"), uneven or dangerous steps, and trail marking issues. One user noted, "It is very easy to get lost, and the trail markings are not very...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, a broom, and washcloths. Prepare for a challenging hike and pack light. Dry firewood can be hard to find, so consider bringing your own. One user noted, "The hike up was well...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter camping reviews are generally positive, with users appreciating the quiet and solitude. Spring and fall are favored for their scenic beauty, particularly with changing leaves.
Based on 33 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The northern shelter is less shaded and closer to noise from passing road traffic," "shelters are profoundly dirty and smelly, but welcome for shade," "lovely spot in the woods," "shelters were...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Shelter #1 is noted for being closer to road noise. Shelter #2 is described as more private but affected by carpenter bees. Both shelters received similar feedback on cleanliness and usability.
Based on 33 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to the three-mile uphill hike. Some users with injuries found the hike manageable but challenging.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the Adirondack Shelters.
Based on 33 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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