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Adirondack Shelters
The Adirondack Shelters, located near the northern most point of Catoctin Mountain Park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky but generally gently rolling terrain leads to the three-sided shelters similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail. Please plan to pack out everything you bring to the site. At Catoctin Mountain Park, the beauty and solitude of nearly 6,000 acres (2428 ha) of mature Eastern Hardwood Forest beckon visitors in need of an escape.
This is a rustic backcountry area with no vehicle access or potable water. There is one pit toilet shared between the two shelters. Campers must carry adequate drinking water and supplies and pack trash out at the conclusion of their stay. The two shelters are several hundred feet apart, making them close enough for groups to use both, but far enough away to offer privacy.
The sites are available year-round and can accommodate five campers. Tents or temporary structures are not permitted inside the shelters or surrounding area. Campfire rings are provided.
Need to Know
Reservations Required. The Adirondack shelters are available year-round. You may book reservations up to six months in advance.
Reservation Fee. Adirondack shelters are free, however an $8 reservation fee applies for web reservations or $10 for call center reservations.
Parking. Overnight vehicles must park in the Manahan Road (Camp Round Meadow) gravel lot.
Shelters require a hike. Shelter sites are not accessible by vehicle. A moderate 3-mile (4.8 km) hike is required to reach the shelters. All camping supplies, food and water must be carried in. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are permitted. Frontcountry campgrounds are also available.
No Tents. Tents or temporary overnight structures are not permitted in the Adirondack shelters or surrounding area.
No pets or alcohol. No pets or alcohol are permitted.
Natural Features
Located about 60 miles (96.5 km) from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park lies within the mountainous Blue Ridge Province of north-central Maryland. Scenic overlooks extend across the Monocacy Valley.
Nearby Attractions
Head to Wolf Rock for scenic vistas and thrilling rock climbing and rappelling. Or tour historic Camp Misty Mount, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Recreation
The shelters are for backcountry hikers looking for a remote getaway. Watching birds (aka "birding") is a popular form of wildlife observation. Catoctin offers a 25-mile (40 km) hiking trail system, fishing, picnicking, and frontcountry cabins and campgrounds in addition to the more primitive Adirondack shelters.
Contact Information
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Catoctin Mountain Park, 6602 Foxville Road Thurmont MD 21788
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 301-663-9388
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Thurmont MD, take Route 77 west 5 miles (8 km) to Foxville Road. Turn right and follow signs to Camp Round Meadow parking area. GPS coordinates are for Shelter # 1, which is near Shelter #2. Users are asked to help protect park resources by using the trail system when accessing the shelters or other park features. Obtain trail maps at the park Visitor Center or download them from the Catoctin Mountain Park Hiking web page. Hilly terrain and the forest canopy can prevent satellite signals from reaching your unit increasing the importance of a back-up strategy.
Available Campsites
- Site 001, Loop Adirondack Shelters, Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop Adirondack Shelters, Type Shelter Nonelectric
