federalfederal

OWENS CREEK CAMPGROUND

federal · Thurmont, MD

DirectionsCall
  • dump station2.7 mi
  • fuel station3.5 mi

NPS Photo · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Owens Creek Campground offers families and individuals enjoyable primitive tent camping. Located just five miles (8 km) from Thurmont, Maryland, in the rolling hills of Catoctin Mountain Park. Recreation As a primitive camping area, Owens Creek encourages visitors to use healthy doses of imagination while surrounded by the natural landscape. Nature hikes and campfire circles are popular activities. Catoctin Mountain Park boasts 25 miles (40 km) of trails. The Deerfield Nature Trail connects directly to the campground and is a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop with a connection to the park's western system of trails. Browns Farm Trail is nearby in the Owens Creek Picnic Area and offers budding archeologists with a peek into the history of the area. This trail is also a youth friendly 'Track Trail'. For more information, visit the Catoctin Mountain Park - Browns Farm Loop Track Trail information on the Kids in Parks website. Facilities This campground offers 48 single campsites with a limit of five people, or immediate family, per site. There are no-hookups. Maximum trailer length is 22 feet (6.4 m) and maximum RV length is 30 feet (9 m). There are three pull through sites: #12, #39 and #43. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are available and centrally located in the campground. All sites are equipped with a tent pad, picnic tables, and fire ring. All tents must fit on the tent pads. Firewood is available. Natural Features The campground is surrounded by a rolling landscape, perfect for hikes of any level from easy to extremely strenuous. Owens Creek flows past the campground providing a peaceful setting beside a bubbling brook. Whether blanketed in snow in winter months, brilliant with color in the fall or blooming with wildflowers in the spring, Owens Creek offers beautiful scenery all year. Nearby Attractions Catoctin Mountain Park is located near many historical and cultural sites: Appalachian National Scenic Trail (8 miles/13 km) Monocacy National Battlefield (18 miles/29 km) Antietam National Battlefield (26 miles/45 km) Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (26 miles) Eisenhower National Historic Site and Gettysburg National Military Park (20 miles/32 km) Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (28 miles/45 km) Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (37 miles/60 km) Other Attractions include Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo and Cunningham Falls State Park. For more information visit the Tourism Council of Frederick County .

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • dump station

    Dump station

    2.7 mi
  • fuel station

    GT's Handimart

    3.5 mi
  • grocery

    Sanders Market

    3.7 mi
  • potable water

    Potable water

    2.4 mi
  • attraction

    Hog Rock

    1.7 mi
  • recreation site

    Swimming area

    2.5 mi

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

May weekends are typically reserved about 48 days ahead.

Based on 226 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/6/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.