Camp Misty Mount

For Marylanders seeking a truly distinctive camping experience that blends rustic charm with essential comforts, Camp Misty Mount in Thurmont offers an ideal retreat. Located within the scenic Catoctin Mountain Park, this historic campground provides an opportunity to step back in time while enjoying the natural beauty of our state. Unlike traditional tent-only sites, Camp Misty Mount features unique, rustic cabins, offering a different kind of outdoor adventure. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's "basically tent camping, but with a rustic structure and electricity," providing a cozy shelter from the elements while keeping you immersed in nature. It's a fantastic option for families, small groups, or individuals who appreciate a bit more protection than a tent, but still desire a genuine connection to the outdoors.

Camp Misty Mount is steeped in history, with its cabins originally built in 1937 as part of a federal program during the Great Depression. This heritage adds a unique character to your stay, offering a glimpse into the past. While the cabins are "rustic," reviews consistently highlight their cleanliness. For example, "Rustic cabins, but extremely clean inside." This dedication to cleanliness, combined with thoughtful amenities, ensures a comfortable experience. Guests often praise the spaciousness of the cabins, with one noting "Cabin 20 is very spacious. Partitioned into two rooms... one with 4 singles and one with 2 singles... two storage cabinets, a ceiling fan and lights. Outlets in both rooms." This layout makes them particularly suitable for families or small groups sharing a space. The blend of a historic setting, basic modern conveniences like electricity, and the serene mountain environment makes Camp Misty Mount a truly "amazing experience."

Camp Misty Mount is precisely located at 14799 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA. This address places it within the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park, a unit of the National Park System, situated in northern Frederick County, Maryland. For residents across Maryland, this location offers excellent accessibility. From major metropolitan areas like Baltimore or Washington D.C., the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, primarily via US-15 N. This makes Camp Misty Mount a very convenient option for a weekend escape or a longer vacation without the need for extensive travel.

The journey to the park itself is part of the experience, offering scenic drives through Maryland's rolling countryside and charming towns. Once within Catoctin Mountain Park, Camp Misty Mount is clearly signposted, leading visitors directly to the camp office and parking areas. It's important to note that "No parking or vehicles are allowed in cabin areas with the exception of initial unloading and final departure loading." This policy, combined with a "short walk to parking lot and longer walk to the restrooms," enhances the rustic and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of the camp, truly allowing for an immersive forest experience. Its position within the national park also means it’s conveniently close to a network of trails that connect to other significant areas, including the renowned Cunningham Falls State Park. This balance of remote tranquility and manageable access makes Camp Misty Mount an ideal destination for Marylanders.

Camp Misty Mount offers a unique set of services and amenities that support its rustic cabin camping experience. While providing a step up from primitive tent camping, it maintains a focus on outdoor immersion.

Services Offered:

• Rustic Cabins: Historic stone and wood cabins provide shelter, equipped with interior and exterior lighting, metal cots with vinyl mattresses, waste and recycle bins, and a broom. Cabins generally accommodate three to eight people.
• Electricity in Cabins: Each cabin includes outlets and a ceiling fan, offering modern convenience for charging devices and air circulation.
• Picnic Table and Fire Pit/Grill: Every cabin site has an exterior picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Complimentary Firewood: Wood is provided in woodsheds located in the lower loop and near the host cabin, making it easy to enjoy a campfire (donations are appreciated).
• Updated Bathhouses: Centrally located comfort stations provide "hot showers, flush toilets and sinks," offering modern and clean restroom facilities. Reviewers often praise the cleanliness and heating of the bathrooms.
• Dishwashing Stations: Three dishwashing stations with potable water are located throughout the camp for convenient cleanup.
• Swimming Pool: A swimming pool is available, typically open from late May through September, providing a refreshing amenity during warmer months.
• Group Rental Options: A dining hall and commercial kitchen are available for group rental (requiring reservation of at least 8 cabins), catering to larger gatherings.
• Accessible Cabins: Some cabins (e.g., Cabin 44) are noted as handicap accessible, and vehicles are permitted in cabin areas for persons with disabilities for loading/unloading.
• On-site Ranger/Host: Park staff or a camp host are typically available to assist guests and ensure compliance with park regulations.

Camp Misty Mount's setting within Catoctin Mountain Park and its unique cabin accommodations provide a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, making it a distinctive Maryland getaway.

Features / Highlights:

• Historic Cabins: Stay in cabins built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), offering a glimpse into a significant period of American history.
• Rustic Charm with Comfort: Experience a "rustic" camping trip with the added comfort of a solid structure, electricity, and clean, updated bathhouses.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: Direct access to Catoctin Mountain Park's extensive trail system (over 25 miles), including the Wolf Rock Trail, and connections to Cunningham Falls, Maryland's largest cascading waterfall.
• Seasonal Swimming Pool: Enjoy the camp's swimming pool, open from late May through September, providing a refreshing activity during summer stays.
• Stunning Wooded & Hilly Setting: Located in "wooded and hilly" terrain, surrounded by Eastern deciduous hardwood forests, offering beautiful scenery and a true mountain experience.
• Wildlife Watching: Opportunities for wildlife observation, bouldering, rock climbing, and fly fishing are popular activities in the surrounding park.
• Great Value: Many visitors find Camp Misty Mount offers "Great value for what you get," providing an affordable yet comfortable outdoor experience.
• Sense of Community: While individual, the cabin clusters and shared facilities like bathhouses and fire pits can foster a sense of community among campers.
• Peaceful Environment: Despite popularity, the camp maintains a serene atmosphere, allowing for relaxation and connection with nature.
• No Tents or Canopies Allowed: The focus is strictly on cabin lodging, preserving the aesthetic and historical integrity of the camp.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Camp Misty Mount, please use the following contact details. It is always recommended to contact the park directly for the most current information, especially regarding booking availability and specific regulations.

Address: 14799 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA (This is the specific address for Camp Misty Mount within Catoctin Mountain Park.)

Phone: (301) 271-3140

Mobile Phone: +1 301-271-3140 (This is the same number, often listed for general contact.)

For booking cabins at Camp Misty Mount, the primary method is through the national reservation system managed by Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular weekends and during the prime operating season (June through October, with the pool open late May through September), as this historic and unique camp is in high demand. The official National Park Service website for Catoctin Mountain Park (nps.gov/cato) is also an excellent resource for detailed information on rules, policies, and links to the reservation system. Direct calls to the provided phone number can help with specific questions not found online or for assistance with reservations.

Camp Misty Mount is an exceptional choice for Maryland locals seeking a unique blend of rustic charm, historical context, and outdoor recreation right in our own backyard. Its location within Catoctin Mountain Park, just a short and scenic drive from major Maryland metropolitan areas, makes it an incredibly accessible escape. For families, the "rustic cabins" with electricity offer a comfortable alternative to tent camping, providing a secure and cozy base for adventure, as evidenced by reviews highlighting their cleanliness and spaciousness.

The camp's direct access to Catoctin Mountain Park's extensive hiking trails, including paths to the iconic Cunningham Falls and Wolf Rock, offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoying Maryland's natural beauty. The seasonal swimming pool is a fantastic bonus, providing a refreshing way to cool off after a day of hiking. While it embraces a rustic ethos (expecting bugs and requiring a short walk to facilities), the "updated bathhouse and pool are nice additions," balancing comfort with the wild. For Marylanders looking for "great value" and an "amazing experience" that combines outdoor activity with a sense of history and community, Camp Misty Mount truly delivers. It's a cherished local gem that invites you to disconnect, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of our state's beautiful mountain landscape.