Owens Creek Campground

For Marylanders seeking a serene and private camping experience amidst the picturesque Catoctin Mountains, Owens Creek Campground in Sabillasville offers an exceptional choice. Nestled within the larger Cunningham Falls State Park, this campground is celebrated for its spacious sites, a sense of seclusion, and the welcoming presence of its camp hosts. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect from the hustle of daily life, enjoy the quiet beauty of nature, and benefit from thoughtful amenities that enhance a traditional camping adventure.

Owens Creek Campground stands out for its commitment to providing ample personal space. Many of its campsites are generously sized and offer excellent privacy from neighboring sites, a feature highly valued by campers seeking a peaceful retreat. This design ensures that whether you're car camping with a tent and canopy or pulling in a smaller RV, you'll have room to spread out and truly feel immersed in the natural surroundings. The campground's atmosphere is calm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and quiet contemplation.

A significant highlight, as consistently praised by visitors, is the friendly and helpful presence of the camp hosts. These dedicated individuals contribute immensely to the positive experience, offering assistance, ensuring safety, and fostering a welcoming environment. Their genuine kindness and willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with vehicle troubles, truly make campers feel cared for. This personal touch, combined with the affordability of on-site firewood, makes Owens Creek Campground a truly special place.

While the facilities, particularly the restroom and shower house, could benefit from updates, their cleanliness is maintained, and the overall peaceful setting, spacious sites, and exceptional hospitality create a highly desirable camping destination for locals. Owens Creek Campground offers a rustic yet comfortable base for exploring the beauty of the Catoctin Mountains.

Owens Creek Campground is strategically located at 15882 Foxville Deerfield Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780, USA. This address places it within Cunningham Falls State Park, nestled in the scenic Catoctin Mountains of Frederick County, Maryland. For many Marylanders, particularly those in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, Frederick, and Hagerstown, Sabillasville is a relatively easy and scenic drive. This accessibility makes it a convenient choice for weekend getaways or longer camping trips without extensive travel.

The campground's position within Cunningham Falls State Park means visitors are immediately immersed in a rich natural environment. The park offers access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities (including the namesake Owens Creek), and the park's famous 78-foot cascading waterfall. While secluded enough to offer a peaceful retreat, Owens Creek Campground is not overly remote, providing easy access to major roads and nearby towns like Thurmont, where essential supplies and local dining options can be found.

The journey to the campground typically involves driving through picturesque rural landscapes, setting the tone for a relaxing escape. The higher elevation of the Catoctin Mountains provides a cooler climate than Maryland's lower-lying areas, making for a more comfortable camping experience, especially during the warmer months. The blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and convenient access to regional amenities makes Owens Creek Campground an attractive destination for locals seeking a genuine outdoor adventure.

• Spacious Individual Campsites: Many sites offer ample room and privacy from neighboring sites, providing a sense of seclusion.
• Fire Ring at Each Site: Essential for campfires, cooking, and warmth.
• Lantern Post at Each Site: Convenient for hanging lanterns and other uses, as noted by campers for hanging tarps.
• Tent Pads: Designated areas for tent setup, often accommodating large tents and canopies (e.g., 10x10 canopies).
• Parking Pad: Sufficient space for car camping or parking vehicles directly at the site.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Facilities are maintained for cleanliness, though reviewers note they are in need of updates and that there's only one shower per gender.
• Firewood for Purchase: Available on-site at a very affordable price (e.g., $5 for a giant metal tub of wood).
• Camp Hosts: Friendly, helpful, and frequently present, providing assistance and a sense of security.
• Opportunities for Dead-fall Collection: Reviewers note that there's "lots laying around," which can be used to supplement purchased firewood for starting fires.
• Access to Water (Implied): Though not explicitly detailed for each site, water sources are typically available at campgrounds of this type.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted in the campground (common in Maryland State Parks), must be leashed.

• Exceptional Site Privacy and Space: A major highlight, with many campsites offering "lots of space with privacy from other sites," allowing campers to truly spread out and enjoy a secluded experience. Specific sites like #32 and #2 are noted for their ample separation.
• Outstanding Camp Hosts: Consistently praised for being "friendly, helpful and weren't imposing," and going above and beyond (e.g., providing oil for a stranded car). This personal touch significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Affordable On-Site Firewood: The availability of "a giant metal tub of wood for only $5 cannot be beat," making campfires easy and economical. Tips for burning this wood (starting with dead-fall) are even shared by campers.
• Clean Facilities (Despite Age): While the restroom/shower house is noted as needing updates and having only one shower per gender, it is consistently reported as "clean," ensuring a hygienic experience.
• Versatile Site Usage: Sites are suitable for both tent camping (with ample tent pads) and car camping, and have enough space for additional setups like 10x10 canopies, utilizing features like the lantern post for tarps.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: The campground maintains a quiet and lovely environment, making it ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.
• Abundant Natural Resources: Located in the Catoctin Mountains, campers have access to plentiful trees for shade or tarp hanging, and natural dead-fall for fire starting.
• Part of Cunningham Falls State Park: Provides campers with immediate access to the park's broader amenities, including hiking trails, the famous Cunningham Falls, and fishing opportunities in Owens Creek.

Address: 15882 Foxville Deerfield Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780, USA

Phone: (301) 663-9388 (This is the primary number for Cunningham Falls State Park, which manages Owens Creek Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 301-663-9388

Website: For the most current information regarding reservations, site availability, park hours, fees, and specific policies (including pet policies and firewood regulations), it is highly recommended to visit the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for Cunningham Falls State Park. Reservations for campsites are typically made through the Maryland State Parks reservation system online. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as popular sites can fill quickly.

Owens Creek Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing camping destination for Marylanders, particularly those seeking a peaceful, private, and authentic outdoor experience. Its prime location in Sabillasville, nestled within the beautiful Cunningham Falls State Park in the Catoctin Mountains, offers a convenient and refreshing escape that is easily accessible from major population centers like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. This short travel time means locals can maximize their time enjoying nature and minimize time on the road.

The most significant draw for locals is the campground's emphasis on spacious and private campsites. In an increasingly crowded world, finding a spot where you truly feel separated from other campers is invaluable. This privacy, coupled with the natural setting, allows for genuine relaxation and immersion in the tranquility of the mountains. The presence of friendly and genuinely helpful camp hosts further enhances the experience, providing a layer of support and community that makes visitors feel welcome and secure. Their willingness to assist, even with unexpected issues, truly sets Owens Creek apart.

Despite the rustic nature of some facilities, their consistent cleanliness is highly appreciated by campers. The availability of very affordable firewood on-site is another practical benefit, making it easy and economical to enjoy warm campfires. The versatility of the sites, accommodating both tents and car camping with ample space for canopies and tarps, caters to diverse camping styles prevalent among Marylanders.

Owens Creek Campground offers more than just a place to sleep; it provides a genuine opportunity to reconnect with nature, engage in traditional camping activities, and build lasting memories, all within a short distance from home. For Marylanders looking for a peaceful mountain retreat with reliable amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, Owens Creek Campground is an outstanding choice that promises a truly restorative outdoor adventure.