Pogo Memorial Campsite

Hello, Maryland outdoor enthusiasts and avid hikers! If you're a local who loves to explore our state's incredible natural landscapes, especially along the iconic Appalachian Trail (AT), then you absolutely need to know about Pogo Memorial Campsite. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with amenities like RV hookups or swimming pools. Instead, Pogo Memorial Campsite is a truly special, well-maintained backcountry site specifically designed for those seeking a more authentic, immersive experience in nature. Whether you're a dedicated thru-hiker, a weekend backpacker, or simply looking for a peaceful day-use spot directly on the AT, Pogo Memorial Campsite offers a welcoming and thoughtfully prepared haven in the wilderness of Maryland.

Maryland boasts a remarkable stretch of the Appalachian Trail, winding through diverse terrain and offering breathtaking views. Pogo Memorial Campsite is a testament to the dedication of those who maintain this precious resource, providing a vital and comfortable stopping point for hikers. As one appreciative visitor noted, this site is "so new, well maintained, swept out tent sites and privy, easy to find, quiet, and welcoming for overnight and day use." Another reviewer highlighted the impressive work done: "people have put a lot of work into this place, it shows... they have dug (mostly) flat campsites right into the side of the hill.. lots of chairs / seats and fire pits made out of rock. it's pretty impressive." This dedication ensures that even in a primitive setting, visitors can find comfort and convenience. In the following sections, we'll delve into the specifics of Pogo Memorial Campsite, including its unique location and accessibility along the AT, the essential services it provides, its notable features and highlights, and why it's such a valuable resource for locals in Maryland looking to experience the Appalachian Trail.

Pogo Memorial Campsite is uniquely located directly on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Hagerstown, MD 21740, USA. This means its primary access is via the AT itself, making it a quintessential backcountry camping experience. For Marylanders planning a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, understanding its trail-side location is key.

To reach Pogo Memorial Campsite, hikers typically approach from either the north or south along the Appalachian Trail. If heading northbound (NOBO), the campsite will be on your right after a short, rocky blue-blazed trail. This side trail will lead you up to the newer campsites before looping back down to the privy and older sites. Alternatively, you can stay directly on the white-blazed AT until you see the Pogo Memorial Campsite sign. While there isn't a direct vehicle access road to the campsites, parking is often available at nearby trailheads or designated parking areas along roads that intersect the AT, such as those off MD-64 or US-40 near Hagerstown. From these points, a hike along the AT is required to reach the campsite. The exact distance will vary depending on your starting trailhead, but for day use, it offers a great destination for a moderate hike. Hagerstown, a significant hub in Western Maryland, is easily accessible from major cities like Baltimore (approximately 1.5-2 hours drive) and Washington D.C. (approximately 1.5-2 hours drive), making these trailheads within reasonable reach for a day trip or an overnight backpacking adventure for many Maryland residents. It's crucial for visitors to research the specific trailhead they plan to use and be prepared for a hike to the campsite, as this is a true trail-side refuge.

• Tent Sites: Offers multiple, "swept out," and mostly flat campsites, many "dug... into the side of the hill" to create comfortable tent pads.
• Privy: Features a well-maintained and "nice privy" for essential restroom facilities, crucial for backcountry hygiene.
• Bear Poles/Bear Cables: Equipped with "bear poles" or cables for hanging food and scented items, ensuring proper bear safety and food storage.
• Fire Pits: Includes "fire pits made out of rock" at various sites, allowing for safe campfires (always check local fire restrictions).
• Seating/Chairs: Provides "lots of chairs / seats" made out of rock at campsites, adding comfort to the primitive setting.
• Stream Access: A "stream within moderate walking distance" provides a water source (always filter or treat water before consumption).
• Day Use: Welcoming for both overnight campers and day users looking for a resting spot.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Consistently described as "well maintained" with "a lot of work" evident in its upkeep.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Offers a "quiet" and peaceful environment, ideal for rest and relaxation on the trail.
• Clear Signage: Easy to find, with clear signage from the Appalachian Trail.

• Direct Appalachian Trail Access: Its prime location directly on the AT is its most significant feature, making it a critical and convenient stop for thru-hikers and a rewarding destination for section hikers.
• Exceptional Maintenance: Visitors consistently highlight the impressive level of maintenance, noting that "people have put a lot of work into this place, it shows," from swept sites to well-built rock features.
• Thoughtfully Designed Sites: The unique "dug (mostly) flat campsites right into the side of the hill" demonstrate clever design for comfort in challenging terrain, though some newer sites might be "a little rocky" requiring a footprint.
• Essential Bear Safety: The presence of "bear polls" is a crucial safety feature, allowing hikers to safely store food and deter wildlife.
• Natural Water Source: The nearby "stream within moderate walking distance" provides a natural water source (requiring filtration/treatment), a vital resource in backcountry settings.
• Rustic Comforts: Rock-built "chairs / seats and fire pits" add a touch of rustic comfort and convenience to the primitive camping experience.
• Peaceful & Secluded Environment: Despite its popularity among hikers, it offers a quiet and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for respite from the trail.
• Gateway to Hiking Adventures: Serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding sections of the Appalachian Trail and potentially other trails in the vicinity of Hagerstown.
• Ideal for Unplugging: Being a backcountry site, it offers a perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and fully immerse oneself in nature.
• Community of Hikers: While private, it often provides a chance to connect with fellow hikers, sharing stories and experiences on the trail.

Address: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Hagerstown, MD 21740, USA

As a primitive, backcountry campsite directly on the Appalachian Trail, Pogo Memorial Campsite does not have a direct phone number for reservations or inquiries like a commercial campground. Information regarding trail conditions, bear safety, or general Appalachian Trail questions can typically be found through:

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC): Their website (appalachiantrail.org) is the authoritative source for AT information, including shelters, campsites, and regulations.
• Local Appalachian Trail Clubs: Clubs responsible for maintaining sections of the AT in Maryland may have specific information or guidelines for Pogo Memorial Campsite.
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) / State Parks: For broader state park or forest regulations that might apply to backcountry camping.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that this is a first-come, first-served backcountry site, and planning should involve consulting official AT resources for the most up-to-date information on conditions and guidelines.

For Maryland locals, Pogo Memorial Campsite offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty and challenge of the Appalachian Trail right in our backyard. Unlike developed campgrounds, this site provides an authentic backcountry experience that is both accessible and incredibly well-maintained. We know that many Marylanders cherish our state's natural resources and seek out opportunities for genuine outdoor adventure. Pogo Memorial Campsite caters perfectly to this desire, offering a critical and comfortable stopping point for day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, or even just a peaceful spot for a rest and lunch.

The fact that it's "so new, well maintained, swept out tent sites and privy" speaks volumes about the care put into this site, ensuring that even in a primitive setting, visitors can find cleanliness and essential facilities. The presence of "bear poles" is particularly reassuring for those new to backcountry camping, addressing a common concern with practical safety measures. For Marylanders looking to introduce themselves or their families to the joys of backpacking, or for seasoned hikers seeking a convenient and reliable stop on the AT, Pogo Memorial Campsite is ideal. It allows for a profound connection with nature, fostering resilience and an appreciation for the simpler things, without requiring extensive travel outside the state. It's a testament to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and organizations that maintain the AT, providing a valuable and truly impressive resource for all who wish to explore the legendary path winding through our beautiful state. Embrace the call of the trail and discover the peace and beauty awaiting you at Pogo Memorial Campsite.