federalfederal

POPLAR GROVE YOUTH GROUP CAMPGROUND

federal · Thurmont, MD

  • dump station2.2 mi
  • fuel station3.3 mi

NPS photo - John Zuke · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

Overview Poplar Grove offers youth groups and organizations enjoyable year-round primitive tent camping. Located just steps away from the Catoctin Mountain Park portion of the Catoctin National Recreation Trail in the rolling hills of Thurmont, Maryland. Poplar Grove allows youth groups to experience traditional wilderness camping in a beautiful, natural setting. Recreation As a primitive camping area, Poplar Grove encourages youth to use healthy doses of imagination while surrounded by the natural landscape. Nature hikes and campfire circles are popular activities. Catoctin Mountain Park offers 25 miles (40 km) of trails for additional hiking opportunities. Facilities Poplar Grove allows youth to connect with nature in a rustic campground setting. Three (3) group sites can accommodate up to 25 visitors. There are (2) two vault toilets and pavilion are centrally located. Water is not available. Site campfire circles and grills exist at each of the three camp sites. Firewood is provided onsite, dead wood may be collected for fires. Each group site is limited to (2) two vehicles or (1) vehicle and (1) utility trailer (unhooked) parked in designated spaces. Additional vehicles need to be parked at Camp Round Meadow. Overnight parking is not permitted on Manahan Road. Due to seasonal road closures, the campground is closed in the Winter. For further information please call the Visitors Center between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (301) 663- 9388. During your stay (after hours) contact 24 hour dispatch at 1-866-677-6677 or 301-714-2235. Natural Features Poplar Grove offers tree sheltered, flat tent sites. The campground is surrounded by a hardwood decidious forest. Whether blanketed in snow in winter months or blooming with wildflowers in the spring, Poplar Grove offers beautiful scenery all year. Nearby Attractions The Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center is located four miles (1.2 km) away and offers interpretive programs. Just three miles (4.8 km) away, visitors can enjoy fishing and canoeing at Cunningham Falls State Park (entrance fee applies). Contact Info

Around this stay

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

  • dump station

    Dump station

    2.2 mi
  • fuel station

    Sheetz

    3.3 mi
  • grocery

    Food Lion

    3.6 mi
  • potable water

    Potable water

    1.8 mi
  • attraction

    Blue Ridge Summit Vista

    0.9 mi
  • recreation site

    Swimming area

    1.8 mi

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

Opens Recreation.gov for live dates. Roam Atlas does not show live site availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/11/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.