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.

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.

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.

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).

Important Notices

• Reservations required. Reservations are required and may be booked up to 6 months in advance.

• Youth Groups only. Poplar Grove is available only for sanctioned youth groups/organizations. At least 50% of the group must be under the age of 18 and currently enrolled in the organization.

• Self check-in and self check-out. Please practice Leave No Trace principles. 

• Check-out. Check-out time is 12:00 noon.

• Parking. Two vehicles are allowed per site or one vehicle and one utility trailer (unhooked) parked in designated spots. Additional parking is located 1 mile (1.6 km) from the campground at Camp Round Meadow.

• Bring your own water. Water is not available in Poplar Grove.

• No pets. Pets are not allowed

• Firewood. Firewood is available at Poplar Grove. The transportation of firewood into the park is not permitted. Dead/downed wood may be collected. 

Notifications and Alerts

• Poplar Grove Youth Campground does not accept walk in reservations. Reservations must be made online or by calling the call center. Reservations for Poplar Grove Youth Campground are not processed within the Park

• Beginning in the fall of 2025 water will no longer be provided at Polar Grove Youth Campground. Groups will need to provide their own water for drinking, handwashing and bathing, extinguishing campfires, etc.

• Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground is not available on a Walk-In basis; reservations must be made by phone or online in order to camp at this facility. There is a minimum booking window of 2 days - earliest date to reserve will be 2 days from today.

Available Activities

• PICNICKING - Picnic Tables
• HIKING - Hiking
• CAMPING - Camping

Directions

Poplar Grove is located on Manahan Road in the western portion of Catoctin Mountain Park. From Route 15, exit at Catocin Mountain Park/Route 77. Travel approximately six miles west, passing the Visitor Center and Park Central Road. Turn right on Foxville-Deerfield Road and bear to the right onto Manahan Road at the fork. Poplar Grove is located about a mile ahead on the gravel road.

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>Important Information on Late Cancellations</strong></p> <p>A cancellation is considered late if it occurs <strong>the day before or the day of arrival</strong>. Customers will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 1 (301) 663-9388

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip