Overview

The Adirondack Shelters, located near the northern most point of Catoctin Mountain Park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky but generally gently rolling terrain leads to the three-sided shelters similar to those found on the Appalachian Trail. Please plan to pack out everything you bring to the site. At Catoctin Mountain Park, the beauty and solitude of nearly 6,000 acres (2428 ha) of mature Eastern Hardwood Forest beckon visitors in need of an escape. 

Facilities

This is a rustic backcountry area with no vehicle access or potable water. There is one pit toilet shared between the two shelters. Campers must carry adequate drinking water and supplies and pack trash out at the conclusion of their stay. The two shelters are several hundred feet apart, making them close enough for groups to use both, but far enough away to offer privacy.

The sites are available year-round and can accommodate five campers. Tents or temporary structures are not permitted inside the shelters or surrounding area. Campfire rings are provided. 

Natural Features

Located about 60 miles (96.5 km) from Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park lies within the mountainous Blue Ridge Province of north-central Maryland. Scenic overlooks extend across the Monocacy Valley.

Recreation

The shelters are for backcountry hikers looking for a remote getaway. Watching birds (aka "birding") is a popular form of wildlife observation. Catoctin offers a 25-mile (40 km) hiking trail system, fishing, picnicking, and frontcountry cabins and campgrounds in addition to the more primitive Adirondack shelters.

Nearby Attractions

Head to Wolf Rock for scenic vistas and thrilling rock climbing and rappelling. Or tour historic Camp Misty Mount, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Important Notices

• Reservations Required. The Adirondack shelters are available year-round. You may book reservations up to six months in advance.

• Reservation Fee. Adirondack shelters are free, however an $8 reservation fee applies for web reservations or $10 for call center reservations.

• Parking. Overnight vehicles must park in the Manahan Road (Camp Round Meadow) gravel lot.

• You cannot drive to the shelters (access requires a hike). A moderate 3-mile (4.8 km) hike is required to reach the shelters. All camping supplies, food and water must be carried in. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are permitted. Frontcountry campgrounds are also available.

• No Tents allowed. Tents or temporary overnight structures are not permitted in the Adirondack shelters or surrounding area.

• No pets or alcohol. No pets or alcohol are permitted.

Notifications and Alerts

• Adirondack Shelters do not accept walk in reservations. Reservations must be made online or by calling the call center. Reservations for Adirondack Shelters are not processed within the Park.

Available Activities

• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Camping - Camping
• Hiking - Hiking

Directions

<p><strong>Directions to the trailhead parking at Camp Round Meadow: </strong>From Thurmont MD, take Route 77 west 5 miles (8 km) to Foxville Road. Turn right and follow signs to Camp Round Meadow parking area.</p><p>You cannot drive to the shelters. The hike is a minimum of 3 miles (4.8 km).</p><ul><li><p>GPS coordinates for Shelter #1 are 39° 40' 37.8001" N 77° 29' 3.8000" W</p></li><li><p>Shelter #2 is nearby (visible from) Shelter #1.</p></li></ul><p>Hikers: protect park resources by using the trail system when accessing the shelters or other park features. Obtain trail maps at the park Visitor Center or download them from the Catoctin Mountain Park <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking</a> web page. Hilly terrain and the forest canopy can prevent satellite signals from reaching your unit increasing the importance of a back-up strategy.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 301-663-9388

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip