Catoctin Mountain Park
Maryland
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.
About Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park is a park located in Maryland. Summer (June-Aug) average temperature is between 61 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall (Sep-Nov) average temperature is between 45 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall foliage is at its peak in mid-October Winter (Dec-Feb) average temperature is between 24 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter snowfall is between 5-12" per month. Spring (March-May) average temperature is between 41 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is approximately 4 inches per month. (Source: usclimatedata.com)
To reach the visitor center from the east, follow US Route 15 to MD Route 77 and go west about 3 miles. The visitor center is on the right side of the road. From the west, take I 70 to MD 66 at exit 35. Turn left onto MD 66 north and travel about 5 miles, passing through the roundabout. Turn right onto MD 64 and drive 1 mile. Turn right onto MD 77. Drive on MD 77 about 7.5 miles. The visitor center is on the left.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Catoctin Mountain is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Catoctin Mountain Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Group Camping, Climbing, and 17 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Catoctin Mountain
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Catoctin Mountain
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Catoctin Mountain before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Catoctin Mountain can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Catoctin Mountain get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Catoctin Mountain. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to rebuild their lives from the Great Depression. The Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps gave this land a second opportunity and through re-growth, a new role as a recreation area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catoctin Mountain
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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