{"id":"nps-cato","slug":"catoctin-mountain-park","name":"Catoctin Mountain Park","designation":"Park","category":"other","categoryLabel":"Other Designation","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"CATO","designation":"Park","sourceId":"nps-cato"}],"states":["MD"],"stateNames":["Maryland"],"location":{"lat":39.65068457,"lon":-77.46417665},"bbox":[-77.5048,39.6199,-77.4178,39.6916],"acres":{"value":5702,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=39.6916&b_tl_lng=-77.5048&b_br_lat=39.6199&b_br_lng=-77.4178","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Catoctin%20Mountain%20Park","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/88247400-C3C0-D7DE-8C42EF37DF502F7F.jpg","title":"Chimney Rock Vista","alt":"Rock formation with mountains in the background","caption":"A challenging hike leads to Chimney Rock, the most popular vista in the park.","credit":"NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/87F43686-B01E-0914-9BD0FEE4FC2EDFD9.jpg","title":"Visitor Center","alt":"A stone and wood building with plants and flowers in front","caption":"First time visitors should begin their park experience at the visitor center.","credit":"NPS Photo/Peggie Gaul","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/BDA98409-C524-F068-F987CED34165C246.jpg","title":"Eastern Mud Salamander","alt":"A slender-bodied, red salamander with black spots across its body.","caption":"Life is abundant at Catoctin Mountain Park, and habitat is plentiful for many salamander species.","credit":"NPS Photo/Thomas Zygmunt","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/1A821D6D-09C6-7026-1F7E48871C478B06.jpg","title":"Big Hunting Creek","alt":"A fast flowing stream cutting through a green forest.","caption":"Winding its way through the ridge, Big Hunting Creek is a popular fly fishing destination.","credit":"NPS Photo/John Zuke","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7F6CC6-1DD8-B71B-0B2FC0CA15230A1E.jpg","title":"Historic Camp Misty Mount","alt":"A log cabin in the woods","caption":"Visitors can stay overnight in one of the historic Misty Mount cabins.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/2876E192-EE36-CA21-B839AE12C39B3D04.jpg","title":"Wolf Rock","alt":"A large angular boulder that resembles the shape of a wolf.","caption":"At the end of a boulder field the size of a football field, stands Wolf Rock. Do you see the wolf?","credit":"NPS Photo / John Zuke","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/046AB469-AB3F-CC59-A6F8115B22A3B106.jpg","title":"Blue Ridge Summit","alt":"A rocky outcrop nestled amongst trees overlooking a valley.","caption":"Blue Ridge Summit offers hikers a view northward into Pennsylvania.","credit":"NPS Photo/John Zuke","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/BDF4B57B-CE59-7DA4-9E96EF7138421C9D.jpg","title":"Sun Rays Through the Forest at Misty Mount","alt":"Multiple bright sun rays shining through a forest with log cabins.","caption":"Natural beauty envelopes the mountainside throughout the day.","credit":"NPS Photo/Thomas Zygmunt","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/C37012A0-D9CA-551C-2DFA6FBDAAF917EE.jpg","title":"The Horse Trail","alt":"Two riders, on horseback, walking through a forested trail.","caption":"The west side of the park is a popular trail riding destination.","credit":"NPS Photo/John Zuke","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Group Camping","Climbing","Compass and GPS","Orienteering","Fishing","Fly Fishing","Food","Picnicking","Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Junior Ranger Program","Skiing","Cross-Country Skiing","Snowshoeing","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["African American Heritage","Industry","Mills","Logging and Timber Cutting","Native American Heritage","Reconstruction","Social Movements","Civil Rights","Animals","Birds","Fish","Climate Change","Forests and Woodlands","Geology","Trails"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Catoctin Mountain Park","description":"Hiking trails and parking areas are open year round, dawn to dusk, but may close as a result of security or safety concerns.  Consult the park's website for updates: http://www.nps.gov/cato/index.htm.  The visitor center, camps, and campgrounds have separate hours.  Please see descriptions for those facilities elsewhere.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"Sunrise to Sunset","monday":"Sunrise to Sunset","thursday":"Sunrise to Sunset","sunday":"Sunrise to Sunset","tuesday":"Sunrise to Sunset","friday":"Sunrise to Sunset","saturday":"Sunrise to Sunset"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"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.","weatherInfo":"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)","contacts":{"phone":"3016639388","email":"CATO_superintendent@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Visitor Center","description":"The visitor center hosts new exhibits, installed in spring 2019. Learn about the history of Catoctin Mountain and the national park that was created here. American Indians, farmers, iron makers, the WPA, CCC, Jobs Corps and so many others played a role in making Catoctin Mountain Park the special place it is today. Discover how even your visit plays a part in the making of this park. Eastern National provides a small sales area with items to help you remember your visit.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm","lat":39.634177737,"lon":-77.449818488}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Owens Creek Campground","description":"Advanced reservations required. Owens Creek Campground offers family camping in a wooded setting. There are 50 sites, 3 have ADA features. Maximum trailer length is 22 feet. One vehicle is permitted per site. There are no hook-ups. Use of alcohol is prohibited. Pets allowed and must leashed and tended to at all time. Tent pads have been updated and expanded to a minimum size of 12' x 12'. See reservations page for more details on each site.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/247762?q=Owens%20Creek%20Campground","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/247762?q=Owens%20Creek%20Campground","sites":50},{"name":"Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground","description":"Reservations Required. No Walk-Ins. Poplar Grove is open to adult supervised organized youth groups whose members are under age 18. There are 3 sites within Poplar Grove. Each site accommodates up to 25 persons. Groups share pit toilets and a pavilion. Each site has picnic tables, grills and a fire circle.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232503?q=Poplar%20Grove%20Youth%20Group%20Campground","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232503?q=Poplar%20Grove%20Youth%20Group%20Campground","sites":3},{"name":"Adirondack Shelters","description":"Reservations Required. No Walk Ins. Available year-round, the Adirondack Shelters located near the northern most point of the park, provide a destination for true nature immersion and an alternative to drive-up camping. There are two shelters that offer the bare minimum with regard to outdoor accommodation. A moderate three-mile uphill hike over rocky and gently rolling terrain starting at Camp Round Meadow will lead you to these three-sided shelters.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233321?q=Adirondack%20Shelters","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233321?q=Adirondack%20Shelters","sites":2},{"name":"Camp Misty Mount","description":"Advanced reservations required. Camp Misty Mount is a cabin rental facility for individuals, families, or small groups. This historic cabin camp was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration. The camp is surrounded by hardwood forests on the slopes of Catoctin Mountain Park. Recent upgrades to Camp Misty Mount include a renovated swimming pool and bath house, new cots and mattresses, and upgraded electrical systems including new outlets and ceiling fans in each of the guest cabins.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233241?q=Camp%20Misty%20Mount","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233241?q=Camp%20Misty%20Mount","sites":29},{"name":"Camp Greentop","description":"Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Greentop is a perfect location for organized groups to hold large events, retreats, or conferences. The camp has space for 150 people to sleep on twin beds. There are 12 cabins that sleep 10 each, one lodge that sleeps 12, and three smaller cabins. Recent upgrades include a new swimming pool, renovated Dining and Recreation Halls, and upgraded electrical systems including new outlets and ceiling fans in each of the guest cabins.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/camp-greentop.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10386525","sites":16},{"name":"Camp Round Meadow","description":"Advanced reservations required. Camp Round Meadow accommodates up to 120 guests in 4 heated dorms that sleep 30 people each. Each dorm has bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and electric outlets. Additional facilities include a dining hall, gymnasium, classrooms, a conference room, outdoor fire pit, and a small outdoor gazebo. Recent upgrades include renovated restrooms in the dorms and a new HVAC system in the gym.","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251264","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251264?q=Camp%20Round%20Meadow","sites":1}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"eisenhower-national-historic-site","km":23},{"slug":"gettysburg-national-military-park","km":27},{"slug":"antietam-national-battlefield","km":31},{"slug":"monocacy-national-battlefield","km":33},{"slug":"harpers-ferry-national-historical-park","km":44},{"slug":"potomac-heritage-national-scenic-trail","km":56}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=cato"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.609Z","alerts":[],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/catoctin-mountain-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/catoctin-mountain-park.geojson"}