GENERAL INFORMATION
Camp Misty Mount is one of three cabin camps at Catoctin Mountain Park. It is the only one with cabins for individuals and families. Groups can stay here as well by renting multiple cabins, but other people may also use the facility unless the group manages to rent all of the cabins. However, the other camps—Camp Greentop and Camp Round Meadow—are designed for large groups and have dormitory style cabins that sleep dozens of people. Groups renting these camps have exclusive use of the facilities.
Camp Misty Mount was built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), an organization created by the Roosevelt Administration to get men back to work during the Great Depression. The WPA was noted for converting rundown public lands near urban areas into parks for inner city residents to enjoy.
CAMPING SEASON
The Camp Misty Mount cabins are typically available for rent from June through October. However, dates change each year, so be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Camp Misty Mount web page.
NUMBER OF CABINS
There are 26 individual cabins that can accommodate from four to six people and three lodges that can accommodate up to eight.
A commercial kitchen and dining hall is available to groups that rent at least eight cabins or lodges (additional rental fee is required).
One vehicle is allowed per cabin and two at a lodge. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet. Vehicles are parked in a common parking lot (up to a quarter mile away depending on your cabin), not at the cabin unless you are disabled and have the appropriate parking permit. However, you can drive your vehicle to the cabin to load and unload gear, though keep in mind that you still can’t get right next to some of the cabins due to the terrain.
Cabin sleeping accommodations are arranged as follows:
ONE BEDROOM / 3 BEDS
Cabins 25, 34, 35, 44 (handicap accessible), 45
ONE BEDROOM / 4 BEDS
Cabins 18, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51
ONE BEDROOM / 8 BEDS
Lodges 23, 32, 42 (Handicap accessible)
TWO BEDROOMS / 6 BEDS
Cabin 20
FOUR BEDROOMS / 6 BEDS
Cabin 16 (this cabin also has a dining area with microwave, a refrigerator, heat, and its own bathroom with shower.)
AMENITIES
While there are beds in the cabins, guests must bring their own bedding (or sleeping bags) and towels.
All cabins have electricity but no heating (except Cabin 16) or air conditioning. They do have a ceiling fan with a light.
Restrooms are located at each loop. There is a women’s restroom facility in the Lower Loop, a men’s restroom in the Middle Loop, and restrooms for anyone in the Upper Loop. All have modern plumbing and hot showers. Three dishwashing stations are also available.
Each cabin has a picnic table and fire pit / grill.
Staying at Camp Misty Mount is a rustic experience more akin to tent camping inside a building than staying at a hotel.
Firewood is available for free, though donations are appreciated. Drop your money into the donation box. You can also burn deadwood found in the park. Outside firewood is not allowed.
Camp Misty Mount has a swimming pool that is typically open from late May through early September.
Cellular towers in the park are serviced by Verizon and AT&T. You may not get cell service with other carriers. There is no Wi-Fi service.
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are required to stay at Camp Misty Mount—walk-ups are not allowed. You can make a reservation up to six months in advance online at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777 between 10 AM and 12 AM EST.
Reservations for the Dining Hall are made directly through Catoctin Mountain Park. The Dining Hall does not have restrooms, heat, air conditioning, or parking. A minimum of 8 cabins are required to rent the Dining Hall facility. Please contact the campground manager for additional information: CATO_Camp_Manager@nps.gov or call (301) 271-3140.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days.
- Check-in time is 3 PM. Check-out time is 12 PM.
- No more people than beds are allowed in a cabin. No tents or RVs are allowed.
- No canopies are allowed.
- No smoking or pets (other than service animals) are allowed in the cabins.
- No cooking is allowed inside the cabins.
- Guest must clean the cabin interior before leaving.
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on April 24, 2024