Catoctin Mountain Park | OWENS CREEK PICNIC AREA

Owens Creek Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

Owens Creek Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

The Owens Creek Picnic Area is one of two full-fledged picnicking facilities at Catoctin Mountain Park, the other being the Chestnut Picnic Area. It is located on the west side of the park on Foxville Deerfield Road just south of the Owens Creek Campground.

Catoctin Mountain Park is not the best place to hold a large picnicking event, but if that’s your decision, the Owens Creek Picnic Area is your only choice. All of the tables are clustered into three groups. Each group has a half dozen tables and a large grill. Contrast this to the Chestnut Picnic Area where the individual tables are spread throughout the grounds. Keep in mind that all tables are taken on a first come, first served basis, so you must show up early in the morning to get the tables and always run the risk of coming up empty handed. Furthermore, large groups often require a permit for gathering, so check with the park before planning your event:  (301) 663-9388.

Group of tables at the Owens Creek Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

Group of tables at the Owens Creek Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

There is a small parking lot (four to seven spaces) right next to each group of tables, and there are other small parking lots in between the groups. There are no parking spaces for large RVs, and there is no parking along the road due to it being one way and only wide enough for one vehicle.

There is one fancy outhouse—a pit toilet in a permanent building.

Fancy outhouse at the Owens Creek Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

Fancy outhouse at the Owens Creek Picnic Area at Catoctin Mountain Park

For those looking to get some exercise after eating, the half-mile Brown’s Farm Trail begins at the picnic area.

Back to the Top


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 27, 2024
Share this article