Crow's Nest Family Campground

thurmont campgrounds

For Maryland residents looking for a family campground in the scenic Thurmont area, Crow's Nest Family Campground has historically been a notable option. Situated at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, this campground aims to provide a natural setting for both RV and tent campers. While the allure of mountain landscapes and proximity to state parks is often a draw, recent public information suggests that potential visitors should be aware of specific conditions and ongoing developments at the campground before planning a stay.

Crow's Nest Family Campground has a history stretching back decades, with some past visitors recalling it as a pleasant and well-maintained camping destination. It has been known to offer a variety of site types, accommodating different preferences for outdoor stays. However, more recent reports and reviews from customers indicate significant challenges with its current management and maintenance, particularly concerning basic utilities and overall site conditions. These issues are important for any local Marylander to consider when deciding on a camping spot.

The goal of this overview is to provide a factual account of Crow's Nest Family Campground based on available public data and recent customer feedback. While the natural surroundings of Thurmont remain appealing, understanding the reported state of the campground’s facilities and operations is crucial for a well-informed decision. We aim to present a balanced view, drawing from historical information where available and prioritizing the most current insights to help local users gauge its suitability for their next outdoor adventure in Maryland. This will allow you to make the most informed decision possible for your camping needs.

Location and Accessibility

Crow's Nest Family Campground is located at 335 MD-77, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA. This places it in a picturesque region of Frederick County, Maryland, known for its natural beauty and proximity to various outdoor attractions. The campground is situated along Maryland Route 77, a state highway that offers relatively easy access from major routes in Maryland.

The location in Thurmont puts campers near Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park, both popular destinations for hiking, nature walks, and scenic views. These parks offer extensive trail systems and natural features like Cunningham Falls, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation just a short drive from the campground. The town of Thurmont itself offers basic amenities, including local shops and dining options, for any supplies or meals campers might need during their stay.

However, based on recent customer reviews and news reports, the internal accessibility and conditions within the campground itself warrant attention. Some accounts describe the presence of "ancient embedded trailers" and general disarray, which could impact the ease of navigation or the overall aesthetic experience for campers. Furthermore, there have been documented issues regarding the reliability of utilities, specifically water and electricity, which are crucial for many campers. While the external location in the beautiful Thurmont area remains appealing, prospective visitors should consider these internal conditions carefully. It is always advisable to contact the campground directly for the most current information on site conditions and utility availability.

Services Offered

Based on historical information and some online listings, Crow's Nest Family Campground has generally advertised a range of services aimed at accommodating various camping styles. However, it is crucial to cross-reference these with recent reports on the campground's operational status and maintenance, as there have been significant discrepancies reported.

• RV Sites: The campground has historically offered sites for recreational vehicles, including full hookups (water, sewer, and electric), as well as electric-only and electric with water hookups. However, recent reviews explicitly state that there have been issues with the provision of electricity and water at sites, with some campers reporting being charged for these utilities despite them not being functional or available.
• Tent Sites: Designated areas for tent camping have also been part of the campground's offerings, providing a more traditional camping experience.
• Pool: A swimming pool has been listed as an amenity. However, a recent review from 2022 described the swimming pool as "cracked and tall weeds growing in it," indicating it may not be operational or well-maintained.
• Playground: A playground has also been listed as an amenity for families with children. The current condition of this amenity is not specified in recent reviews.
• Bathhouses/Restrooms: Facilities for restrooms and showers are typically expected at family campgrounds. A 2022 review, however, stated "No functional bathhouse Nasty," suggesting severe issues with these facilities.
• Laundry: Laundry facilities have been listed as an available service. The current operational status and cleanliness are not specified in recent negative reviews.
• Propane: Some listings indicate that propane might be available on-site for purchase.
• Dump Station: A dump station for RV waste is typically provided at campgrounds with RV facilities. Its operational status is not specified in recent critical feedback.

Given the strong negative feedback from recent customers regarding the lack of promised utilities, poor maintenance, and safety concerns, potential visitors are highly encouraged to contact the campground directly and seek explicit confirmation on the availability and functionality of all desired services before making any commitments.

Features / Highlights

While the natural surroundings and historical offerings of the Thurmont area remain constant, the internal "features" and "highlights" of Crow's Nest Family Campground are heavily impacted by its reported current conditions. Based on available public information, here's a breakdown of what has been listed or noted, alongside crucial contextual information from recent reviews:

• Scenic Mountain Setting: The campground's location at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains offers a potentially beautiful backdrop with forested terrain, which is an inherent feature of the region.
• Proximity to State Parks: A significant highlight of the location is its close proximity to popular Maryland State Parks like Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park. These parks provide extensive opportunities for hiking, nature exploration, and waterfall viewing, which are external attractions accessible from the campground.
• Variety of Site Types (Historically): Historically, the campground offered a mix of RV sites (including full hookups, electric/water) and tent sites, aiming to cater to different camping preferences. However, as noted in the "Services Offered" section, the reliability and functionality of hookups are currently a major reported issue.
• Family-Oriented Design (Past Intent): The "Family Campground" in its name suggests an intent to cater to families, potentially through amenities like a pool or playground. However, recent reviews describe a pool that is "cracked and tall weeds growing in it," and overall conditions that led one former long-term resident to state it’s "not safe and not managed well at all."
• Long-Term Stays (Reported): Several reviews indicate the presence of "ancient embedded trailers" and "long-term residents," with "covers over cars, tarps over campers and debris strewn about," contributing to a "messy environment." This suggests that some parts of the campground may function more as a residential park than a transient recreational campground.
• Pet Friendly (Reported by some listings): Some older listings indicate it is pet-friendly, but potential visitors should confirm any restrictions or fees directly with the campground, especially given the reported conditions.
• Access to Local Town: The location in Thurmont, MD, provides access to the small town for basic supplies and local dining, though this is a general benefit of the area rather than a specific campground feature.

It is evident that the actual "highlights" for a new, recreational visitor may be limited by the reported internal conditions and management issues. The primary features that remain consistently positive are external to the campground itself – namely, its location near other natural attractions in the Thurmont area.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided information and public sentiment, there is no indication of active "promotions" or "special offers" being advertised by Crow's Nest Family Campground in a traditional sense. Recent customer reviews and news reports suggest that the campground is currently facing significant operational challenges and is involved in disputes regarding its management and adherence to county regulations, particularly concerning utility provision and maintenance.

Instead of seeking special offers, potential visitors should prioritize confirming the current operational status of essential services, such as water and electricity, and inquire about the current condition of facilities like bathhouses and the pool. Reviews mention being charged "lot rent" without essential services being provided, and complaints about evictions or rigid adherence to rules despite customer plights. This suggests that the primary focus of the campground's operations is on addressing these fundamental issues rather than offering promotional incentives.

Given the reported situation, any "offer" would likely be overshadowed by the need for clear, upfront communication regarding the actual amenities and conditions available at the time of booking. It is strongly advised to directly contact the campground to inquire about current rates, site availability, and, most importantly, the reliable functioning of all advertised services.

Contact Information

Crow's Nest Family CampgroundAddress: 335 MD-77, Thurmont, MD 21788, USAPhone: (301) 271-7632Mobile Phone: +1 301-271-7632

For any inquiries regarding current site availability, rates, or, critically, the operational status of amenities such as water, electricity, and bathhouses, it is strongly recommended that potential visitors contact the campground directly using the provided phone numbers. Given the nature of recent public feedback, direct communication is essential to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information about the conditions at Crow's Nest Family Campground before planning a visit.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Maryland locals, evaluating the suitability of Crow's Nest Family Campground requires a careful consideration of its reported current conditions against its historical reputation and desirable geographic location. While Thurmont, Maryland, offers abundant natural beauty and access to beloved state parks like Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park, recent public accounts of Crow's Nest Family Campground highlight significant operational and maintenance issues that directly impact a camper's experience.

Historically, the idea of a "family campground" nestled in the mountains of Maryland with various site types, a pool, and playgrounds, would inherently appeal to local residents seeking convenient outdoor recreation. Its location makes it a short drive for many living in the central Maryland region, offering an accessible escape into nature.

However, current reviews and news reports consistently describe problems with unreliable electricity and water services, poorly maintained facilities such as the pool and bathhouses, and a general state of disarray. These reports also point to issues with management and communication. For Maryland locals, this means that while the surrounding natural attractions remain appealing, the campground itself may not currently deliver the comfortable, reliable, or safe camping experience typically sought.

Therefore, for locals considering Crow's Nest Family Campground, it is paramount to conduct thorough due diligence. Direct and explicit communication with the campground management to confirm the exact, current operational status of all desired amenities (especially utilities) is absolutely essential. While the Thurmont area remains an excellent choice for outdoor activities, the decision to stay at Crow's Nest Family Campground, in its current reported state, would require a high degree of flexibility and a willingness to potentially manage significant inconveniences. Potential visitors should be prepared for conditions that may not align with typical expectations for a well-managed family campground.

Crow's Nest Family Campground

335 MD-77, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA