Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground

For youth groups in Maryland seeking an authentic outdoor adventure, Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature in a truly rustic setting. Nestled within the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park, this campground provides a memorable experience for organized youth organizations, fostering a love for the outdoors and promoting teamwork.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground is exclusively designed for youth groups whose members are primarily under 18 years old, ensuring a focused and age-appropriate camping environment. It provides a unique blend of primitive camping with essential amenities, making it accessible yet still challenging enough to encourage a sense of wilderness exploration. Many local Maryland youth groups, from scouting organizations to church groups and school clubs, have found Poplar Grove to be a cherished destination for their outdoor programs. It’s a place where young people can step away from the everyday hustle and bustle, breathe in fresh air, and engage with the natural world around them.

The emphasis at Poplar Grove is on a traditional wilderness camping experience. This means campers should be prepared to embrace the simplicity and beauty of nature. The campground encourages imaginative play and hands-on learning, making it more than just a place to sleep; it’s a living classroom for environmental education and personal growth. The natural landscape provides the perfect backdrop for adventures, whether it’s a quiet moment observing local wildlife or an energetic hike through scenic trails.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground is conveniently located at 6602 Foxville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA, within the picturesque Catoctin Mountain Park. This prime location places it within easy reach for many communities across Maryland, offering a fantastic escape without requiring extensive travel. To reach the campground from the east, visitors typically take US Route 15 to MD 77, then travel approximately six miles west, passing the Visitor Center and Park Central Road. A right turn onto Foxville-Deerfield Road, followed by bearing right onto Manahan Road at the fork, will lead you to Poplar Grove, which is about a mile ahead on a gravel road. From the west, take MD 64 and turn onto MD 77 East, then turn left onto Foxville-Deerfield Road and follow the same directions onto Manahan Road.

It's important for Maryland groups planning a visit to note that while the campground is open year-round, accessibility varies by season. During the winter months, typically from December 1st until mid-March, Manahan Road is closed to vehicles, and access to Poplar Grove becomes a hike-in experience (approximately 1 mile from the nearest parking at Camp Round Meadow or Chestnut Picnic Area). This adds an extra layer of adventure for hardy groups prepared for a winter trek, making it a true wilderness experience. During other seasons, vehicle access is generally available, with parking designated for each site. This seasonal variation allows for diverse camping experiences, catering to groups with different levels of outdoor preparedness and preferences for vehicle access.

The campground’s location within Catoctin Mountain Park also means easy access to a wealth of natural attractions and recreational opportunities. The park's visitor center is just a few miles away, offering educational programs and insights into the local ecosystem. Additionally, Cunningham Falls State Park, with its popular fishing and canoeing options, is only three miles away (though it does have a separate entrance fee). This proximity to other natural attractions enhances the overall experience for youth groups, providing opportunities for varied activities and extending their exploration beyond the immediate campground.

• Youth Group Exclusivity: Poplar Grove is strictly reserved for organized youth groups (members predominantly under 18), ensuring a safe and appropriate environment for young campers and their adult supervisors. Adult supervision is required at all times.
• Primitive Tent Camping: The campground offers a traditional tent camping experience, encouraging groups to embrace the simplicity of the outdoors. There are no RV or trailer hookups.
• Group Campsites: Poplar Grove features three distinct group sites, each capable of accommodating up to 25 visitors. This allows for comfortable spacing and privacy for each group.
• Vault Toilets: Two clean and well-maintained pit toilets (vault toilets) are centrally located and shared among the group sites, providing essential restroom facilities. However, there are no handwashing facilities, so groups should plan accordingly.
• Shared Pavilion: A centrally located, covered pavilion is available for use by all groups, providing a communal space for meals, activities, or shelter from the elements.
• Firewood Provided: Firewood is supplied on-site, and deadwood found within the park may also be collected for use in designated fire circles. This convenience saves groups from having to bring their own firewood or forage extensively.
• Campfire Circles and Grills: Each group site is equipped with a designated campfire circle and grills, perfect for cooking meals, telling stories, and enjoying traditional campfire activities. Fires are permitted only in these designated areas.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes multiple picnic tables, offering convenient surfaces for dining, games, or other group activities.
• Bear-Proof Dumpster: A bear-proof dumpster is available in the parking lot, essential for proper waste disposal and protecting both campers and local wildlife. Groups are encouraged to practice "Leave No Trace" principles.
• Year-Round Operation (with seasonal access): The campground is open year-round, though vehicle access is limited during winter months, requiring a hike-in. This offers diverse camping opportunities depending on the season.
• On-Site Parking: Each group site allows for the parking of two vehicles, or one vehicle and one unhooked utility trailer, in designated spaces. Additional vehicles must be parked at Camp Round Meadow, about a mile away.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviews consistently highlight the peaceful and secluded nature of Poplar Grove, providing a tranquil escape from urban environments. Many local campers appreciate the quietude and privacy offered by the campground, allowing for deeper immersion in nature and uninterrupted group bonding.
• Spacious Tent Sites and Common Areas: Campers commend the generous size of the tent sites and common areas, providing ample space for setting up tents, spreading out, and engaging in group activities without feeling cramped. This allows for a comfortable and flexible camping experience for larger youth groups.
• Proximity to Catoctin Mountain Park Trails: Poplar Grove is just steps away from portions of the Catoctin National Recreation Trail, offering youth groups immediate access to a network of hiking trails. The park boasts 25 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, suitable for various skill levels and providing endless opportunities for exploration and nature observation.
• Natural Woodland Setting: The campground is surrounded by a beautiful hardwood deciduous forest, offering natural shade and a true wilderness feel. This forested environment is ideal for nature hikes, birdwatching, and enjoying the changing seasons, from vibrant fall foliage to blooming spring wildflowers.
• Primitive, Yet Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite being a primitive campground (no electricity or modern showers), the facilities, particularly the vault toilets and pavilion, are noted for being clean and well-maintained. This commitment to upkeep enhances the comfort and usability of the campground for its visitors.
• Opportunities for Nature-Based Activities: Poplar Grove encourages imaginative play and self-directed exploration. Popular activities include nature hikes, campfire storytelling, stargazing, and group games, all within a natural, inspiring setting. The rustic nature of the campground prompts young people to engage directly with their surroundings and foster a sense of resourcefulness.
• Bear-Proof Dumpster: The provision of a bear-proof dumpster is a crucial safety feature, demonstrating a commitment to responsible wildlife management and ensuring food and waste are securely stored, minimizing human-wildlife encounters. This detail is highly valued by groups conscious of environmental impact and safety.

As a public campground managed within a national park, Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground does not typically run traditional commercial promotions or discounts like private campgrounds might. The fee structure is standard and set by the National Park Service. The current fee for a group campsite is $35 per night, accommodating up to 25 people per site. This rate is already designed to be affordable for youth organizations.

However, the "special offer" of Poplar Grove lies in its unique value proposition: access to a protected natural environment for organized youth development at a very reasonable cost. It offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to experience primitive camping in a safe and structured setting within a national park, which is a significant benefit in itself. Groups are encouraged to check the Recreation.gov website or contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on fees and any potential changes. While there aren't traditional sales, the consistent, affordable rate for a high-quality, nature-immersive experience is a compelling "promotion" for Maryland youth groups.

To learn more or make reservations for Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 6602 Foxville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
• Phone: (301) 663-9388 (for campground inquiries, typically during Visitor Center hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 301-663-9388
• After-hours dispatch: 1-866-677-6677 or 301-714-2235 (during your stay)

Reservations are required and cannot be made on a walk-in basis. It is advisable to make reservations at least two days in advance, and they can typically be made up to six months ahead of time. You can also make reservations and find detailed information through Recreation.gov.

For youth groups throughout Maryland, Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground in Thurmont represents an outstanding local resource for fostering outdoor education, character development, and a deeper appreciation for nature. Its location within Catoctin Mountain Park means that Maryland residents have easy access to a pristine natural environment without the need for extensive travel, making it a practical and appealing choice for weekend trips or longer expeditions.

The campground’s dedication to organized youth groups creates a secure and supportive atmosphere where young people can learn essential camping skills, build camaraderie, and engage with the wilderness. The positive feedback from past visitors highlights the well-maintained facilities and the serene, secluded environment, which are crucial for a successful and enjoyable group camping experience. The availability of essentials like clean vault toilets, a shared pavilion, and provided firewood significantly enhances the comfort and convenience of a primitive camping trip, especially for groups new to this type of outdoor adventure.

Furthermore, the abundance of hiking trails directly accessible from the campground offers endless opportunities for physical activity and environmental discovery. Whether it's a first-time camping trip or an annual tradition, Poplar Grove provides a consistent and enriching outdoor experience for Maryland's youth. It’s a place where young minds can thrive, forging lasting memories and developing a lifelong connection to the natural beauty that Maryland has to offer. By choosing Poplar Grove, local groups are not just finding a campsite; they are investing in an invaluable educational and recreational opportunity right in their backyard.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Tent Campground

6602 Foxville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA