Owens Creek Campground
4.53165 reviews15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780
Owens Creek Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric campsites is $30.00 during the reservable peak season from April 25 to November 2. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or additional charges.
About this campground
Nestled within the verdant embrace of Catoctin Mountain Park, Owens Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience across 48 primitive tent sites. This cherished retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and untamed nature, where families gather under towering canopies and solo adventurers find solace in the rhythmic babble of mountain streams. As your basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails, this rustic haven strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and starlit nights.
Owens Creek Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping in a natural, primitive setting. Cabins and group sites are not available.
Historical SignificanceStep back through centuries of American history as you explore the storied landscapes surrounding Owens Creek. The Browns Farm Trail weaves through archaeological remnants that whisper tales of early settlers who once called these mountains home. Beyond the campground, history comes alive at two of America's most hallowed grounds – Gettysburg National Military Park and Antietam National Battlefield – where pivotal Civil War battles shaped our nation's destiny. These sacred sites, just a short drive away, transform your camping trip into a profound journey through time.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with a symphony of wildflowers and crisp evenings that call for cozy sleeping bags and warming campfires. Summer transforms the campground into a lush sanctuary, where warm days invite creek exploration and cool forest shade provides natural air conditioning. Fall paints the mountainside in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking. The campground embraces a winter slumber, closing its gates as snow blankets the forest in peaceful silence.
ElevationPerched within the gentle rises of Maryland's mountain country, the campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere without extreme altitude challenges, making it accessible for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryOwens Creek winds like a silver ribbon through your camping experience, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over moss-covered rocks in an endless mountain melody. Ancient hardwoods tower overhead, their branches creating a living cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Each season unveils new treasures – spring's delicate trilliums, summer's lush ferns, autumn's spectacular foliage show, and winter's stark beauty. Wildlife abounds in this diverse ecosystem, where white-tailed deer graze at dawn, songbirds herald each new day, and fireflies transform summer evenings into magical light shows.
Geological RegionCradled within the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Owens Creek Campground showcases the timeless beauty of Catoctin Mountain Park's rolling terrain. These weathered peaks, carved by millennia of wind and water, create a landscape of intimate valleys and gentle ridges perfect for exploration. The varied topography supports an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, while offering trails that range from leisurely streamside strolls to heart-pumping ridge climbs. This geological wonderland serves as nature's playground, where every twist in the trail reveals new vistas and hidden grottos waiting to be discovered.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available. However, there are mixed reviews regarding accessibility; for example, some tent pads involve significant height differences, which may challenge wheelchair users despite the presence of grab bars.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and well laid out. Tent pads are covered with wood chips, and the size accommodates small to medium-sized tents comfortably.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate mixed privacy levels. Some campsites are well-separated with vegetation, while others are closer together, offering less privacy.
Total Campsites48 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLook for sites with elevated tent pads during rainy conditions. Sites near Owens Creek provide a serene atmosphere. Site #30 and #49 are ideal for privacy.
Best CampsitesSite #30 is highly praised for its proximity to Owens Creek and scenic views. Site #49 is noted for privacy and accessibility to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 5 persons or an immediate family per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in loops with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Three pull-through sites (#12, #39, #43) are available for trailers up to 22 feet and RVs up to 30 feet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 25 to November 2; closed during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in sites are available; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled the day before or day of arrival. Late cancellations for single-night reservations forfeit the entire amount paid.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Owens Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. The proximity to nearby attractions like Cunningham Falls State Park and historic sites enhances the camping experience.
Hiking
The campground connects directly to the Deerfield Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that links to the park's western trails. Additional trails such as the Browns Farm Trail are nearby, providing options for various skill levels. Reviews highlight the well-maintained trails and their accessibility from the campground.Wildlife viewing
The dense forest setting provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Birdsong and sightings of local species like scarlet tanagers are frequently mentioned by users.Cultural and Educational Programs
Cultural programs include ranger-led presentations, such as a session on predator and prey animals for children. User reviews appreciate these educational opportunities.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter, so no winter-specific activities are available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as an option in the campground or vicinity.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must not be left unattended. Firewood must be purchased onsite or collected from downed wood within the park.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include falling tree limbs due to old-growth forest conditions, as noted by campers. Seasonal wildfire smoke and weather-related closures may also occur.
Active alertsPark Central Road closures may occur with little notice. Seasonal weather advisories such as wildfire smoke may affect usability.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Thurmont Emergency Services (~5 miles away), Frederick Memorial Hospital (~22 miles away), Sabillasville Volunteer Fire Department (~2 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesFrom April 25 to November 2.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available within the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresOwens Creek runs through the campground, offering soothing sounds of water nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor maintenance of sites and bathrooms, noise during weekends, damp firewood, and closely packed campsites. Some reviews cited unresponsive camp hosts.
HostCamp hosts are typically friendly but not always responsive, as noted in reviews. Some seasons have seen complaints about uncleaned sites.
Campground Map
15882 Foxville-Deerfield Rd., Sabillasville, MD 21780
Driving directionsFor GPS Use Only: The street address is 15882 Foxville Deerfield Road, Sabillasville, MD. This is not the mailing address. From Washington DC: Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north to I495 to I270 north 27 miles to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 17 miles north to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West, the exit sign is marked Catoctin Mountain Park. Travel approximately 6 miles west on 77 (you will pass Park Central Road and the park Visitor Center) and turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground. From Baltimore, MD: Take I695 beltway to I70 West to Frederick, MD. Take Route 15 North to Thurmont, MD. Take Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park.) Travel approximately 6 miles west on Route 77 (you will pass Park Central Road and the park Visitor Center) and turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground. From Hagerstown, MD: Take I70 East to Route 66 North for 7 miles. Turn right onto Route 64 (East) for 1 mile then turn right at a traffic light onto Route 77 East for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground. From Gettysburg, PA: Take Route 15 South. In Thurmont, MD, exit onto Route 77 West (the exit sign says Catoctin Mountain Park.) Travel approximately 6 miles west on 77 (you will pass Park Central Road and the park Visitor Center) and turn right onto Foxville-Deerfield Road. As the road forks, keep left and continue on Foxville-Deerfield Road for approximately 1 mile and turn left into Owens Creek Campground.
Access is straightforward from major highways with paved roads leading to the campground. Seasonal closures may occasionally restrict access, particularly around Park Central Road.Nearby places
Thurmont (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Frederick (22 miles, ~30 minutes), Gettysburg (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Hagerstown (30 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Thurmont (~5 miles away) include groceries, camping essentials, and fuel stations. Firewood is available onsite at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
165 reviews
Owens Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Owens Creek Campground is widely praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility to nearby trails. However, issues such as wet, unburnable firewood and noisy campers have been noted by some users.
Review Summaries
Based on 165 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praise includes well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and the availability of firewood. The surrounding forest setting and proximity to hiking trails are frequently...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include wet or difficult-to-burn firewood, noisy neighbors, limited privacy between sites, and occasional maintenance issues with restrooms and other facilities.
Based on 165 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Many users recommend bringing an axe to split firewood, arriving early to secure preferred campsites, and exploring nearby trails such as the Deerfield Nature Trail. Several reviewers also suggest...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is highly praised in the fall for its colorful foliage and quiet setting. Summers can be noisy and crowded, especially on weekends. Spring visits are appreciated for the blooming...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The bathrooms and showers were clean and had hot water." "The hiking trails around the park are easy to access and pleasant." "Firewood provided by NPS was clutch! Be sure to bring a splitting maul...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #30 is frequently mentioned as a favorite due to its proximity to a creek and seclusion. Site #49 is also praised for its spaciousness and cleanliness. Sites near restrooms receive both positive...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as ramps and grab bars are highlighted positively, but some users noted challenges with high tent pads and steps.
Based on 165 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and many users appreciate the pet-friendly policy. However, some complaints about noisy dogs disrupting the experience were noted.
Based on 165 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025