Fees & Passes

Free
No entrance pass required

An entrance pass is not required to access Catoctin Mountain Park.

Other National Park Service sites may require an entrance pass or fee. Depending on your trip plans, an interagency pass may save you money.

2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

 

Passes Available at Catoctin Mountain Park

 
Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park passes are available at the visitor center.
 
Every Kid Outdoors 2019 Logo
Every Kid Outdoors Logo

Annual 4th Grade Pass

  • Free to U.S. 4th graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age) with a valid Every Kid Outdoor paper pass.
  • The pass is valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year through the following summer (September-August).
  • Paper passes can be obtained by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and can be exchanged for the Annual 4th Grade Pass at Federal recreation sites that charge Entrance or Standard Amenity fees (Day Use Fee).
  • Digital version of the paper pass (such as on smart phones or tablets) will not be accepted to exchange for an Annual 4th Grade Pass.
  • The pass is non-transferable.
  • Educators can also be involved! Learn more at the Every Kid Outdoors website .

Additional Details about the Annual 4th Grade Pass

 
2019 Interagency Annual Pass
2019 Interagency Military Pass

2019 Interagency Annual Pass - Military
Manish Mamtani, 2017 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner

Annual Pass for U.S. Military

  • Free annual pass for current U.S. military members and dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members.
  • Must be obtained in person at a Federal recreation site by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID (Form 1173).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Pass for U.S. Military

 
purple card with U.S. flag in front of mountains with snow on highest peaks
Gold Star & Veteran Military Lifetime Pass

Gold Star & Veteran Military Lifetime Pass

  • Free pass for Gold Star Families and Veterans
  • To obtain, must present one of the folloiwng valid non-expired froms of identification when entering or using federal lands
    • Depart of Defense Indentification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement)
    • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC
    • Veteran ID Card
    • Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver's license or identification card
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gold Star & Veterans Military Lifetime Pass
 
Image of Access Pass
Interagency Access Pass

Access Pass

  • Free for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
  • May be obtained in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail using this application form. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
  • May provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services.
  • Generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
  • Note: Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass

 

PASS NOT AVAILABLE AT CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK

 
2011Senior-2
The Senior Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.  There is a one time administrative processing fee of $80.

Senior Pass

  • $80 Lifetime pass.
Please note that the price of the lifetime Senior Pass increased to $80 on August 28, 2017. A $20 annual Senior Pass is also available for purchase at designated fee collection sites but is NOT available for issue at Catocin Mountain Park.
  • For U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.
  • May be obtained online, or in in person at a federal recreation site. The cost of obtaining a Senior Pass through the mail or online is twenty dollars ($20). Ten ($10) for the Senior Pass and ten ($10) for processing the application. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.
  • May provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.
  • Generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
  • Note: Golden Age Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Senior Pass

 

PASS NOT AVAILABLE AT CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK

 
Image of $80 Annual Pass
Image of Annual Pass

Annual Pass

  • $80 per year
  • May be obtained online, or in person at a federal recreation site.
  • Valid for one full year from month of purchase (through last day of that month).
  • Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter Federally operated recreation sites across the country. Covers the pass owner and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee charged for children 15 and under.
  • Photo identification will be required to verify ownership.
  • Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Annual Pass (USGS website)
 

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks


Come experience your national parks! On five days each year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates this year:

Last updated: March 25, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6602 Foxville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788

Phone:

301 663-9388

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