Weekend at Camp David

 

Spend a Weekend at Camp David

As an extraordinary gesture of openness and transparency, the Obama Administration is proud to announce the Weekend at Camp David program. From April through October on the last weekend of the month, Camp David will be open to the public on a first-come first-served basis. Eight cabins will be made available for this program.

Camp David Activities

The Presidential Retreat offers tennis, bowling, putt-putt, basketball, fly fishing, swimming, archery, skeet shooting, and hiking. There is also a one-hole golf course available with three tees. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the first tee is 100 yards away, the second is 140 yards, and the third tee is 120 yards. For evening entertainment, you can shoot some pool at the rec room, hang out at the video arcade, go bowling, read in the library, or catch a movie in the small theater located in the Hickory Lodge. You can also enjoy a late-night snack and drinks at the Mountain Top Cafe.

Camp David Secret Tunnel Tour

One of the most popular activities offered is a tour of the secret Camp David tunnel system. Guests access the tunnel via a nature trail leading to a small entrance cave. After descending approximately 140 feet down, you will make a quick stop at the Underground Communications Center and VIP Bomb Shelter. Next you will board the TTVs (tunnel transport vehicles) to travel the six and a half mile tunnel to the Raven Rock Mountain Complex. Also known as Site R, this massive underground bunker houses the Alternate Joint Communications Center (AJCC) which serves as a backup to the Pentagon in times of national emergency.

Upon arrival at Site R, you will be escorted inside for a 90 minute tour of the Raven Rock Mountain Complex. For details about this exciting tour, visit the Raven Rock Mountain Complex Site R Tour website.

Camp David Photos

 

Available Cabins at Camp David

Camp David is a beautifully landscaped 120 acre compound with over 10,000 annually planted flowers and bulbs. The cottages, all named after trees, are located along a series of interconnected wooded paths. The cabins are rustic board and batten construction. The native woods have been maintained wherever possible and every effort has been made to maintain the natural beauty of the camp and retain the rustic flavor. The following cabins are available for weekend rental (see Camp David map below):

• Red Oak Cabin
• Walnut Cabin
• Holly Cabin
• Hawthorn Cabin
• Sycamore Cabin
• Hemlock Cabin
• Linden Cabin
• Maple Cabin

Please note that the President's Camp David residence, the Aspen Lodge, along with the Witch Hazel, Birch, Rosebud, and Dogwood Cabins are off-limits to the public at all times.

 

What's included in the Camp David Weekend

• Two night stay in one of the eight cabins listed above - Each cabin sleeps 6 - 8
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Laurel Lodge
• Use of the Camp facilities: swimming, hiking, fly fishing, tennis, archery, skeet shooting, and basketball
• Evening activities in Hickory: rec room, arcade, library, bowling, movie theater
• Camp David secret tunnel tour (including the Raven Rock Mountain Complex Site R Tour)
• Sunday morning nondenominational service at Evergreen Chapel (optional)
• Commemorative Camp David photo
• Official Camp David Souvenir

 

Camp David Souvenirs

Each Camp David Weekend participant can choose from one of four official Camp David souvenirs:
Football, frisbee, silver plate, mug. These souvenirs are included in the cost of the weekend package.

Reservations

Cabins may be reserved up to one year in advance. Cabin rates (including all meals and activities) are $1,200 per weekend. Note: the $1,200 is the fixed price per cabin, not per guest. You are allowed up eight guests per cabin. Children are welcome, but must be under responsible adult supervision at all times. Reservations are accepted on a first come first served basis by clicking here.

Cabins are assigned on a space-available basis. Specific cabin requests cannot be honored. Additional information regarding parking, arrival times, etc. will be sent out upon confirmation.

Camping's not your thing? Take a virtual Camp David tour instead.

 

Camp David Map

 

Directions to Camp David

Camp David is located in Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County, Maryland. Driving directions to Camp David will be included with your reservation confirmation packet.

 

Once you arrive at Camp David, proceed down the Entrance Road to the Gate House. Be ready to show your photo ID and weekend reservation confirmation letter to the Marine Guard.

You will be directed to the guest parking lot where you will catch the shuttle to your assigned cabin. Enjoy your weekend at Camp David.

 

Security Information

All guests will be required to go through a security screening process. The following items are prohibited:

• Outside food and beverages of any kind
• Cigars, pipes, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, chewing gum
• Cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device
• Knives of any size
• Fireworks/smoke bombs
• Animals
• Real or simulated guns/ammunition
• Mace, electric stun guns, martial arts weapons, slingshots

US Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.

Note: Vehicles must be parked outside the camp perimeter and a shuttle bus will transport you to your assigned cabin.

 

Camp David Videos