Updated March 27, 2023
Google Maps can find the camp by name (“Camp Louise, 24959 Pen Mar Rd, Highfield-Cascade, MD 21719”). The camp is a sleepover camp for girls during the summer. It is beautifully maintained, and just celebrated its 100th year. All roads in the camp are paved, and sidewalks are flagstone.
Directions from the Washington DC area (starting on 270 North toward Frederick): From 270 North, follow the signs to Frederick, and then continue onto US 15 North. Take the THIRD Thurmont exit, onto Maryland 550. As you get off the ramp, you will come to a T intersection. (If you want/need a bathroom stop [or caffeine], get into the RIGHT hand lane, turn right and then make an immediate left into the Sheetz parking lot. ) If you don’t need an interim stop, turn LEFT onto Route 550/Sabillasville Road. Once you’ve passed the high school (on the right), 550 becomes quite curvy, so watch your speed and stay well within your lane. In about 6 miles, you’ll see a fork, with a slight left onto Fort Ritchie Road. (If you are driving after dark, we strongly suggest that you stay on Route 550, because Fort Ritchie Road has no shoulders and is very dark at night. ) Fort Ritchie Road rejoins Route 550 after its intersection with Raven Rock Road (continue straight on Fort Ritchie Road). After you pass the entrance to Fort Ritchie (on the left) start looking for the left onto Pen Mar Road. Camp Louise is less than half a mile up Pen Mar Road. The parking lot is downhill on the RIGHT. The guard house and entrance is uphill on the LEFT. Turn left (steep uphill road) and make the first right. Registration and check in will be located along that road.
Directions from Baltimore (starting on 695, Baltimore Beltway): Depending upon traffic (check Google Maps or equivalent) and your exact starting point, it may be faster to take Interstate 70 across to Frederick, and then take US 15 North, following the directions above. Alternatively, Google Maps recommends taking State Route 140 off the Baltimore Beltway, which loops slightly into Pennsylvania, making a left onto CAMP Ritchie Road, with a RIGHT onto Pen Mar Road.
