The Camp David, officially known as Naval Support Facility Thurmont, is a secluded retreat located in Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland. It serves as a country residence for the President of the United States, offering a private and secure location for relaxation, strategic discussions, and diplomatic meetings.

Established in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project, the retreat was initially named “Hi-Catoctin.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt renamed it “Shangri-La,” drawing from James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. Later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it “Camp David” in honor of his grandson.

Spanning 125 acres, Camp David is equipped with various facilities, including cabins, meeting rooms, and recreational spaces. The retreat is not only a site of respite but also a place of significant historical importance. It hosted the 1978 Camp David Accords, where President Jimmy Carter brokered a peace agreement between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Camp David’s secluded location, surrounded by dense forests, ensures privacy and security, making it ideal for hosting foreign leaders, holding confidential discussions, and fostering a productive environment for high-level diplomacy. Despite its critical role, the retreat remains largely inaccessible to the public, preserving its function as a tranquil yet strategic presidential asset.

Camp David, the presidential retreat in Catoctin Mountain Park, MD, features cabins designed for comfort, functionality, and discretion. These cabins serve as private quarters for the President, dignitaries, and staff.

The main cabin, Aspen Lodge, is the President’s residence during stays. It includes living areas, bedrooms, and spaces for informal and formal gatherings. Aspen Lodge combines modern amenities with a rustic aesthetic that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.

Other cabins, such as Hickory Lodge and Laurel Lodge, meet guest and staff needs. Hickory Lodge is used for meetings, while Laurel Lodge provides living spaces. Each cabin is strategically placed to ensure privacy and security, with trails connecting them across the 125-acre retreat.

In 2024-2025, several cabins at Camp David are undergoing renovations to enhance their functionality and preserve their historical significance. These updates aim to ensure the retreat remains a secure, modern sanctuary for presidential and diplomatic use.

This item was hand crafted by the artisan signed below. The wood sourced for this item is from the cabins at Camp David officially known as Naval Support Facility Thurmont. This wood was sourced by Don Haycraft during renovations of 2024-2025, and it is distributed and certified by Hardin Penworks, LLC.