Winter at Camp David

Camp David in the winter - 1961

Located at an altitude of 1800 feet up in the Catoctin Mountains, Camp David is always cold and often snowy in the winter. The Aspen Lodge has a large stone fireplace in the living room along with a fireplace in each of the four bedrooms. Winter activities include sledding, skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.  President Ford used to enjoy going swimming in the middle of winter in the outdoor super-heated pool.

President Eisenhower watching grandchildren - March 1960 

David Eisenhower, grandson of President Eisenhower, recalls Camp David in the winter:

"In winter, before helicopters, access up the winding Catoctin roads was difficult, so wintertime visits were less frequent. But I do remember making my first ski run ever on the hill behind Aspen."

1961 photo of the former Laurel Lodge - now called Holly Cabin

Witch Hazel cabin in 1961

Ice Skating in 1962

Aspen pool in February 1971

President Ford riding a snowmobile in February 1975

President Carter sledding at Camp David

President Carter and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat - February 1978

President Reagan writing the State of the Union Address at Camp David - 1985

President Bush sledding with daughter Doro - January 1991

The Clintons cross-country skiing in 1994

President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair

Sources:  Eisenhower Presidential Library; John F. Kennedy Presidential Library; Ronald Reagan Presidential Library; Gerald R Ford Library; Jimmy Carter Library; George Bush Library; The President is at Camp David; Time; People