Camp David

Camp David is the official presidential retreat, located in the wooded hills of Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland. The compound, formally known as Naval Support Facility Thurmont, has served as a presidential getaway since Franklin D. Roosevelt first used the site in the 1940s. It provides a secure and private environment for rest and high-level meetings. Presidents have used Camp David for a wide range of purposes, from personal relaxation to hosting critical diplomatic negotiations. The Camp David Accords of 1978 remain one of the most notable events in the retreat's history. Under President Trump, visits to Camp David have been used for cabinet retreats, strategy sessions, and weekend getaways from the White House. Tracking presidential visits to Camp David offers insight into how often the president uses this traditional retreat compared to private properties. The contrast between Camp David usage and travel to locations like Mar-a-Lago or Bedminster has been a subject of public and media interest. Visit data helps quantify these patterns and provides a factual basis for understanding presidential preferences in choosing between government and privately owned retreats.