Maryland State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Maryland State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Maryland State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Maryland State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Maryland. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Assateague State Park

    Assateague state park is maryland's only oceanfront park. it is located on assateague island, a barrier island bordered by the atlantic ocean on the east and the sinepuxent bay on the west. its two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. the bayside offers visitors the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. the marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses.

  • Big Run State Park

    Situated at the mouth of the savage river reservoir, big run state park is the perfect base camp from which to enjoy the surrounding savage river state forest. campers at big run have easy access to fishing, boating, hiking or hunting opportunities. autumn visitors have a spectacular view of the changing colors on the surrounding mountain ridges.

  • Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park

    On july 22, 2009 the board of public works approved the naming of the choptank river fishing piers in honor of bill burton, a reporter, writer and fisherman who has for more than 50 years chronicled outdoor opportunities for maryland citizens. the bill burton fishing pier state park offers a perfect tribute to bill's life and work - the pier is a destination fishing spot for anglers, and a popular access point for many working families of maryland - and he was instrumental in preserving the choptank river bridge for a fishing pier when the new bridge was constructed.

  • Casselman River Bridge State Park

    Casselman river bridge state park is a 4-acre parcel located east of grantsville in garrett county on u.s. route 40. it is a popular area for fly fishermen, photographers, and history enthusiasts. when the 80-foot span was erected in 1813, it was the longest single span stone arch bridge in the united states. skeptics predicted that the bridge would collapse once the supporting timbers were removed - yet the bridge stood, serving as an important link on the national road from 1813 to 1933. although the bridge no longer carries vehicular traffic, it is open to pedestrians.

  • Cedarville State Forest

    The piscataway indian tribe made this section of southern maryland its winter camping ground because of the mild climate and abundance of game. legend says there is an indian burial ground in cedarville state forest, but to date it has not been found. the headwaters of the zekiah swamp are located in cedarville. the swamp extends southward through charles county for 20 miles, emptying into the wicomico river. the swamp is one mile wide, and serves as a haven for wildlife. the surrounding land is mostly agricultural fields. in colonial times and there after efforts were made to drain the swamp for cultivation. drainage ditches are still evident. to this day, the swamp remains wooded bottom land.

  • Chapel Point State Park

    Chapel point state park is located on the beautiful port tobacco river, a tributary of the potomac river. chapel point is an undeveloped multi-use park that boasts a waterfront that offers excellent fishing.

  • Chapman State Park

    Preserved in 1998 by the state of maryland's program open space (pos), chapman state park stretches from the potomac river to mattawoman creek, in western charles county. the park is a dramatic reminder of the great woodlands that once cradled the potomac tidewater region.

  • Cunningham Falls State Park

    Cunningham falls state park is located in the picturesque catoctin mountains. it is divided into two separate but unique areas. the william houck area located three miles west of thurmont on route 77 has the lake area, falls and camping area. the manor area off route 15 three miles south of thurmont has the scales and tales aviary, camping and the historic catoctin iron furnace.

  • Dan's Mountain State Park

    Dan's mountain state park is located in allegany county. the park can be accessed off i-68 at exit 34 by traveling south on maryland route 36 for approximately six miles. dan's mountain state park serves as a day use seasonal recreational facility that covers 481 acres and offers a wide variety of wildlife, mountain streams, overlooks and scenic beauty. the park is located on a 16-mile long mountain that takes its name from daniel cresap, one of the first settlers in allegany county.

  • Deep Creek Lake NRMA

    The lake management office is located on brant road just past the park headquarters. information about buffer strip use and lake regulations can be obtained by calling 301-387-4111. annual permits for use of waters of the lake and shoreline are issued to property owners who adjoin the state property. the state property around the lake is commonly called the buffer strip.

  • Deep Creek Lake State Park

    Most of the parks visitor services are located on state park road along the waterfront of deep creek lake. the park includes approximately 1 mile of shoreline on this, maryland's largest man-made lake. access is available for fishing, swimming, and boat launching. several picnic areas offer excellent views of the lake with easy access to the beach and other facilities. for more information check out our park map.

  • Elk Neck State Park

    Elk neck is your year-round, travel destination to connect with the vast landscapes and waters of the chesapeake bay. the park boasts 2,188 acres of sandy beaches, marshlands, and heavily wooded bluffs overlooking the north east river, the elk river and the chesapeake bay. as a result, there are several journeys you can take while in the park.

  • Fair Hill NRMA

    Fair hill is a 5,633 acre natural resources management area, where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of maryland's natural resources. bordered by pennsylvania to the north and less than one half mile west of delaware, fair hill is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty.

  • Fort Frederick State Park

    American history from the colonial period to the present can be discovered at fort frederick state park. our 585 acre park features a unique stone fort that served as maryland’s frontier defense during the french and indian war. the fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. historic exhibits are in the fort, barracks, ccc museum and visitor center. the park annually holds programs such as artillery firings, junior ranger, colonial children’s day and the 18th century market fair. the park borders the potomac river, and the chesapeake and ohio canal passes through the park. the park also features a boat launch, campsites, camp store, fishing, flat water canoeing, a hiking trail, interpretive and educational programs, picnicking, a playground, and a shelter. for more information on facilities, hours, and programs please contact the visitor center. view the fort frederick state park calendar of events for 2011.

  • Gambrill State Park

    Gambrill state park is a beautiful mountain park, located on the ridge of the catoctin mountains in frederick county. the park has two areas for family activities, the rock run area and the high knob area. the rock run area has a campground, a picnic area, and a small pond. the high knob area has a picnic area, three stone overlooks, three picnic shelters, and a large stone lodge, called the tea room. the overlooks provide breath-taking views of the frederick and middletown valleys. the picnic shelters and the tea room can be rented for special events. the park also has 16 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

  • Gathland State Park

    Gathland state park was once the mountain home of george alfred townsend, a civil war journalist. in the late 1800's, gathland featured a unique collection of buildings and structures designed and constructed by townsend. two of the structures, the main hall and lodge, were partially restored in the 1950's. a large stone monument dedicated to the memory of civil war correspondents is the outstanding attraction of this day-use park. the appalachian national scenic trail traverses the park and passes the monument base.

  • Greenbrier State Park

    Greenbrier is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. the appalachian trail passes through the park. the 42-acre man-made lake and beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and hunting. as with most of maryland's state parks, a park map is available at the park office.

  • Greenwell State Park

    Greenwell is a 596-acre state park located on the patuxent river in st. mary's county, maryland. in 1971, john phillip greenwell, jr. and his sister, mary wallace greenwell, donated their 166.6 acre farm to the state of maryland for use as a public park for everyone. the state subsequently purchased the adjacent 430-acre bond property and joined the two to form the existing park. the park is managed in partnership with The Greenwell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor accessible recreation.

  • Gunpowder Falls State Park

    Gunpowder falls state park (nearly 18,000 acres in harford and baltimore counties) was established to protect the stream valleys of the big and little gunpowder falls and the gunpowder river, which begins at days cove where the big and little gunpowders converge. a variety of topography exists in this long, narrow park, from tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes.

  • Harriet Tubman State Park

    To commemorate the life of a true american hero and historical icon, the maryland park service is opening a new state park in dorchester county dedicated to harriet tubman. the park is slated to open by 2013, one hundred years after the passing of harriet tubman. the park is a direct response to the growing interest by local, regional and national stakeholders and relatives of harriet tubman to share the life and legacy of the underground railroad’s most famous conductor in her beloved homeland on maryland’s eastern shore.

  • Hart-Miller Island State Park

    Hart-miller island is located in the chesapeake bay near the mouth of middle river and is accessible only by boat. the western shore of the island offers safe mooring, wading and access to a 3,000-foot sandy beach.

  • Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden

    Representations of the state’s various geographic areas are featured in this five-acre garden. they include a western maryland forest, a streamside environment and an eastern shore peninsula. in addition, the barrier-free garden contains pleasant ponds; a raised planter with plants of varied textures, tastes and fragrances; and many cultivated plantings.

  • Herrington Manor State Park

    Located within garrett state forest in garrett county, herrington manor state park's development began in the 1930's with the aid of the civilian conservation corps. a 53-acre lake was formed by damming herrington creek, and ten cabins were erected on a wooded knoll above the lake.

  • Janes Island State Park

    Located near crisfield on maryland’s eastern shore, janes island state park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the chesapeake bay. within the mainland portion of the park are the campground, rental cabins and conference center, picnic areas and pavilions, and the boat ramp and marina.

  • Martinak State Park

    George martinak deeded this land of forests, fields and marsh to the state in 1961 for preservation as a recreational facility and a natural area for the enjoyment of all. bordered by the choptank river and watts creek, this area supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. anglers may enjoy the opportunity to catch bass, perch, sunfish and catfish.

  • Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitors Center

    Merkle wildlife sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary operated by the maryland department of natural resources. it is the wintering ground for several thousand canada geese, the largest concentration on the western shore of the chesapeake bay.

  • Monocacy River NRMA

    Located in frederick county, near dickerson, monocacy river natural resources management area is comprised of 1,800 acres of natural areas and farmlands along the monocacy river. recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. paths are unmarked. fishing access is available at parking areas at park mills road and route 28 road crossings of the monocacy river.

  • Morgan Run NEA

    Located in carroll county, the morgan run n.e.a. is comprised of approximately 1400 acres of natural area. hiking and equestrian trails are popular. equestrians are restricted to specific trails. the morgan run is available to trout fisherman as a catch and release trout stream.

  • New Germany State Park

    New germany state park’s visitors frequently call it a “best kept secret.” this mountain gem is nestled between the 2,900 ft. big savage mountain to the east and the eastern continental divide along meadow mountain to the west. named by early settlers due to its resemblance to their homeland, new germany has diverse forests with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. this park is ideal for families and individuals looking to “unplug” from a tech-reliant society and escape from the busy pace of life in cities and suburbs.

  • Newtowne Neck State Park

    Newtowne neck state park is a 776 acre peninsula surrounded by breton bay, st. clements bay, and the potomac river. it has seven (7) miles of ecologically and recreationally important waterfront.

  • North Point State Park

    North point state park is located in baltimore county on the shores of the chesapeake bay and is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural and historical resources. it consists of 1,310 acres off old north point road in edgemere.

  • Patapsco Valley State Park

    North point state park is located in baltimore county on the shores of the chesapeake bay and is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural and historical resources. it consists of 1,310 acres off old north point road in edgemere.

  • Patuxent River State Park

    Located in howard and montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the patuxent river, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. paths are unmarked. paths lead from parking areas at long corner, mullinix mill, route 94, hipsley mill, howard chapel and route 97 road crossings over the river. hunting is permitted only in designated areas. a portion of the park is a state wildlands area.

  • Pocomoke River State Park

    The scenic pocomoke river is the setting for the pocomoke river state park, shad landing, and milburn landing areas. shad landing is on the south side of the pocomoke river off route 113. milburn landing is on the north side of the river on route 364. it is a 25 minute drive between the two areas of pocomoke river state park.

  • Point Lookout State Park

    Recreational opportunities abound on this picturesque peninsula formed by the chesapeake bay and the potomac river. swimming, fishing, boating and camping are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed in this beautiful bay setting

  • Purse State Park

    Purse state park is located on the potomac river on wades bay. purse is a wooded undeveloped area that is used for hunting, bird watching, fishing and fossil hunting. purse is available for public use year round, sunrise to sunset. Check out a map of the area.

  • Rocks State Park

    The first land purchases for what is now rocks state park began in 1951. originally slated to be deer creek state park, these were the first land purchases made by the state of maryland for the express purpose of creating a park.

  • Rocky Gap State Park

    Rocky gap state park is located in western maryland’s allegany county. the park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre lake habeeb. the lake is fed by rocky gap run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. overlooking the lake is evitt’s mountain, named for one of the first european settlers in allegany county.

  • Rosaryville State Park

    Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park and the location of the historic mount airy mansion. miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians are available for day use. to gain access to rosaryville state park, make a right turn into the entrance just south of osborne road while traveling south on u.s. 301.

  • Sandy Point State Park

    Sandy point state park provides its visitors with endless memories and unforgettable stories to be passed down from one generation to the next. the park is open year round and is a site on the chesapeake bay gateways network http://www.baygateways.net/.

  • Sassafras NRMA

    Sassafras natural resources management area is located along the scenic banks of the sassafras river and turner's creek in kent county and operated by the maryland park service. the area is noted for the spectacular views of the sassafras river and chesapeake bay from the high banks that face toward the south. hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail riding are popular activities. birding enthusiasts will also find a surprising mix of songbirds, waterfowl and raptors on their visit. for history buffs, knock's folly, a federal style dwelling, is open on weekends from may through october with displays and information on the local farming community, native americans and the journeys of captain john smith in the chesapeake region and the sassafras river.

  • Seneca Creek State Park

    The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of seneca creek, as it winds its way to the potomac river. the clopper day-use area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre clopper lake, surrounded by forests and fields. picnicking, boat rentals, trails and a tire playground are just some of its recreational opportunities. a restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area. nearby, the schaeffer farm trail area offers 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. for the more adventuresome hiker, the 16.5-mile seneca creek greenway trail follows the entire course of the river. during may, the schwartz peony gardens and field plants are in bloom.

  • Smallwood State Park

    Smallwood state park takes its name from general william smallwood, a native born charles countian. he was the highest ranked marylander who served in the american revolutionary war. his house, called smallwood's retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors seasonally. besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and nature trails. on occasion, there are craft demonstrations, military exhibitions and other special events.

  • Soldier's Delight

    Soldiers delight natural environment area (nea) is comprised of 1,900 acres of serpentine barren. the area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and minerals. rare grassland plant species are threatened by invasion of virginia pines. currently, a five year effort of removing 1,000 acres of pines and prescribed burning are underway to return the area to natural serpentine habitat. 

  • South Mountain State Park

    South mountain state park is a 40-mile long multi-use state park weaving along the south mountain ridge from the pennsylvania line to the potomac river. it has no distinguishable boundary or entrance facility. south mountain state park can be accessed at a number of locations. most of the park is only accessible by foot.

  • St. Clement's Island State Park

    On march 25, 1634, the first english settlers under the baltimore proprietorship sailed to st. clement's island on the ark and the dove (the maryland dove is seen to the right). the 40 acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first marylanders. accessible only by boat.

  • St. Mary's River State Park

    Situated at the northern end of the st. mary's river watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. with such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species. check out a map of the area.

  • Susquehanna State Park

    Located along the susquehanna river valley with its heavy forest cover and rocky terrain, susquehanna state park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as points of historical significance. the park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in maryland and the river itself beacons fishermen and boaters alike. susquehanna state park also contains a very family friendly campground with traditional campsites and cabins. history buffs will be drawn to the restored rock run historic area with its working grist mill, the archer mansion, jersey toll house and the remains of the susquehanna tidewater canal.

  • Swallow Falls State Park

    This mountain park is located nine miles north of oakland, maryland and contains some of maryland's most breathtaking scenery. the youghiogheny river flows along the park's borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. muddy creek falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. the meandering trails through swallow falls guide hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in western maryland.

  • Tuckahoe State Park

    Tuckahoe creek, a quiet country stream bordered for most of its length by wooded marshlands, runs through the length of the park. a 60-acre lake offers boating and fishing. the park offers 20 miles of scenic hiking, biking and equestrian trails, flat water canoeing, hunting, picnicking, as well as a recycled tire playground for children. the park offers activities and special events on a seasonal basis. activities include day camps, canoe trips, Scales & Tales presentations and displays, and Challenge Course programs. each weekend, memorial day through labor day, park staff offer a number of free family activities. check out flyers posted throughout the park or call the park office for more details.

  • Washington Monument State Park

    Located atop south mountain, washington monument state park is named for the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of george washington. the washington monument is a rugged stone tower that was initially erected by the citizens of boonsboro in 1827.

  • Wye Island State NRMA

    Wye island nrma is located in the tidal recesses of the chesapeake bay between the wye river and the wye east river. of wye island's 2,800 acres, 2,450 are managed by the department of natural resources maryland park service for resource management, recreation and agriculture. a major emphasis at wye island is to provide suitable habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife. a primary resource management objective at wye island is the stabilization of the 30 miles of ever-eroding shoreline. these efforts are accomplished through a partnership between dnr and numerous environmental advocacy groups, such as the chesapeake bay trust, schools and scout groups. service learning opportunities abound at wye island. for service learning and volunteer opportunities at wye island nrma, contact the volunteer coordinator at 410-827-7577 or wye-island-nrma@dnr.state.md.us

  • Wye Oak State Park

    Wye oak state park consists of 29 acres, much of which protects the stream valley behind the park from development. the park is located on state route 662 in the community of wye mills in talbot county. this park primarily existed to protect the wye oak tree which toppled on june 6, 2002. the tree site still exists and can be viewed from sunrise to sunset daily.

  • Youghiogheny River State Park

    The youghiogheny scenic and wild river is part of the large mississippi river watershed that stretches from the western slope of the appalachian mountains in the east to the rockies in the west. beginning in the gently rolling farmlands of southern garrett county, the youghiogheny cuts a northward path through some of the most rugged mountain scenery in maryland before running into pennsylvania and merging with the monongahela at mckeesport, pennsylvania.

  • alvert Cliffs State Park

    Calvert cliffs state park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, recycled tire playground, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails located in calvert county. the massive cliffs from which calvert cliffs sp was named dominates the shoreline of the chesapeake bay for thirty miles in calvert county and were formed over 15 million years ago when all of southern maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. when the sea receded 20-25 million years ago, marking the end of the miocene period, cliffs were exposed and began eroding. today these cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species including sharks, whales, rays, and seabirds that were the size of small airplanes.