Maryland State Parks

Maryland state parks are some of the most popular outdoor spots on the East Coast. In 2021, more than 20.6 million people visited them to hike trails, camp by lakes, and enjoy the state’s natural beauty. With so many options across Maryland, choosing which parks to visit first can make your trip more enjoyable.

From the mountain ridges in the west to the coastal marshes in the east, every park shows a different side of Maryland’s beauty. You might watch the sunrise over Deep Creek Lake, walk under the tall trees at Elk Neck State Park, or hike to the overlooks at Rocky Gap. Families, solo travelers, and nature lovers all find something special in these parks.

Sneak Peek

• The best Maryland state parks, including Greenbrier, Rocky Gap, and Deep Creek Lake, plus a few hidden gems worth exploring
  
  

• The top trails, views, and campgrounds to visit, whether you enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, or spending quiet time outdoors
  
  

• Helpful visitor tips for planning your trip, including entrance fees, amenities, and the best seasons for exploring without the crowds

Overview

Maryland state parks offer diverse outdoor experiences, from mountain ridges to coastal marshlands, catering to various interests like hiking, camping, and water activities. The best park to visit depends on individual preferences for scenery, activities, and crowd levels.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Popular Parks: These parks attract many visitors with their unique blend of scenery, history, and outdoor options.

• Greenbrier State Park features a lake for swimming and boating, plus Appalachian Trail access and numerous campsites.

• Rocky Gap State Park offers stunning mountain views, Lake Habeeb for water activities, and diverse camping options.

• Elk Neck State Park is known for its white clay cliffs, Turkey Point Lighthouse, and trails through various landscapes.

• Deep Creek Lake State Park, near Maryland's largest inland lake, provides beaches, trails, and a nature education center.

• Point Lookout State Park combines Civil War history with natural beauty, offering fishing, beaches, and historic tours.

• Hidden Gems: These smaller parks provide a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.

• Janes Island State Park is ideal for kayaking through salt marshes and observing coastal birds.

• Patuxent River State Park offers quiet trails for hiking and horseback riding through forests and fields.

• Casselman River Bridge State Park showcases a historic stone arch bridge with picnic areas and walking paths.

• Sang Run State Park offers a glimpse into rural Appalachian life with historic sites and river activities like tubing and fly fishing.

• Top Trails, Views, and Campgrounds: Maryland's parks offer a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Best Hiking Trails: Includes sections of the Appalachian Trail, Canyon Overlook Trail, Savage River Trail, and Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail.

• Best Lake or Water Views: Features Deep Creek Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Janes Island Water Trails, and Point Lookout Bayfront.

• Best Campgrounds: Offers options at Deep Creek Lake State Park, Point Lookout State Park, Elk Neck State Park, and Greenbrier State Park.

• Planning Your Visit: Essential information for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Entrance Fees and Hours: Most parks charge a daily entry fee, with hours varying by season.

• Pet-Friendly Areas: Many parks welcome pets on trails and campsites, with some beach restrictions in summer.

• Facilities and Amenities: Major parks offer restrooms, picnic shelters, and nature centers, while smaller parks have simpler amenities.

• Seasonal Highlights: Each season offers unique attractions, from spring wildflowers to fall foliage and winter wildlife spotting.

• Trip Tips and Travel Support: Check the official Maryland State Parks Directory for updates and information.

• Other Notable Aspects:

• Fossil Hunting: Permitted at Calvert Cliffs State Park along the beach only, with restrictions on climbing cliffs.

• Alcohol Policy: Generally not allowed in most Maryland state parks, except in designated areas or with permits.

• Swimming Rules: At Assateague State Park, swimming is allowed only in designated oceanfront areas with lifeguards on duty during summer.

• Catoctin Mountain Park: Does not charge an entrance fee, though some facilities may require a reservation or small use fee.

Why Maryland’s Parks Stand Out

Maryland may be one of the smallest states in the country, but its landscapes tell a much bigger story. From the rolling Appalachian foothills to the calm shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the 77 state parks scattered across Maryland offer endless ways to experience the outdoors. Every year, millions of visitors hike trails, camp under the stars, and enjoy time away from busy routines in nature.

Each park reveals a different side of Maryland’s natural charm. Some visitors explore the forested trails overlooking mountain lakes. Others paddle through salt marshes filled with herons and fish. Many stop to rest beside the quiet beaches that line the state’s coastline. 

Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend retreat or traveling through the area, these parks offer a simple way to relax and reconnect with nature.

Exploring Maryland’s Most Popular Parks

These Maryland state parks attract visitors from across the region every year. Each one offers a distinct mix of scenery, history, and outdoor experiences that make it worth a visit.

Greenbrier State Park

• Located near Boonsboro in western Maryland along South Mountain
  
  

• Features a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake with a wide sandy beach for swimming and boating
  
  

• Offers access to the Appalachian Trail through connecting hiking routes
  
  

• Contains over 160 campsites surrounded by forest, including pet-friendly loops and RV options
  
  

• A favorite destination for family picnics and weekend camping trips
  
  

Rocky Gap State Park

• Found in Allegany County and surrounded by more than 3,000 acres of mountains and forest
  
  

• Home to Lake Habeeb, known for its striking blue water and clear shoreline
  
  

• Has the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Evitts Homesite Trail, both with wide views of the surrounding mountains

• Offers over 270 campsites, mini-cabins, and a yurt for different camping styles

• Popular for fishing, kayaking, and quiet lakeside walks
  
  

Elk Neck State Park

• Sits on a peninsula in Cecil County between the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River
  
  

• Known for its white clay cliffs and the Turkey Point Lighthouse, one of Maryland’s most scenic spots
  
  

• Offers hiking trails through wooded areas, marshes, and bluffs
  
  

• Includes a swimming beach, boat launch, and over 250 campsites and cabins
  
  

• Ideal for both photographers and families who enjoy coastal settings
  
  

Deep Creek Lake State Park

• Located in Garrett County near Maryland’s largest inland lake
  
  

• Offers sandy beaches, more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and lake access for boating
  
  

• Home to the Discovery Center, a popular nature education site with exhibits and kids’ programs
  
  

• Great for year-round recreation, including fishing, swimming, and winter sports nearby
  
  

• Surrounded by forested hills that glow with color each fall
  
  

Point Lookout State Park

• Located at the southern tip of Maryland in St. Mary’s County
  
  

• Combines Civil War history with natural beauty at the point where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay
  
  

• Offers a fishing pier, sandy beach, and quiet marshlands for birdwatching
  
  

• Includes family-friendly campgrounds and cabin rentals near the shoreline
  
  

• Visitors can tour the historic Point Lookout Lighthouse and the nearby Civil War museum

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Parks Worth Exploring

If you prefer quiet trails and fewer crowds, Maryland has smaller state parks that feel more personal and peaceful. These spots are great for a slower pace, a bit of history, and time surrounded by nature.

Janes Island State Park

• Located near Crisfield on Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore
  
  

• Known for its salt marshes, tidal creeks, and barrier islands that stretch into Tangier Sound
  
  

• Offers more than 30 miles of marked water trails for kayaking and canoeing
  
  

• Features a campground, cabins, and a small beach area along the Chesapeake Bay
  
  

• Visitors often spot herons, ospreys, and other coastal birds throughout the park
  
  

Patuxent River State Park

• Spans parts of Howard and Montgomery Counties in central Maryland
  
  

• Covers over 6,700 acres of forest and fields along the upper Patuxent River
  
  

• Offers hiking, horseback riding, and fishing in designated areas
  
  

• Known for quiet, undeveloped trails that appeal to nature photographers and birdwatchers
  
  

• The park’s open meadows make it a calm alternative to busier local parks
  
  

Casselman River Bridge State Park

• Found near Grantsville in western Maryland, just off I-68
  
  

• Home to the Casselman River Bridge, built in 1813, which was once the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the U.S.
  
  

• Small park area with picnic tables, short walking paths, and scenic views of the historic bridge
  
  

• Great stop for travelers exploring nearby Deep Creek Lake or the town of Grantsville
  
  

• A good example of how Maryland preserves its early transportation history
  
  

Sang Run State Park

• Located close to Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County
  
  

• Offers a glimpse of rural Appalachian life with the restored Friends Store and historic homestead
  
  

• Features easy walking paths along the Youghiogheny River and shaded picnic spots
  
  

• Visitors enjoy tubing, fly fishing, and quiet family gatherings beside the river
  
  

• Often less crowded than nearby parks, making it a peaceful place to unwind

Top Trails, Views, and Campgrounds

Maryland’s parks offer trails and campgrounds for every kind of outdoor traveler. Whether you prefer a short family hike, a long lake view, or a quiet night under the stars, you’ll find the right spot here.

Best Hiking Trails

• Appalachian Trail (Greenbrier State Park) – This part of the national trail runs near Greenbrier. It offers shady forest paths and clear mountain views that are great for a moderate hike.

• Canyon Overlook Trail (Rocky Gap State Park) – A short, easy hike that leads to one of the park’s best spots to see Lake Habeeb and the tall cliffs around it.

• Savage River Trail (Deep Creek Lake State Park) – This peaceful loop goes through quiet woods filled with wildlife. It’s a good choice for hikers who want mountain scenery without tough climbs.

• Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail (Elk Neck State Park) – A 1.9-mile round trip to the historic lighthouse with wide views of the Chesapeake Bay at the top.
  
  

Best Lake or Water Views

• Deep Creek Lake – The state’s largest inland lake, ideal for kayaking, boating, or simply relaxing on the beach with views of forested mountains.
  
  

• Greenbrier Lake – A calm swimming lake surrounded by forest and trails, popular with families in the summer months.
  
  

• Janes Island Water Trails – Miles of calm paddling routes through salt marshes where you can see herons and egrets up close.
  
  

• Point Lookout Bayfront – This quiet area sits where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. It has wide water views and plenty of good spots for fishing.

Best Campgrounds

• Deep Creek Lake State Park – Spacious family campsites, RV spots, and a few lakeside sites that fill quickly in summer.
  
  

• Point Lookout State Park – Beachfront camping with easy access to trails, fishing, and the lighthouse area.
  
  

• Elk Neck State Park – Wooded and shaded campsites with a mix of tent, cabin, and RV setups near water and trails.
  
  

• Greenbrier State Park – The campground sits in a forest close to the lake. It has restrooms, showers, and picnic areas nearby, making it a great spot for families and weekend campers.

Before visiting, check park updates for any seasonal closures or trail maintenance alerts. Campground reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays.

Planning Your Visit

A good visit to Maryland state parks starts with knowing the basics. From entrance fees to pet rules, a little preparation makes your outdoor trip smoother and more enjoyable.

• Entrance Fees and Hours
  Most Maryland state parks charge a small daily entry fee per vehicle. Hours vary by season, but most open around sunrise and close at sunset. Some larger parks, like Deep Creek Lake and Rocky Gap, have staffed gates during busy months.
  
  

• Pet-Friendly Areas
  Pets are welcome in many Maryland parks, though a few beach areas restrict dogs during the summer. Greenbrier, Deep Creek Lake, and Patuxent River State Parks all have pet-friendly trails and campsites. Always keep pets leashed and clean up after them.
  
  

• Facilities and Amenities
  Big parks like Greenbrier and Elk Neck have bathrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, and nature centers. Smaller parks such as Casselman River Bridge and Sang Run have open space and simple setups that are perfect for quiet picnics.

• Seasonal Highlights
  Spring has wildflowers and cool weather for hiking. Summer is best for swimming and boating. Fall brings colorful leaves across the mountains. Winter is calm, with fewer people and more chances to see animals.

• Trip Tips and Travel Support
  Before you go, check the Maryland State Parks Directory for park maps, events, and weather updates.

Final Thoughts

Maryland’s state parks offer experiences that fit every kind of traveler. You can hike quiet forest trails, watch the sunset over a mountain lake, or spend a weekend camping by the bay. Each park tells part of the story of this small but diverse state, and every visit adds a new memory.

No matter which park you choose, the beauty of Maryland’s landscapes is always close by. From the calm lake at Greenbrier to the tall cliffs at Elk Neck, Maryland’s parks give you space to relax, enjoy fresh air, and feel closer to nature.

Make Your Next Park Visit Simple with AmeriFreight

If you plan to explore Maryland’s state parks, having your car there makes travel easier. AmeriFreight Auto Transport helps families and travelers ship their vehicles safely and affordably anywhere in the continental United States.

AmeriFreight works with trusted carriers and offers optional AFTA gap protection plans for extra peace of mind. To learn more or get a free quote, visit AmeriFreight Auto Transport’s Maryland car shipping page and get ready for your next outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the rules for fossil hunting at Calvert Cliffs State Park?

Visitors may collect fossils along the beach area only. Climbing or digging into the cliffs is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Is alcohol allowed in Maryland state parks?

Alcohol is not allowed in most Maryland state parks, except in designated areas or with a special permit for approved events.

What are the rules for swimming at Assateague State Park?

Swimming is permitted only in designated areas along the oceanfront. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and visitors should follow all posted warnings.

Is there an entrance fee for Catoctin Mountain Park?

No. Catoctin Mountain Park is free to enter. Some areas, like campgrounds or special facilities, may need a reservation or a small fee.