Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Maryland
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Are you someone who loves exploring the great outdoors of the Old Line State? When I lived in Baltimore for a time, I loved escaping the city to enjoy nature. There’s just something about being around the trees or by the water that really soothes my soul. If that sounds like you, we put together this handy ultimate guide to the best state parks in Maryland. Whether you love to hike, camp, or explore (or all of the above!), use this guide to start planning your next outdoor adventures.
Most Popular State Parks In Maryland
You might be wondering about how many state parks in Maryland. Well, in all, there are actually over 60! Of course, some state parks are a lot more popular than others. So, we will start out with the most popular Maryland state parks. Just because they’re more popular doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better than any others. They just host the most visitors each year.
1. Gunpowder Falls State Park
7200 Graces Quarters Rd, Middle River, MD 21220, USA
Not only is this the largest state park in Maryland at 18,000 acres but one of the most popular. It's divided into six areas: The Hereford Area, Torrey C. Brown (TCB) Rail Trail, Central Area, Sweet Air Area, Hammerman Area, and Dundee Creek Marina, and offers seemingly endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. From tubing to archery, 120 miles of multi-use trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, swimming, and more, it's best to explore this Maryland state park over the course of a few days or longer. See more things to do in Gunpowder Falls State Park.
2. Patapsco Valley State Park
8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
Within its more than 16,000 acres, you'll find unique historic sites, swinging bridges, 32 miles of the Patapsco River, 200 miles of hiking trails, and endless adventure! Visitors love coming here for recreation which includes hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. Take a look at more things to do in Patapsco Valley State Park.
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3. Rocky Gap State Park
12900 Lake Shore Dr, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
With the pristine blue Lake Habeeb at its epicenter, Rocky Gap State Park is known for its water recreation and views. With its wide sandy beach, it's a popular spot for families to spend the day swimming and playing. Hikers also enjoy the trails with cliffs and the gorge as well as the flora and fauna throughout the park. Check out more things to do in Rocky Gap State Park.
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Best State Parks In Maryland To Camp
If camping is your jam and you haven’t yet camped at one of the many Maryland state parks, here are some of the best ones to start with. Of course, you’ll have to bring your own camping gear with you and if you don’t have any or need some new gear, I highly recommend checking out the selection from REI.
4. Cunningham Falls State Park
14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Let's go camping! But which campground would you choose here at Cunningham Falls State Park? The William Houck Campground is open between early April and late October, and it has 106 basic sites as well as 36 electric sites. There are also 4 small cabins for rent. The Manor Area Campground only allows self-contained units and reservations in advance are required to stay here. At this campground are 20 basic sites and 7 electric sites. The bathhouses are only open from April through October as well. No matter the campground you choose, you'll be able to go hiking and spend time at the park's beach and waterfall. Take a look at more things to do in Cunningham Falls State Park.
5. Susquehanna State Park
Susquehanna State Park, 4118 Wilkinson Rd, Havre De Grace, MD 21078, USA
This gorgeous state park in Havre de Grace is home to the historic 1804 Carter-Archer House, the Stafford Flint Furnace, the 1798 Rock Run Grist Mill, and numerous rock walls. Historic sites aside, this state park also offers hiking, fishing, and, of course, camping! The campground is open from the first weekend in April through the last weekend of October. On weekends between Memorial and Labor Day weekends, a 2-night minimum reservation is required. Check out more things to do in Susquehanna State Park. This gorgeous state park in Havre de Grace
6. Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
The campground at this Maryland state park has 65 wooded campsites as well as three camper cabins. Each campsite has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a lantern post. If you plan on reserving a campsite on a weekend, there is a minimum reservation requirement of 2 nights and a 3-night reservation on holiday weekends. Campground amenities include modern bathhouses and select sites have full hook-ups. This is a great campground to truly disconnect and enjoy nature and cell phone service is quite spotty here! Aside from camping, discover more things to do in Swallow Falls State Park.
Best State Parks In Maryland To RV
If you have your own RV that probably means you love taking road trips. There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road and stopping at any RV park you feel like for the night. There are a few state parks that allow RV camping that you should consider spending the night at. No RV? No problem! You can actually rent one from RVshare!
7. Tuckahoe State Park
Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657, USA
Each campsite here has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a camping pad. For RVs and trailers, there's a dump station for your convenience. Located within the campground is a seasonal camp store that's open between Memorial and Labor Day weekends. While the park has plenty of hiking, you'll have easy access to the 60-acre lake for swimming and fishing. Take a look at more things to do in Tuckahoe State Park.
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8. Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
If you love camping near the water, you'll enjoy this campground! There are plenty of sites with electric hookups so bring your RV along. Each site has its own fire ring, picnic table, and parking spot. While at this beautiful park, spend some time fishing or canoeing at the lake. Check out more things to do in Greenbrier State Park.
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9. Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park Headquarters, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Considered one of the best state parks in Maryland, Assateague State Park is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island. The Atlantic Ocean borders one side of the island while Sinepuxent Bay borders the other. The campground here is beachfront and there's plenty of wildlife around including wild horses. This is such a wonderful family-friendly place to camp whether in a tent or an RV. Discover more things to do in Assateague State Park.
Best State Parks In Maryland For Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots, fill your water bottles, grab your backpack, and your hiking poles, and hit the trails! With hundreds of miles of trails to hike within the state parks, you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. For now, here are the best state parks for hiking in Maryland:
10. Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Seneca Creek State Park is 6,300 acres and is found along Seneca Creek. One of the best ways to explore this park is along its 50 miles of trails. Not only can you go hiking on the trails but mountain biking and horseback riding.
11. Calvert Cliffs State Park
Calvert Cliffs State Park, 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, USA
This stunning state park runs along the Chesapeake Bay with towering cliffs rising above the shore. Take a hike along one of the park's many trails and discover overlooks with water views. There are 13 miles of designated hiking trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are only allowed on the service road. Take a look at more things to do in Calvert Cliffs State Park.
12. Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
The hiking trails here take hikers on an adventure through a variety of ecosystems including woodlands and wetlands. At this park, you'll love the views of the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River. The easiest trail here is the Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail while the most difficult trails are the White Banks Trail and the Beaver Marsh Loop. Whatever trail you choose, you'll enjoy the scenery along the way! Take a look at more things to do in Elk Neck State Park.
Little-Known State Parks In Maryland
We’ve already covered some of the most popular state parks In Maryland. Now, how about the lesser-known, underrated state parks? Visit one of these and you may enjoy some solitude!
13. Janes Island State Park
Janes Island State Park, 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA
This public recreation area along the coast is quite a hidden gem. With 30 miles of water trails through its salt marshes, stunning sandy beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, there's so much to explore! Best of all, without the crowds, you'll find this state park quite peaceful. Check out more things to do in Janes Island State Park.
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14. Martinak State Park
Martinak State Park, 137 Deep Shore Rd, Denton, MD 21629, USA
Situated between the Choptank River and Watts Creek, this park is an excellent spot for fishing. Here you can fish for bass, perch, sunfish, and catfish. Throughout the park, there are hiking trails, campsites, a playground, and even a nature center. Bring the whole family for a day out in nature! Check out more things to do in Martinak State Park.
15. Hart-Miller Island State Park
Hart Miller Island, Maryland, USA
Located near Baltimore, the 1,100-acre Hart-Miller Island is an isolated island at the mouth of both the Back and Middle Rivers. Accessible only by boat, there won't be too many others on the island if you end up visiting. You'll be able to go fishing here, spend some time on the sandy beach, or explore on foot. Find out more things to do in Hart-Miller Island State Park.
How many of the best state parks in Maryland have you been to? If yours didn’t make the list, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
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