Your Ultimate Guide to State Parks in Maryland

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 how many state parks there are 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

Location: Middle River, MD

Wow Factor: This is Maryland's largest state park, offering a multitude of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Need to know: Open year-round, this massive park is divided into six areas.

Not only is this the largest state park in Maryland at 18,000 acres, but it is also 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, offering 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

Location: Ellicott City, MD

Wow Factor: Approximately 32 miles of the Patapsco River runs through this park, making it a wonderful place for views and to spot wildlife.

Need to know: This park is well-known for its hiking trails.

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.

3. Rocky Gap State Park

Location: Flintstone, MD

Wow Factor: This state park is home to the 243-acre Lake Habeeb with the "bluest water in the state."

Need to know: This park is extremely popular on weekends in the summer and is subject to capacity closures. If you visit here in the summer, try to arrive as early in the day as possible. The park also features a casino with dining options and a golf course.

With the pristine blue Lake Habeeb at its center, Rocky Gap State Park is renowned for its water recreation and stunning 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.

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

Location: Thurmont, MD

Wow Factor: This state park has a lovely waterfall and beach that visitors love!

Need to know: Two areas at Cunningham Falls State Park offer camping: The William Houck Area and the Manor Area.

Let's go camping! But which campground would you choose here at Cunningham Falls State Park? The William Houck Campground is open from early April to late October, offering 106 basic sites and 36 electric sites. There are also four small cabins for rent. The Manor Area Campground, which is open year-round, only allows self-contained units, and reservations in advance are required to stay here. At this campground are 20 basic sites and seven 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

Location: Havre De Grace, MD

Wow Factor: Between the Susquehanna River and the historic sites at this state park, it's one of the most unique places to camp in Maryland.

Need to know: The campground offers 69 campsites, including six electric sites and six camper cabins.

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. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a two-night minimum reservation is required on weekends. Check out more things to do in Susquehanna State Park, one of the best state parks in Maryland.

6. Swallow Falls State Park

Location: Oakland, MD

Wow Factor: This state park is home to an ancient forest of 300-year-old trees as well as rock formations and Swallow Falls. It's simply beautiful!

Need to know: Reservations are recommended for any dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day as this is a popular park for camping.

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 two nights and a three-night reservation on holiday weekends. Campground amenities include modern bathhouses, and select sites have full hook-ups. This is a great campground to 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 several 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

Location: Queen Anne, MD

Wow Factor: This park is where you'll find one of the best kayaking lakes in the state -- Lake Tuckahoe!

Need to know: The campground here has a family camp with 54 campsites, 33 of which have electric hook-ups. No water hook-ups are available.

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 Day 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.

8. Greenbrier State Park

Location: Boonsboro, MD

Wow Factor: One of the clearest lakes in Maryland is found right here at Greenbrier Lake State Park.

Need to know: The campground here is fairly large with 165 campsites, 40 of which have electric hookups.

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 on the lake. Check out more things to do in Greenbrier State Park.

9. Assateague State Park

Location: Berlin, MD

Wow Factor: This state park is known for its free-roaming wild horses. Camp here, and some may even visit your campsite!

Need to know: There are 342 campsites here. Only the G-Loop and I-Loop have electric hookups.

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

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Wow Factor: Enjoy the scenery, especially Seneca Creek, 14 miles of which runs through this Maryland state park.

Need to know: This state park charges an entrance fee of $3 per MD resident and $5 per non-resident between April and October.

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 you can also mountain biking and horseback riding. Find more things to do at Seneca Creek State Park in Maryland.

11. Calvert Cliffs State Park

Location: Lusby, MD

Wow Factor: With its rocky cliffs and views of the Chesapeake Bay, this is one picturesque park you must visit!

Need to know: Day-use fees of $5 per MD vehicle, $7/ per non-resident vehicle. Transaction and other fees may apply.

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, one of the most beguiling state parks in Maryland.

12. Elk Neck State Park

Location: North East, MD

Wow Factor: With views of the bay, the river, cliffs, and a lighthouse, you'd better bring your camera to this state park!

Need to know: Between June 17, 2025 and Feb. 18, 2026, the Rogues Harbor Area boat launch and soft launch will be closed for breakwater construction. However, the upper parking lot of the area will be open.

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

Location: Crisfield, MD

Wow Factor: Located along Maryland's Eastern Shore, you'll enjoy beautiful Chesapeake Bay views here!

Need to know: There is no state park fee for day use.

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.

14. Martinak State Park

Location: Denton, MD

Wow Factor: With a river and a creek, this is a wonderful spot for fishing.

Need to know: Canoe rentals are available at the park between April and October.

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, you'll find hiking trails, campsites, a playground, and 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

Location: Essex, MD

Wow Factor: You won't believe there's such an isolated place just outside of the city of Baltimore!

Need to know: You'll need to take a boat to this island park, and 22 campsites are available between May 1 and September 30.

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, you'll likely have the island to yourself if you decide to visit. 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 it if you sent us a message through our nominations page!