We just moved to the area and passed this beach a few times. We read a ton of reviews and were nervous. I read reviews religiously and was afraid we would have a bad experience because of what others had said - But I was pleasantly, PLEASANTLY surprised. We had a great time! It’s a simple bay beach. The water is warm, there is space to swim and the park is huge. We came here on a Wednesday and it wasn’t crowded at all. As long as you come and think of it as a bay, and not Miami Beach, you’ll have a really nice time for $5. The water is bay water and there are no waves but its not a huge deal at all. The bathrooms - yeah those are gross - but overall this is really great park. See more..
Located in the Catoctin Mountains, this park is well-known for its history, scenic beauty and various recreational facilities including campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas and fishing piers.See more..
4.5Elk Neck State Park(259 reviews) - Beautiful walk Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
Told parking lot filled up quickly and it was to be a hot day (upper 90's) so we got there at 7am. Only ones there. Very nice trail to lighthouse. Some of the path was mowed area. Saw deer and beautiful butterflies. Asian beetles were numerous and a pain. Lighthouse really scenic with Chesapeak bay in our background. Lighthouse and giftshop open weekends in summer. See more..
Whoever oversees Patapsco is doing a fantastic job! The staff and park service there are amazing. I've been hiking around the park for over 20 yrs and have seen it go through a lot of changes. Since the pandemic, the park has seen a major increase in visitors, some who don't care about littering... But, I rarely see trash and the trails are always well maintained. Thank you!See more..
Park that offers swimming beaches, campsites and boat rentals.See more..
4.5Catoctin Mountain Park(217 reviews) - Nice hike, Nice trail, Nice day. Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Parks • Hiking Trails
You can't visit the Presidential retreat of Camp David here, but you can take advantage of the park's 25 miles of scenic hiking trails plus many outdoor activities including camping, fishing and picnicking.See more..
We have been wanting to do this hike/walk to the cliffs for a while now. The perfect overcast day came and we were not disappointed! We loved the hike. It had rained a good bit the day before so some of the train was wet, not too bad though. We were disappointed that some younger group of folks on the trail were choosing to ignore the 'masks please' notice. Don't understand why that can't adhere to those guidelines for the sake of those of us around them. It was quite crowded this particular day. I guess that's a 'story' for another day and time. We very much enjoyed our time here. Would recommend it to anyone in the area....we drove 2 1/2 hrs for a day trip to take advantage of this great place!See more..
4.0Point Lookout State Park(178 reviews) - Nice morning visit on July 3rd Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
This picturesque spot between the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay served as a hospital and prison camp for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.See more..
Nearly surrounded by Chesapeake Bay and its inlets, this park offers campsites, hiking trails, flat water canoeing and kayaking along miles of isolated shoreline and marshland.See more..
Previously when I have visited Susquehanna State Park, I have driven from Havre de Grace north. This time I drove south from Darlington and noticed some sights I had missed before. Of particular interest was the train trestle bridge across Deer Creek where it enters the river. It is set up now as a walkway, and several people had crossed and were fishing where the river and Creek converged. A special treat was the wild white bleeding heart flowers that were in full bloom near the paths. I got a better view of the flint furnace. Also I paid attention to the historical buildings and drove up close to get a full view of the Archer House also known as Rock Run House. I was afforded a different view of the Rock Run Grust Mill from the higher ground of the Archer house.. it was a sunny but cool day, ideal for exploring. See more..
I totally forgot about this place until this year. I came here as a small child and loved it. Our usual camping spot was closed this summer due to COVID, and I'm so glad it was!!! My family loves this place, whether we come for a camping weekend or just for the day to swim. The campgrounds are very well taken care of. We always stay in the Ash campground bc it's an easy, short walk to get to the lake from there. We've done 4 or 5 weekend trips this summer and at least 10-12 day trips. It's surprising really cheap to camp, especially for everything that's included. The kids already can't wait until next summer so we can camp here again. I highly recommend this spot!!!See more..
4.5Rocky Gap State Park(112 reviews) - Camping at site #12 Ash Loop State Parks • Parks
Check in was easy. Gated. Clean. Level sites with privacy. The aviary was open during our stay, the gal working with the birds was more than happy to answer our questions. Stopped in the store to pick up a sticker and the gentleman working there was very helpful with our questions regarding the hiking trails. We hiked the Gap trail which was very rocky but a nice walk through the woods and finished on the Lakeside Loop trail which was very nice. We will be back.See more..
4.0Pocomoke River State Park(107 reviews) - Great Experience at the Pocomoke River Nature Center! State Parks • Bodies of Water
The 14,753 acres of this scenic park is famous for its loblolly pine and cypress swamps that border along the Pocomoke River, providing visitors with many outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping and hiking.See more..
My husband and I decided to burn off our covid-15 on the beautiful mid 70s May day. The waterfall requires a reservation starting May 1, and unfortunately, we did not know this in advance when we arrived. We took a walk on the white trail and because we got lost due to bad signage, we also took the blue trail. The trail has a lot of climbing in altitude. It gives you a great workout. The King and Queen Seat was grand and if you're afraid of heights, I do not recommend going on it. If Governor Hogan saw the amount of people gathered at the King and Queen seat, he would've thrown a fit.See more..
Tony and I stopped by Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, MD. We got there at 4pm and the visitors center was already closing. It cost $5 for our vehicle for park entrance fees. We couldn't watch the 10 minute video because they were closing due to no activity. We drove over to the parking lot for the actual fort. The Fort was still open but unmanned so the interior buildings were locked. The Fort was built in 1756 for the Indian wars against the white settlement. It was later used in Revolutionary war and Civil War. It's almost 300 yrs old It's a stone fort with very thick high walls. Definitely a nice park. There is a store but it was closed too. There is a campground down along the Potomac River. Definitely recommend you visit when in the area. I would go back again! A great price!!!See more..
4.5Gunpowder Falls State Park(85 reviews) - Any part of this state park is beautiful State Parks • Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails
Known for its excellent trout fishing, the topography of this scenic park includes tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes.See more..
The highlight of the park is the first monument built to honor George Washington. It was built to a height of 15' with a base 54' in circumference in one day by most of the citizens from nearby Boonsboro, MD on 7/4/1827. Its most recent restoration was by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 and it stands at 34 feet high now. You actually reach it by hiking on part of the Appalachian Trail and once at the monument there is a small winding staircase to the top which has a viewing platform. You can look out over the surrounding area for miles on a clear day. During the Civil War, the Union Army used it as a signal station. Picnic tables and grills are available in the park, as well as restrooms and a small museum. On the day of our visit, a group was providing a "hiker feed" for thru hikers of the Appalachian Trail and we got to talk to Dinosaur (trail name), a young lady from Germany. Most interesting. This park is definitely worth visiting and I hope to return.See more..
4.5Herrington Manor State Park(74 reviews) - Exactly what we were looking for Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks • Parks
Looking to trade work, stress, internet and the bad news that comes with it, for nature, hikes, quite and centering the soul? Come here for a few days! We stayed at cabin 10. That means we were at the end (only 1 neighbor) and our dogs came with us. The trails are easy and wide open. Plenty of streams and wildlife noises. The cabins have what you need - electricity, heat, plumbing, and basic kitchen essentials. You bring sheets, pillows, towels and anything else you may need. Tap water was great-no funky taste at all! Shower got hot after just a minute or so. The baseboard heat was more than enough to make chilly mornings easier to deal with. Four days was the perfect amount to do multiple hikes a day and also to check out some other sites nearby.See more..
The bridge is very striking and picture perfect. We enjoyed strolling through the small artisan village and speaking with the talented men and women who create baskets, pottery, and many other works of art. The village is beautiful and the gardens in front of the small cabins reminded us of English gardens. It was a lovely adventure for us.See more..
Small state park has a few canoes to rent to get out onto the water, several walking paths through the woods. They have a small museum area and activities for the kids. Camping - RV and Tent is usually available along with bathroom/shower buildings. Great place to spend a few hours winding down from a busy week. See more..
4.5Jonas Green State Park(40 reviews) - Beauitufl area Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
Terrific place to watch boats and fish. Clean public bathrooms. Easy to park. Beautiful scenery. Worth the trip! See more..
4.5Deep Creek Lake State Park(39 reviews) - EZ and Beautiful Hike Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks • Parks
Such a pretty place with great waterfalls to hike up to. Make sure you save the big fall for last. Not too strenuous but very pretty!!See more..
4.5Tuckahoe State Park(34 reviews) - Good visit, pretty consistent with the reviews. State Parks • Parks
I just returned from an overnight pop up tent trip to this park. Chose the non electric hookup. Firewood for $5. Bathrooms clean. Low noise at night although you could hear distant hwy noise. Overall happy with the park. As other reviews mention, this park is under appreciated. It has fishing, hiking, biking, arboretum, and playgrounds. And it is spread out so people don’t feel on top of you. Without COVID and/or in peak season, the lake also offers kayaking and canoeing. Several good fishing nooks. Best of all, it is near Easton and not hrs south, east or west. We spent the day in St. Michael’s and Tilghman‘s Island and the night/am at the park. See more..
This combination museum and state park includes more than 70 archaeological sites from the prehistoric period 9,000 years ago through the Colonial period.See more..
4.5Gathland State Park(31 reviews) - Nice Park with Stone/Brick Arch (something you would not expect) with access to the Appalachian Trail State Parks
I started noticing pictures featuring the War Correspondent's Memorial Arch recently, which inspired me to go check it out. It is pretty interesting located at the cross roads through Crampton's Gap. Another feature of the park is trail access to the Appalachian Trail where you can go for a hike or encounter others who are making the trek. I didn't hike the full trip from Gathland Park to Weaverton Cliffs which is 6 miles, but something I would like to do in the future. While hiking on the trail, I was hoping for some access point for a clear view of the valley below, but did not encounter one.See more..
4.5Green Ridge State Forest(30 reviews) - Great place to explore Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
I took my 4 year old camping with me last year at Green Ridge. It was crowded and all the numbered sites were taken so we did have to cruise around the Forrest for an hour and a half to find an open spot to camp. We ended up on the 4x4 road past all numbered sites. Despite not being a numbered site there was a fireplace and a platform to set up on. My 4 year old loved and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get outside and explore solo or with family and friends. See more..
My husband and I enjoy searching for shark teeth. We almost didn’t stop here because of the negative reviews. We found a little less than 250 teeth in about two hours. You will 100% find teeth if you know what you’re looking for and where to look. Just expect to find small teeth and be sure it is low tide. There was some trash, nothing repulsive. The paths from the parking lot are not marked at all. We parked in the lot across the road from the river. We also took the trail that starts out as pavement (far right trail if you are standing in the parking lot looking at the woods). We felt a bit unwelcome/lost at first but overall it was an enjoyable experience.See more..
Lovely park, hiking trails and a great place to swim. There are no life guards. However I don’t recommend going on the weekends for swimming because it gets over crowded. Weekdays are better. If you like to fish there are fishing piers as well.See more..
Have walked the trails many times and continue to find beautiful secret places to enjoy all this natural beauty. Never crowded and a real gem on the Patuxent. Lots of ticks so come prepared.See more..
4.5St. Clement's Island State Park(12 reviews) - pleasant, affordable excursion but bring water! State Parks • History Museums
A small state park that is the site where Maryland colonists first landed.See more..
4.0Font Hills Wetlands Park(12 reviews) - making the wetlands wetter Spent 1-2 hours State Parks
me and my wife decided to adventure into the wetlands to enjoy the wildlife and completely have a quality time (if u know what i mean ;)) anyways we made the wetland moist with shrek and fiona plus donkey as the fifth overall quality time 10/10 would do againSee more..
4.5Patuxent River Park(11 reviews) - The Goose Creek Campground is awesome Spent 2-3 hours State Parks
No, it is not in the main park area and no, it is not quite so easy to find, but the locals will point the way. Climb the steps and ignore the spray-painted rocks and look out over the valley to see three states. There's a good chance all you'll hear is the wind and you can feel yourself become small as the vista spreads out before you. You can climb down the front side of the rocks onto the rocky tableau below with just a bit of desire and youthful agility, and it makes for a nice spot for a picnic-in-a-backpack.See more..
4.0Wye Oak State Park(7 reviews) - A visit to what was! Spent < 1 hour State Parks
The historic Wye Oak was estimated to be about 460 years old when it fell in a thunderstorm in 2002. According to Wikipedia it was almost 32' in circumference and 96 feet high. It was the official state tree of Maryland. Cloned saplings have been planted at Mt Vernon and another is on the site of the original tree and is growing quite well. A chunk of the original tree is in a small shelter to the rear of the park area. I visited the original tree several times in the late 90s. It was impressive. See more..
3.5Chapman State Park(6 reviews) - Lovely Historic Park Spent 1-2 hours State Parks
A former plantation, Chapman State Park borders the Potomac River and played a pivotal role in Maryland history. Lots of trails and rare trees. Definitely worth the drive!See more..
3.5Chapel Point State Park(5 reviews) - Nice hideout spot State Parks • Beaches If you are looking to get away to the coast and want ocean views on a sunny day, but don't feel like a long drive to major beaches like Point Look out or Breezy Point, this place is perfect.If you bring your own kayak, canoe, jetskis or boats, youll find a convenient place to launch from at Chapel Point.If you want a cool spot for a picnic with your significant other, this place works fine:) Porta Potty was disgusting, go in the woods instead lol.See more..
3.0Rosaryville State Park(5 reviews) - Not a place to go alone State Parks The entrance is dark. I was immediately turned off. I started to enter and decided it wasn't a place to be on your own. I went to ride my bike and just couldn't bring myself to do it. See more..
3.5Sang Run State Park(4 reviews) - Gentle walk in open meadow Spent 2-3 hours State Parks
We parked in the tiny, easy-to-miss parking lot behind the closed country store (because COVID), and spent 45 minutes following the grassy trail around the open meadow. The trail markers are little wooden icons shaped like red barns. The trail begins behind the private house located up the hill on the property. It was quite lovely on a sunny fall day but I imagine it’s brutally hot mid summer. The trail is very exposed. As advertised, it goes by a small graveyard but not many other landmarks. It was a relaxing, easy walk but not very exciting. See more..
Excellent State Park and hiking trail. Clean and great terrain. Well marked trail. Lots of available parking and picnic tables. See more..
4.0Newtowne Neck State Park(3 reviews) - Hidden Gem ! State Parks Best place to unwind ! Perfect retreat for couples. Quiet enough for some solo meditation. Family friendly too. Truly a hidden gem. Secluded coves are there awaiting your discovery. Bring a chair, a floating device and take in all the beautiful views. Wear water shoes as river bottom is a little rocky.See more..
Fantastic park! Nice trails, well maintained and wide. The trail markers are a little faded but the path is easy to find and keep to. A crazy gorge and river! Completely unlike typical Maryland scenery! Shocking and beautiful. Will definitely go back! See more..
2.5Rocky Gap State Park Campground(2 reviews) - Great Getaway for Families State Parks This is a hidden gem. The state park has a lake with a day use area, a golf course and a casino resort but tucked away on the east end of the lake is a campground. It offers tent sites, camper sites and cabins. The beach and swimming area is great for families as are the paddle, board and canoe rentals. The area is clean, quiet and well shaded. We used cabin 174 in the Fir loop it was excellent. The nearby bathhouse was super clean and modern. The only thing that keeps this site from receiving five stars is the lack of hot water in the showers. The showers were extremely clean and well cared for but after a sweaty day I like a hot shower. The water temperature was on the cool side of tepid. The grandkids had a great time.See more..
3.0Franklin Point State Park(1 review) - Nice State Park in development Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas Hidden away deep in Shady Side is Franklin Point State Park. From the West Rhode Riverkeeper website: Franklin Point State Park, a pristine 477-acre tract of salt marsh, fields and forests, was saved from development more than 20 years ago by a group of local citizens, but it was locked behind a gate until the West and Rhode Riverkeeper formed a partnership with the Park Service to provide the volunteers needed to help maintain and monitor the park. The best part of the park at this time is a picnic/ water view site to the left just beyond the gate- about 100 yards. Picnic tables are nestled in the woods at the waters edge. Lots of great birdwatching. One advisory: BRING INSECT REPELLANT!!! Besdies the harassment of the deer flies somehow my son and I came across a tick nest. We are at 100 and counting that we have removed... By the way, saw lots of birds, butterflies, a couple of deer and 2 black snakes. Good day!See more..
Hart-Miller Park is an island found in Hawk Cove at the mouth of Middle River. The thousand plus acre park also includes Hawk Cove and Pleasure Island, and was formed in part through landfill efforts. The park is only accessible by boat but can be easily viewed from the end of Miller Island community in Edgemere. Camping, wading and hiking are available. This is a serene and beautiful area of Baltimore County.See more..
This is an absolutely hidden gem. You can only get there by boat, so it is naturally un-crowded. Lots of places to explore and hike, but bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are everywhere. Look close, you’ll even see the local wildlife. See more..
4.0Calvert Regional Park(1 review) - Lacrosse tournament State Parks • Parks • Playgrounds We came here for a lacrosse tournament. The fields were in good condition and the park had plenty of portable restrooms and food vendors. My only complaint was that we needed to travel on the road to get to each field, while cars were on the road. At times, it was rather dangerous. See more..
