Maryland State Parks

Assateague State Park – Located on Assateague Island off Maryland’s eastern shore, this coastal park is famous for its pristine beaches, wild horses, and excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, and kayaking.

Big Run State Park – Nestled in western Maryland’s Garrett County, this remote park provides a peaceful retreat along the Savage River Reservoir, ideal for hiking, boating, and backcountry camping.

Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park – Spanning the Choptank River near Cambridge, this park features a mile-long fishing pier, offering some of the best angling opportunities on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Bohemia River State Park – Situated along the Bohemia River in Cecil County, this newly established park protects ecologically rich wetlands and woodlands, offering hiking and paddling opportunities.

Calvert Cliffs State Park – Located on the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, this park is famous for its dramatic fossil-rich cliffs, scenic trails, and sandy shoreline where visitors can hunt for prehistoric shark teeth.

Casselman River Bridge State Park – Home to an 1813 stone bridge in western Maryland, this small historic park offers a scenic picnic area and a glimpse into the state’s early transportation history.

Cedarville State Forest – Covering 3,500 acres in southern Maryland, this park offers serene hiking and equestrian trails through dense forests and is believed to be the site where Piscataway Native Americans once lived.

Chapel Point State Park – Located along the Port Tobacco River in Charles County, this lesser-known park provides access to the river for fishing, boating, and quiet nature exploration.

Chapman State Park – Situated on the Potomac River in Charles County, this park preserves historic farmland, forests, and scenic riverfront areas, offering hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

Cunningham Falls State Park – Nestled in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont, this park is known for Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, scenic hiking trails, and a recreational lake.

Cypress Branch State Park – A hidden gem in the Eastern Shore’s wetlands, this park protects fragile ecosystems and provides a quiet space for birdwatching and nature appreciation.

Dans Mountain State Park – Located in western Maryland near Lonaconing, this mountaintop park features breathtaking overlooks, hiking trails, and a seasonal swimming pool.

Deep Creek Lake State Park – One of Maryland’s most popular destinations, this park in Garrett County offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities around the state’s largest freshwater lake.

Elk Neck State Park – Situated on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, this park is home to the iconic Turkey Point Lighthouse and features scenic cliffs, beaches, and forested trails.

Fort Frederick State Park – Located in Washington County, this park preserves a massive stone fort built in 1756, offering historical reenactments, scenic river views, and hiking trails along the C&O Canal.

Franklin Point State Park – A quiet and undeveloped coastal park in Anne Arundel County, this site provides scenic marshland views, kayaking access, and opportunities for nature photography.

Gambrill State Park – Perched on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains near Frederick, this park offers panoramic overlooks, hiking trails, and camping opportunities in a peaceful mountain setting.

Gathland State Park – Located on South Mountain in western Maryland, this historic park features Civil War history, including the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, and is a key stop along the Appalachian Trail.

Greenbrier State Park – Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park boasts a scenic lake with a sandy beach, excellent for swimming, fishing, and paddling, along with wooded hiking trails.

Greenwell State Park – A former estate along the Patuxent River in southern Maryland, this park emphasizes inclusive recreation with accessible trails, equestrian programs, and kayaking opportunities.

Gunpowder Falls State Park – One of Maryland’s largest parks, spanning six different areas in Baltimore and Harford counties, this park features miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic riverfronts.

Hallowing Point Waterfront Park – A beautiful public park in Calvert County, this site offers scenic river access, sports fields, and picnic areas for family-friendly outdoor recreation.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park – Located in Dorchester County near Cambridge, this park and visitor center honor Harriet Tubman’s legacy, offering interactive exhibits and trails through landscapes she once traversed.

Hart-Miller Island State Park – A unique island park in the Chesapeake Bay, accessible only by boat, where visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching.

Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden – A hidden oasis in Annapolis, this botanical garden features native Maryland plants, walking paths, and a tranquil setting near the state government complex.

Herrington Manor State Park – Nestled in Garrett County’s forests, this park offers a peaceful lake, rustic cabins, and cross-country skiing trails for year-round outdoor adventures.

Janes Island State Park – Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, this coastal park features unspoiled salt marshes, quiet waterways for kayaking, and pristine beaches accessible only by boat.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum – Situated along the Patuxent River, this park showcases Maryland’s archaeological and Native American history with exhibits, trails, and hands-on educational programs.

Martinak State Park – A peaceful retreat near Denton, this park offers wooded campsites, fishing piers, and scenic hiking trails along the Choptank River and Watts Creek.

New Germany State Park – A hidden gem in western Maryland’s mountains, this park offers a charming lake, rustic cabins, and year-round recreation, including cross-country skiing in winter.

Newtowne Neck State Park – Located on a scenic peninsula in St. Mary’s County, this park offers miles of waterfront along the Potomac River, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking in a peaceful setting rich with colonial history.

North Point State Battlefield – Situated in Dundalk, this small but historically significant park preserves the site of the Battle of North Point, a key engagement during the War of 1812, featuring interpretive displays and a scenic green space.

North Point State Park – Located along the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore County, this park features marshlands, wooded trails, and remnants of the historic Bay Shore Amusement Park, along with excellent fishing and waterfront views.

Palmer State Park – A quiet, undeveloped park in Harford County, this area along Deer Creek offers hiking trails and scenic views of old mill ruins, making it a great spot for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Patapsco Valley State Park – Spanning over 16,000 acres across multiple counties near Baltimore, this popular park features cascading waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and historic sites such as the Thomas Viaduct and old mill ruins.

Patuxent River State Park – Stretching along the Patuxent River in Howard and Montgomery counties, this park offers fishing, hiking, and hunting opportunities in a largely undeveloped landscape that protects important wildlife habitats.

Pocomoke River State Park – Nestled in the lush cypress swamps of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, this park near Snow Hill provides a unique setting for paddling, fishing, and camping along the scenic Pocomoke River.

Point Lookout State Park – Located at the southern tip of St. Mary’s County, this historic park is where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, featuring a Civil War prisoner-of-war camp site, a lighthouse, and excellent fishing and crabbing.

Rocks State Park – Found in Harford County, this rugged park is home to the impressive King and Queen Seat rock formation, a popular climbing destination, along with scenic hiking trails and waterfalls.

Rocky Gap State Park – Situated in Allegany County near Cumberland, this park is known for its crystal-clear lake, sandy beach, mountain trails, and a resort-style lodge and casino for a mix of outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Rosaryville State Park – Located in Prince George’s County, this park features equestrian and hiking trails surrounding the historic Mount Airy Mansion, offering a blend of history and outdoor adventure.

Sandy Point State Park – Situated on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, this park is famous for its scenic beaches, swimming areas, and stunning views of the Bay Bridge, making it a favorite summer destination.

Sang Run State Park – A small but historically significant park in Garrett County, it preserves an old homestead and offers scenic river access, making it ideal for history buffs and paddlers.

Seneca Creek State Park – Located in Montgomery County, this park stretches along Seneca Creek, featuring over 50 miles of trails, a scenic lake, and the beautiful annual Winter Lights Festival.

Sideling Hill Creek State Park – A remote park in western Maryland, this protected area is home to rare plant species and dramatic ridges, offering excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Smallwood State Park – Overlooking Mattawoman Creek in Charles County, this park preserves the historic home of General William Smallwood and provides a marina, fishing, and boating opportunities.

South Mountain Battlefield – Situated along South Mountain in western Maryland, this historic site preserves the location of a key Civil War battle fought before Antietam, featuring interpretive trails and scenic overlooks.

South Mountain State Park – Encompassing a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, this park offers challenging hikes, historical landmarks, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

St. Clement’s Island State Park – Located in the Potomac River, this small island park marks the landing site of Maryland’s first colonial settlers in 1634, accessible only by boat and featuring a memorial cross and walking trails.

St. Mary’s River State Park – Nestled in southern Maryland, this park features a 250-acre lake surrounded by forested trails, providing excellent fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Susquehanna State Park – Located along the Susquehanna River in Harford County, this park is known for its scenic river views, the historic Rock Run Grist Mill, and excellent hiking and fishing opportunities.

Swallow Falls State Park – Found in western Maryland near Oakland, this park is home to the state’s highest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls, along with stunning old-growth forests and hiking trails.

Tuckahoe State Park – Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, this park features a scenic river, a peaceful lake, and extensive hiking and equestrian trails, along with an environmental education center.

Washington Monument State Park – Situated along South Mountain, this park preserves the first monument ever built in honor of George Washington and offers panoramic views along the Appalachian Trail.

Wolf Den Run State Park – Maryland’s newest state park in Garrett County, this park offers rugged terrain for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, along with hiking and scenic forested landscapes.

Wye Oak State Park – Located in Talbot County, this small park commemorates the site of Maryland’s former state tree, the Wye Oak, which stood for over 450 years before falling in a storm in 2002.