Best Parks in Maryland

For locals and nearby neighbors on the East Coast, Maryland’s abundance of green spaces adds to its charm and appeal. Homeowners with a zest for adventure and staring up at the starry skies are itching to move to the Old Line State to enjoy its many beautiful state parks and campgrounds.

Whether your family enjoys emerald-green urban forests or soothing rocky coastlines, Maryland has it all. For individuals who live in nearby cities such as Baltimore or the D.C. metro area, the national and state parks can provide the ultimate getaway from the bright lights and city attractions.

State parks often provide opportunities for camping, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and so many other activities. In the fall, tourists travel from all over the country to swoon over the colorful leaves and enjoy the brisk autumn air. In the springtime, catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms in bloom and the colorful trees coming back to life. 

If you are ready to enjoy the change of seasons and are looking to buy a new home, there’s no place like Maryland to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the best state parks to visit.

1. Sandy Point State Park

Google Rating: 4.4

Frequented by locals and visitors alike, Sandy Point State Park offers stunning beaches and sparkling waterfront views overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. For 70 years, Sandy Point State Park has operated to provide a respite point for visitors to enjoy an outdoor picnic, a day on the water, or family fishing trips. The 786-acre park is conveniently located in Annapolis, Maryland.

2. Patapsco Valley State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

Just 13 miles outside of Baltimore, the Patapsco Valley State Park is renowned for its more than 200 miles of trails and incredible scenery. Visitors flock to see the gorgeous forests and abundant wildlife. There are separate hiking-only and multi-use trails, including those for horseback riding and mountain biking. The 16,043-acre park stretches along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, from which it takes its name. Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and camping, among other recreational activities available.

3. Rocky Gap State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

The Rocky Gap State Park, located 110 miles from Pittsburgh, is a true gem for anyone seeking mountain views and picturesque sceneries. More than 3,000 acres of public land are surrounded by craggy mountains. Nearby is the 243-acre Lake Habeeb, which is fed by the winding Rocky Gap Run and framed by overlooks and a hemlock forest. Brightly colored rhododendron and mountain laurel dot the canvas to make a gorgeous landscape right out of a storybook.

Visitors often camp in one of the 278 campsites in the park, which include a mix of tent pitches, cabins, yurts, and a chalet. There are a variety of attractions, including natural beauties like Evitts Mountain and man-made entertainment like the Rocky Gap Casino-Resort and Golf Course. Lake Habeeb boasts 10-lb largemouth bass, plus the kids can go for a swim at the beach or take a non-motorized boat on the water.

4. Assateague State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

For city dwellers in Maryland and even Washington, D.C., Assateague is the perfect spot to catch a wave. Known for being Maryland’s only oceanfront park, Assateague State Park is located 141 miles from Baltimore on Assateague Island. Its gorgeous beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. Explore secluded coves by kayak or canoe, enjoy a bayside sunrise, and observe the interesting marsh-area wildlife.

5. Gunpowder Falls State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

One of Maryland’s largest state parks, Gunpowder Falls covers over 18,000 acres in Harford and Baltimore counties and is located only 56 miles from Washington, D.C. The topography is beautifully varied from steep terrain and sloping hillsides to marshy tidal wetlands. Naturally, the wildlife is also quite diverse in species. The park contains over 120 multi-use trails and protected lands that are perfect for mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

6. Swallow Falls State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Located 101 miles from Pittsburgh and 8 miles from Oakland, Swallow Falls State Park includes some of the most breathtaking views of the state’s many parks. Muddy Creek Falls is a roaring 53-foot waterfall, coupled with the rippling rapids of the Youghiogheny River that flows along the park’s borders. The rushing water sounds clash loudly against the silence of the gorgeous hemlock forests. Hiking trails wind through the park’s 257 acres and make for a full day of spectacular sightseeing.

7. Greenbrier State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Greenbrier State Park provides many kinds of recreation for the whole family. Offering 164 campsites in a forest setting nearby a 42-acre man-made lake with sandy beaches, this multi-use park attracts a variety of visitors who enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and fishing. 11 miles of trails wind through the park for visitors to enjoy a scenic hike. Located just 59 miles from Washington, D.C., Greenbrier State Park is the perfect weekend getaway from the area’s major metropolitan cities.

8. Point Lookout State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

Located 79 miles from Washington, D.C., Point Lookout State Park brings history to life. As one of the few remaining earthen-walled Civil War fortifications remaining in Maryland, this structure has been continuously recreated by the local Friends of Point Lookout, which puts on a variety of demonstrations throughout the year that bring history to life. Contact the park for an updated schedule of tours and popular annual festivities that are educational and open to the public.

9. Elk Neck State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

Elk Neck State Park consists of 2,370 acres of land including forests, white clay cliffs, sandy shores, and marshlands. It is a popular site for day use and overnight camping. Visitors can pitch tents in group sites or reserve one of 16 cabins. There are swimming and playground areas for children, a canoe/kayak launch, picnic areas, and public boating access. A trail to the Turkey Point Light Station offers unmatched views of the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay.

10. Seneca Creek State Park

Google Rating: 4.7

Conveniently located only 24 miles from Washington, D.C., Seneca Creek State Park is the ideal place to kick back and enjoy the picturesque views of nature. The park follows 14 miles of Seneca Creek as it flows down to the Potomac River. The day-use area is a popular spot for picnicking while over 50 miles of trails offer hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling opportunities. Visitors often enjoy seeing the peaceful 90-acre Clopper Lake framed by forests. However, swimming and wading are not permitted in the lake.

11. Greenbelt Park

Google Rating: 4.3

A hidden urban forest oasis, Greenbelt Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its location of just 10 miles from Washington, D.C. makes it an easy drive for a weekend or day trip for the family. Featuring 172 campsites, nine miles of trails, and plenty of picnic spaces, there’s a little something for the whole family to love as they disconnect from the world to enjoy each other’s company and the beauty of nature.

The Old State Line

Interested in moving to Maryland? Learn more about the area by checking out some of our other articles, including the best places to live, the safest cities, and how to build a house in Maryland. When you’re ready to purchase your new dream home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.

All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.