With over 70 state and national parks, Maryland has plenty of outdoor adventures to offer. That is why many families find camping across Maryland to be one of the best ways to build lasting memories.
Whether you’re looking for a hike through a serene forest or want to discover a wonderful waterfall, these great Maryland parks will deliver. So go ahead and plan that camping trip with the kids to start making memories. After you pick a park from our list below, check out our great tips to take kids camping in order to be prepared as much as possible.
Catoctin Mountain Park
6602 Foxville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
301- 663-9388
nps.gov/cato
When the president needs a break he jumps in his helicopter and heads North to his cabin in the woods. While you can’t stay at Camp David, you can stay next door at Catoctin Mountain Park. Tall pine trees and rushing water line the drive to park headquarters and are reminiscent of the woods in Maine with a cool, shady feel unlike hot sticky Maryland days. There are miles and miles of hiking to suit all abilities. Wolf Rock juts suddenly out of the ground and rock formations offer the chance to do a little climbing over, under and around.
Catoctin is home of The Brotherhood of the Jungle Cocks, one of the oldest fly fishing clubs in the country. They promote the skill and love of fishing to kids. Big Hunting Creek is their classroom and Brook Trout are what they are trying to catch. You might see some of them casting into the creek. You can join in too, bring your fly fishing gear and try to catch a big one. It’s all catch and release and you’ll need a fishing license and trout stamp. See the sidebar for more information.
Reservations for cabins at Camp Misty Mountain: 301-271-3140. Campground and primitive Adirondack shelters are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What’s unique: Nature Center, 25 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing on Wolf Rock (permit required)
What’s close by: Gettysburg, Cunningham Falls State Park
What’s best: Hiking along the Big Hunting Creek and climbing on Wolf Rock
Pets: OK on a leash at the Owens Creek Campground but no other campgrounds*
Cunningham Falls State Park
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
301-271-7574
dnr.maryland.gov
Reservations: 1-888-432-CAMP (2267) dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunninghamfalls.html
Maryland Route 77 is the only thing that separates Catoctin Mountain Park to the north and Cunningham Falls State Park, on the southern side. Each park boasts approximately 5,000 acres. Cunningham Falls State Park compliments Catoctin, offering some of the amenities not available at Catoctin. Boat rentals and a 44-acre lake; swimming, hiking to a waterfall and lots of campground space make Cunningham Falls a popular summer destination.
What’s unique: Canoeing on lake, fishing
What’s close by: Gettysburg, Catoctin, Monocacy Battlefield
What’s best: Hiking to waterfall and/or Catoctin Furnace
Pets: OK on a leash in the Manor Area Campground only.*
Smallwood State Park
2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury MD 20658
301-743-7613
dnr.maryland.gov
Nestled along the Potomac River, Smallwood State Park encompasses 648 acres of what used to be a gentleman’s farm. Lucky for General Smallwood, he managed to snag some prime land right on the Potomac River where the boating and fishing are good. This park is quiet and not overused. Two of the camping cabins overlook the river and several are reserved for families with dogs.
There is a nice playground, an excellent fishing pier with a designated area for cleaning your catch and even docking for boats at the Sweden Point Marina if you want to spend the night on your boat instead of in a cabin or tent.
What’s unique: Historic restored home of Maryland’s fourth governor, General William Smallwood. Tours are available every Sunday afternoon through the summer.
What’s close by: Purse State Park at low tide is good for fossil hunting, National Colonial Farm
What’s best: Fishing pier and boating access
Pets: OK on a leash in all day-use areas and in the campground
Tuckahoe State Park
13070 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, MD 21657
410-820-1668
Reservations: 1-888-432-CAMP (2267)
dnr.maryland.gov
If you are looking for laid-back relaxation in a secluded country environment, then Tuckahoe is the place for you. You have to drive by a lot of fields before you get to the park. That’s not to say there isn’t much to do, because Tuckahoe is an active family’s dream come true. Situated on a 60 acre lake and flooded wetlands, it’s not unusual to spot eagles, blue heron, osprey, turtles and beavers.
There are hiking, biking, equestrian and canoeing trails. Adjoining Adkins Arboretum has 600 acres of native trees and plants, most are identified with plaques and native gardens around the welcome center display the abundance of colorful local plants.
What’s unique: a climbing wall, canoe trail, fitness challenge course and Adkins Arboretum
What’s close by: Nothing. Although you do pass the Queenstown Outlets to get there.
What’s best: canoeing or kayaking up Tuckahoe Creek to spot beavers and turtles while you wind through narrow passages.
Pets: Dogs are allowed on a leash.*
Deep Creek Lake State Park and NRMA
73 Brant Road, Swanton, Maryland 21561
301-387-4111
dnr.maryland.gov
Get out on the water at Deep Creek Lake State Park. This park features two swimming beaches and miles of hiking and biking trails. If you’re looking for a night in nature, make reservations at the Meadow Mountain campground, where you can sleep in your tent or rent one of their cabins. The family can also enjoy hunting and fishing in this 1,800 acres park.
What’s unique: Deep Creek Discovery Center, Meadow Mountain hiking trails and historic coal mine
What’s close by: Wisp Mountain, Youghageny river rafting , hiking to Swallow Falls
What’s best: Swimming at the beach, fishing, black bear sightings
Pets: Permitted on a leash on hiking trails and in the campground only. Pets are not permitted at the waterfront area or in the day use area of the park. Pets cannot be left unattended. *
Reservations at all Maryland State Parks
Making reservations at Maryland State Park is easy. You can go online to book your next trip or give them a call at 1-888-432-2267. You can make reservations a year in advance, so if you’re eyeing a holiday weekend, make sure to place your reservation as quick as possible.
Reservations: 1-888-432-CAMP(2267)
parkreservations.maryland.gov
