Maryland National Parks

National Parks in Maryland

There are no major National Parks are in Maryland, but there are 14 smaller park sites spread throughout the state. Follow the links below to read reviews, tips for planning trips, and the insider scoop for each park. Please note that Fort Washington Park is part of the National Capital Region in the passport, but is actually located in Maryland.

I have visited every park site in Maryland (my home state), but I have not gotten all of the reviews done yet. If I linked it, the review is up! I hope you find my information useful!

• Antietam National Battlefield
• Assateague Island National Seashore
• Catoctin Mountain Park
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
• Clara Barton National Historic Site
• Fort McHenry National Monument & National Shrine
• Fort Washington Park
• Greenbelt Park
• Hampton National Historic Site
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad NHP
• Monocacy NB
• Piscataway Park
• Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
• Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Maryland State Parks

Weekend Trip ideas in Maryland

Central Maryland

Annapolis – Annapolis is the state capital, so there are a lot of historic sites to see. A weekend in Annapolis could include a visit to the Naval Academy, Annapolis Historic District, the State House, or Sandy Point State Park. Its location on the Chesapeake Bay also provides some opportunities for water sports and scenic dining.

Baltimore – An easy way to spend a weekend in Baltimore would be to catch an Orioles or Raven’s game, spend the day at the Inner Harbor, and visit the Baltimore Zoo. If you are Baltimore you should definitely check out Fort McHenry, and if you are looking to do any hiking, Greenbelt Park is not far!

Western Maryland

Cumberland – Western Maryland can be a tough sell, but don’t miss out on some of the hidden gems in this part of the state. If you find yourself wanting a mountain retreat, look no further. First, spend the night Rocky Gap State Park. The next day make sure to take a day trip to Cumberland where you can ride a steam engine at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, or walk on the C&O Canal. Don’t miss out on other famous areas like the Paw Paw Tunnel or the Great Allegheny Passage (the GAP). The fall foliage is breathtaking, so plan a trip for October or November if your schedule allows.

Deep Creek Lake – Deep Creek Lake is located in Garrett County, which is the western most county in Maryland. Those that don’t care for the hustle and bustle of Ocean City often find themselves at Deep Creek since it is the largest inland body of water in Maryland. Vacationers love to break out their boats, jet skis, water tubes, kayaks and SUPs. If you’re more of a winter sport person – don’t worry! Nearby ski resort, Wisp, offers skiing and snow tubing.

Southern Maryland

Ocean City – Ocean City is a beloved vacation spot for any Marylander, and even for those in the surrounding states of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Spend your days on the beach and your evenings walking the boardwalk. Enjoy fries from Thrashers, pizza from Dough Rollers, and salt-water taffy from Candy Kitchen. If you have kids they will love to visit the Jolly Roger amusement park or play putt-putt.

Assateague Island NS – the review for Assateague is linked above, but it is also a perfect place for a weekend getaway. It’s less crowded and way more budget friendly than Ocean City. The visitor center is perfect for kids and there are multiple ranger programs every day (during peak season) that range from talks, to walks, kayaking trips, and crabbing.

Other cities of interest

Maryland’s two most famous cities are Annapolis and Baltimore, but there are several more cities and towns that are worth checking out. Some of those include Columbia, Salisbury, Frederick, and Cumberland. Washington D.C. boarders Maryland; therefore, the suburbs of DC in Maryland are also very popular and offer many fun things to do, and a lot of good places to eat and drink.

Last updated: March 25, 2023

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