Guide to Maryland State Parks
![Maryland-state-parks](/images/Maryland-state-parks.jpg)
Beachcombing | Chesapeake Bay | Fossil Hunting | Cross-country Skiing | Lighthouses | Hiking | Wildlife Viewing | Historic Trails | Swimming & Boating + Find Campgrounds near Maryland State Parks
Assateague State Park
Visitors to Maryland will discover that Assateague State Park is the only state park located on the Maryland coast. This barrier island park is a wonderful destination for visitors to enjoy the ocean. The park's beaches offer wonderful beachcombing, as well as surfing and fishing. Another feature of the park is the wildlife, including the wild horses that live on the island's marsh areas.
Calvert Cliffs State Park
This Maryland park was named for the cliffs found along this part of the Chesapeake Bay's shoreline. Visitors to the park can see the unique fossils from prehistoric species, revealed by the erosion of the cliffs. Calvert Cliffs is also a great place for people to enjoy a sandy beach, explore a tidal march, and hiking on the miles of trails in the area.
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Located on the Allegany Highlands, Deep Creek Lake State Park is a wonderful Maryland destination. Visitors will learn that the park is located on the site of the historic Brant coal mine and home site. The park also has some wonderful woodlands for visitors to explore. Deep Creek Lake State Park is also a good destination for recreation, including plenty of water recreation on Deep Creek Lake. In addition the park has many trails which are fantastic for hiking, as well as cross-country skiing during the winter.
Elk Neck State Park
The bluffs of Elk Neck State Park overlook the North East River, the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors to this park will find that there are many destinations to explore as well as plenty of recreation. The park has sandy beaches, as well as wooded areas and marshlands. In addition the park is also home to the Turkey Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located on the Elk Neck Peninsula, and visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse, as well as learn more about it's history and more.
Green Ridge State Forest
Green Ridge State Forest is the largest contiguous piece of state land in Maryland. Visitors to this forest will enjoy it's beautiful setting between Town Creek and the Mason Dixon Line. Throughout the park there are many activities for visitors to enjoy. The park is especially good for hiking, with a wide variety of trails ranging in difficulty level.
New Germany State Park
New Germany State Park is a wonderful mountain park. Within the park there are a wide variety of activities. There is a lake within the park, which is great for swimming, boating and even fishing. This park is also a wonderful winter recreation destination. There are miles of trails within the park, which during the winter months are kept groomed for cross-country skiing. The park even has a warming hut, which is wonderful way to warm up after a day in the snow.
North Point State Park
One excellent outdoor destination in Maryland is North Point State Park. This park actually has some history of its own, it is the site of the historic Bay Shore Amusement Park, and the Defenders Trail, which was important during the War of 1812 passes through the park. You can take the opportunity to learn about the history, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Maryland. North Point State Park is located on the Chesapeake Bay and is a great spot to enjoy some recreation.
Pocomoke River State Park
This park, located on the Pocomoke River offers visitors excellent camping. In addition the park is also a wonderful destination for hiking and biking with it's many trails. Visitors can choose to visit either section of the park, one section is located on the south side of the river, while the other is located on the nor side. Each section of the park has something fantastic to offer visitors. Pocomoke River State park also has a an interesting natural landscape, with both swamp and upland, so visitors can enjoy the many species of plants and animals, as well as fish.
Rocky Gap State Park
Located in Allegany County near Cumberland, this park is a wonderful destination for those looking for good hiking as well as water recreation. Lake Habeeb is located within this park, and visitors are sure to love the swimming, beaches, boating and more. In addition visitors can take on the challenging hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of Rocky Gap Run, with it's cliffs and forests.
Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park id located on the Chesapeake Bay this park is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially birding, and more. Sandy Point also has a great beach for swimming, and in the summer part of the beach is lifeguard protected. This park is an amazing destination for enjoying the beautiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay and seeing some of Maryland's wildlife.