Maryland State Parks Near Baltimore and Annapolis
Updated November 2026
Maryland has more than 75 state parks, forests and natural areas, and about a dozen are within an hour of Baltimore or Annapolis. The closest give you river valleys for hiking (Patapsco, Gunpowder), Chesapeake Bay beaches (Sandy Point, North Point) and rocky outcrops and waterfalls to the north (Rocks, Susquehanna).
State parks closest to Baltimore
| Park | Near | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Patapsco Valley State Park | Catonsville, Ellicott City, Elkridge | River trails, Cascade Falls, Swinging Bridge, camping |
| Gunpowder Falls State Park | Kingsville, Monkton, Hereford, Chase | Trout streams, tubing, Hammerman beach, NCR Trail |
| North Point State Park | Edgemere | Bay shoreline, Black Marsh wildlands, old trolley park ruins |
| Soldiers Delight NEA | Owings Mills | Serpentine grassland, rare plants |
| Hart-Miller Island | Off Essex, boat access only | Summer beach and camping by boat |
State parks closest to Annapolis
| Park | Near | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Point State Park | Annapolis, Bay Bridge | Swimming beach, fishing, boat launch, Bay Bridge views |
| Calvert Cliffs State Park | Lusby, Calvert County | Fossil hunting on the beach after a forest hike |
| Point Lookout State Park | St. Mary’s County | Where the Potomac meets the Bay; lighthouse, camping |
Within about an hour to the north and west
Rocks State Park and Susquehanna State Park, Harford County
Boulders above Deer Creek, Kilgore Falls, river trails and a historic grist mill near Havre de Grace.
Elk Neck State Park, Cecil County
Bluffs, beaches and the Turkey Point Lighthouse at the head of the Chesapeake.
Cunningham Falls and Gambrill state parks, Frederick County
Mountain hiking, a lake beach and one of Maryland’s tallest cascading waterfalls.
Farther out, but worth a weekend
Deep Creek Lake State Park and Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, and Assateague State Park near Ocean City, are each about three hours from Baltimore and are among the most visited parks in the state.
Before you go
Fees, reservation rules and capacity closures change by season. Sandy Point and some Patapsco areas often close to new cars on hot summer weekends once parking fills. Check the Maryland Park Service site before you head out, and look into an annual state park pass if you plan to visit often.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest state park to Baltimore?
Patapsco Valley State Park is the closest, with entrances in Catonsville, Elkridge and Ellicott City about 15 to 25 minutes from downtown Baltimore.
Which Maryland state parks have swimming beaches near Baltimore?
Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis has a guarded Chesapeake Bay beach in summer. Gunpowder Falls State Park's Hammerman area and North Point State Park also have Bay shoreline.
Can you find fossils at Calvert Cliffs?
Yes. Calvert Cliffs State Park is known for Miocene-era fossils, including shark teeth, that wash up on the beach. Collecting from the cliffs themselves is not allowed.
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Sources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service. Hours, fees and conditions change, so check with each park or venue before you go.