National Parks in Maryland
27 NPS units in Maryland — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Maryland
Maryland is home to 27 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from stunning natural areas to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Maryland's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Maryland.
Other NPS Units in Maryland
Antietam
National Battlefield
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage…
Appalachian
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses…
Assateague Island
National Seashore
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day…
Baltimore-Washington
Parkway
This 29-mile highway connects Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. The parkway has…
Captain John Smith Chesapeake
National Historic Trail
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age.…
Catoctin Mountain
Park
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to give people a chance to…
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
National Historical Park
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream…
Chesapeake Bay
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to…
Civil War Defenses of Washington
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a…
Clara Barton
National Historic Site
Clara Barton dedicated her life and energies to help others in times…
Fort Foote
Park
Fort Foote was constructed in 1863 atop Rozier's Bluff to strengthen the…
Fort McHenry
National Monument and Historic Shrine
by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner?…
Fort Washington
Park
Built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC, Fort Washington has…
George Washington
Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links…
Glen Echo
Park
Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly "to…
Greenbelt
Park
Enjoy affordable camping, hiking, and peaceful forest surroundings just ten miles from…
Hampton
National Historic Site
Hampton National Historic Site preserves what remains of a once 25,000-acre enslavement…
Harmony Hall
The 18th century Harmony Hall mansion is located on a 62.5-acre open…
Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral…
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad
National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and…
Monocacy
National Battlefield
During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan…
Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm
The diverse history of Maryland and our national heritage can be experienced…
Piscataway
Park
Piscataway Park is home to bald eagles, beavers, deer, foxes, ospreys, and…
Potomac Heritage
National Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering…
Star-Spangled Banner
National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted…
Thomas Stone
National Historic Site
In 1776, Thomas Stone and 55 others signed the Declaration of Independence.…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
National Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army…
Planning Your Maryland National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Maryland's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 27+ NPS units in Maryland and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Maryland?
Maryland has 0 designated national parks and 27 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Maryland?
The best park depends on your interests. Each park offers a unique experience. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Maryland?
Most NPS units in Maryland charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.