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CALVERT CLIFFS STATE PARK

View of the sheer cliffs from the beach, they're hundreds of feet tall

Park Reservations
1-888-432-CAMP (2267)
Fees and Hours of Operation
Park Passes

Family standing on the beach with the sheer cliffs in the background

Calvert Cliffs State Park
10540 H. G. Trueman Road
Lusby, Maryland

Headquarters Address:
Calvert Cliffs State Park
c/o Merkle Wildlife NRMA
11704 Fenno Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

View the DNR Events Calendar

Winding elevated wooden path through the lush marsh of the park

Information: 443-975-4360
En español
Headquarters: 443-510-9920
Sunrise to sunset,
Daily, year-round

Welcome!

The massive cliffs, from which Calvert Cliffs State Park was named, dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for roughly 24 miles in Calvert County. They were formed over 10 to 20 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. When the sea receded the cliffs were exposed and began eroding. Today these cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species, including sharks, whales, rays and seabirds that were the size of small airplanes. Calvert Cliffs State Park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, an accessible recycled tire playground, fishing, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails. Day use service charge is $5/vehicle ($2 additional for out-of-state residents), small bus $10, large bus $20. Cash only.

Beach
The Calvert Cliffs' beach area is a splendid sandy quarter mile stretch located on the Chesapeake Bay.

The shortest route to the beach is the 1.8 mile Red Trail. Fossil hunting and typical beach activities are common reasons people visit the beach.

Please keep in mind that the area beneath the cliffs is CLOSED due to dangerous landslides and potential for injury. Dogs must remain leashed at the beach.

Fishing
A one acre fishing pond is located in the picnic area. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older.

For the safety of Park Visitors and the protection of critical area wetlands, fishing is only allowable within the one acre pond.

Visit DNR’s online Fishing Guide for more information.

Calvert Cliffs is a popular park. (As well it should be!) Please plan ahead to maximize fun and minimize waiting in lines.

Details about the Park

Information

Calvert Cliffs State Park Information

Location:
Calvert County

Calvert Cliffs State Park
10540 H. G. Trueman Road
Lusby, Maryland

Contact:
443-975-4360

Hours of Operation:
Sunrise to sunset
Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.

Hunting Policy:
General hunting permitted in 550 acre designated hunting area with daily sign-in required.

Pet Policy:
Leashed pets are allowed in Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Fossil Hunting

Fossil hunting can be done at the open beach area at the end of the red trail, approximately 1.8 miles from the parking lot. Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs, many of which can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Chesapectens, Ecphora, Miocene era oyster shells and sharks teeth are common finds.

Sieves and shovels can be used to sift the sand for fossils.

CLIFFS SAFETY NOTICE

Due to the danger of landslides caused by active cliff erosion, and the serious injuries they cause, CLIMBING UPON AND WALKING BENEATH THE CLIFFS IS PROHIBITED. This area is permanently closed.

It is illegal to collect fossils beneath the cliffs.

Beach

The Calvert Cliffs' beach area is a sandy quarter mile stretch located on the Chesapeake Bay.

The shortest route to the beach is the 1.8 mile Red Trail. Fossil hunting and typical beach activities are common reasons people visit the beach.

Please keep in mind that the area beneath the cliffs is CLOSED due to dangerous landslides and potential for injury. Dogs must remain leashed at the beach.

Trails and Trail Maps

Designated as a wild lands area, 1,079 acres of the park are preserved for hiking and nature appreciation. Thirteen miles of marked foot trails are open to the public. Cyclists and equestrians are restricted to the service road. Biking and horseback riding are prohibited on designated wild land trails to prevent further impact. The Maryland Park Service does not rent horses, and only provides the trails as a means of recreation.

Trail Map

A new map of the trails at Calvert Cliffs State Park can be downloaded for free from this website. Please make sure to read the printing instructions and information for how to download the file to cell phones. The map is in a PDF format that requires Adobe Reader. To get the free Adobe Reader go to Adobe.com.

Picnicking and Pavilion

Amplified sound is not allowed at pavilions.

Picnic tables and grills are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The pavilion can accommodate approximately 50 people and is available through our reservation system.

Click here to make reservations online for the pavilion.

Youth Group Camping

There are five youth group camping sites available and reservations are required. Youth Group passes are honored.

Access to pit toilets, fire ring, and one 12 foot picnic table are provided with each site. (Available April-October)

You can make reservations through parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267.

Fishing

A one acre fishing pond is located in the picnic area. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older.

For the safety of Park Visitors and the protection of critical area wetlands, fishing is only allowable within the one acre pond.

Visit DNR’s online Fishing Guide for more information.

Hunting

Calvert Cliffs State Park Hunting Regulations

Click here for map

Approximately 550 acres are open on Calvert Cliffs State Park for public hunting, subject to restrictions.

Hunting is allowed for all legal species and seasons listed in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping from September 1st through the end of February and Spring Turkey Season. Special restrictions are in place for waterfowl hunting (see below).
Hunters must sign in at the parking area.
No hunting is permitted on or from the beach.
Hunting is permitted Monday through Saturday. No Sunday hunting is allowed.
Hunters may be on the property outside of regular posted hours, provided they are engaged in a legitimate, authorized hunting activity (tracking a wounded deer, ect). However, nighttime hunting is not allowed.
Permitted hunting devices include all legal devices allowed in Calvert County within the seasons that allow them.
The public land Big Game Check Code for Calvert Cliffs State Park is 455.

Waterfowl hunting is restricted to the designated Waterfowl Hunting Zone in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay with the following restrictions:

A Free Public Hunting Permit (available on COMPASS) is required to hunt in the Waterfowl Hunting Zone.
Hunters must remain at least 250 yds from the property line of any adjoining properties, or where the line would be if it were extended into the water. (Marked on shore of each property by a metal stake wrapped in reflective material and painted orange.)
Hunters must remain at least 250 yds from any licensed stationary blind, blind site, or another person or party hunting waterfowl.
Hunters must be no more than 300 yards from shore.
A person may not guide hunting parties for economic gain in any waterfowl hunting zone.

Accessibility

Access to the beach for the disabled can be arranged by calling the headquarters office at 443-975-4360 or 443-510-9920 at least two weeks prior to your visit. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Access For All website for more information.

Friends of Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs is run in partnership with the Friends of Calvert Cliffs State Park. The Friends of Calvert Cliffs State Park hold a regular work day on the first Saturday of every month, weather permitting. This is a great opportunity to stop by and meet the volunteers and see what they are all about. For information on becoming a volunteer with Calvert's Friends Organization you may contact them at:

P.O. Box 1042
Lusby, MD 20657

Driving Directions

Driving Directions:
Take Route 2/4 south to approximately 14 miles south of Prince Frederick. Exit onto H.G. Trueman Road. You will be facing the park entrance immediately.

Other Things to Know!

The Skinny on Hunting at Calvert Cliffs State Park

Approximately 550 acres are open on Calvert Cliffs State Park for public hunting, subject to restrictions.

Hunting is allowed for all legal species and seasons listed in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping from September 1st through the end of February and Spring Turkey Season. Special restrictions are in place for waterfowl hunting (see below).
Hunters must sign in at the parking area.
No hunting is permitted on or from the beach.
Hunting is permitted Monday through Saturday. No Sunday hunting is allowed.
Hunters may be on the property outside of regular posted hours, provided they are engaged in a legitimate, authorized hunting activity (tracking a wounded deer, ect). However, nighttime hunting is not allowed.
Permitted hunting devices include all legal devices allowed in Calvert County within the seasons that allow them.
The public land Big Game Check Code for Calvert Cliffs State Park is 455.
Waterfowl hunting is restricted to the designated Waterfowl Hunting Zone in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay with the following restrictions:

A Free Public Hunting Permit (available on COMPASS) is required to hunt in the Waterfowl Hunting Zone.
Hunters must remain at least 250 yds from the property line of any adjoining properties, or where the line would be if it were extended into the water. (Marked on shore of each property by a metal stake wrapped in reflective material and painted orange.)
Hunters must remain at least 250 yds from any licensed stationary blind, blind site, or another person or party hunting waterfowl.
Hunters must be no more than 300 yards from shore.
A person may not guide hunting parties for economic gain in any waterfowl hunting zone.

Click here for map

Wooden bridge trail over a lush green marsh

Trails and Trail Maps

Release your inner wild animal. (You know--in a safe, respectable manner of course.) Designated as a wild lands area, 1,079 acres of the park are preserved for hiking and nature appreciation. Thirteen miles of marked foot trails are open to the public.

Cyclists and equestrians are restricted to the service road. Biking and horseback riding are prohibited on designated wild land trails to prevent further impact. The Maryland Park Service does not rent horses, and only provides the trails as a means of recreation.

Visit the Trails page for More Info!

Park Highlight

Fossil Hunting
Fossil hunting can be done at the open beach area at the end of the red trail, approximately 1.8 miles from the parking lot. Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs, many of which can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Chesapectens, Ecphora, Miocene era oyster shells and sharks teeth are common finds.

Sieves and shovels can be used to sift the sand for fossils.

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

CALVERT CLIFFS STATE PARK