Fort Frederick State Park

​​​Aerial view of Fort Frederick State Park

Reserv​ations

Contact: 301-842-2155
E-mail Fort Frederick State Park

Washington County

Fort Frederick State Park
11100 Fort Frederick Road
Big Pool MD 21711​

Hours:
8 a.m. to sunset, April-October |​ 10 a.m. to sunset, November-March​





The centerpiece of the Fort Frederick State Park is the only stone fort built by a British colony during the French and Indian War. In its three century history the fort has seen activity in four military conflicts, is one of Maryland first state parks, and was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930’s. Built in 1756, the fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance.

​​Historical exhibits telling the many stories of park are located in the visitor center, fort barracks, and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum. The fort barracks are open Thursday to Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall, when staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing occupy the fort, demonstrating daily life during the French and Indian War. Group tours are available seasonally. The 585-acre park borders the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park passes through the park. The park also features a boat launch, flat water canoeing, campsites, camp store, hiking trails, a picnic area with large pavilion and a playground.


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2024​ Calendar of Events




market fair

18 th Century Market Fair

Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27 - 9 am to 5 pm Sunday, April 28 - 9 am to 3 pm.

Travel back in time to an 18th century market fair! Sutlers (period vendors) will be selling reproduced 18th century wares including pottery, tin and copper ware, clothing, material and patterns, documents and books, ironware, muskets and accoutrements, horn wares, paintings and prints, lanterns and much more. Colorful entertainers and street peddlers will also be strolling​ about the fair. Breakfast and Lunch are available on-site. For more details, please visit the Friends of Fort Frederick State Park Market Fair webpage https://friendsoffortfrederick.info/market_fair.html​

Special Event Alerts

  • Campground Closed April 22 to April 28, 2024.
  • Park is Closed April 24 for event set-up.
  • From April 24 to April 28 there will be no vehicle access to the Picnic Area, Potomac River, Big Pool, Beaver Pond, or the C&O Canal Towpath. Visitors may walk into these areas of the park after paying the event fee and parking in the event parking lot.
  • This event takes place over a large area of uneven surfaces with lots of walking required.

Event Fees

Day Pass

  • $ 5 - Adults
  • $ 2 - 6 to 12 year olds

4 Day Pass - Available Thursday Only

  • $ 15 - Adults
  • $ 6 - 6 to 12 year olds

FREE

  • 5 year olds and under
  • Maryland State Park Golden Age Pass
  • ​Maryland State Park Passport
  • Maryland State Park Universal Disability Pass
  • Every Kid in a Park Pass
  • Military Veterans with ID
  • Active-Duty Military with ID
  • Maryland National Guard with ID


Self Guided Activities!

​The park staff thought we’d bring the fort and natural history to you through Activity Booklets, and self guided Walking Tours and Hikes. Some of these you can do at home while others you need to come see us at the park. Please print them out before you visit. Self Guided Walking Tours are available in the Explore Visitor Guide which is also available at the park. If you have any questions or would like to share pictures or thoughts on your experience please call the park at (301) 842-2155 or send us an email at fortfrederick.statepark@maryland.gov. We hope you enjoy these Activity Booklets, and self guided Walking Tours and Hikes and hope to see you soon! Click here to go to the Self Guided Activities for Fort Frederick State Park.


Information​
Map
Visitor Center
Captain Wort's Sutler Shop
Fishing and Boating
Hiking
Camping
Picnicking and Pavilion
History
Fort Frederick in the Civil War
Virtual Tour of the Barracks​
Black History Month​​
Women's History Month Hike​​​
Sideling Hill Creek State Park
Reenactor Information​
Volunteer Opportunities
Friends of Fort Frederick State Park
Fort Frederick Strategic Management Plan
Western Maryland Rail Trail
Woodmont NRMA State Park
Black Bear Country
Bus/Van Reservations
Educational Field Trips
Self Guided Activities
Hunting​
American Indian Activity Booklet

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Civilian Conservation Corps re-building Fort FrederickOne Fort, Three Wars

The stone fort built in 1756 protected Maryland’s frontier settlers during the French and Indian War. The fort saw service during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers. During the Civil War, Union troops were often stationed near the fort to guard the C&O Canal.

​In 1922, the State of Maryland acquired the fort and in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the fort walls and began development of the state park.

Click here to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps in Maryland Parks.

Throughout the year, the park features events and re-enactments that mark Fort Frederick's long and colorful history.