The Maryland Park Service provides outdoor recreational experiences for millions of visitors each year. Our State Parks feature recreational amenities, as well as campsites, full-service cabins, and picnic shelters where families can enjoy nature-based activities that are close enough to home for everyone to enjoy.

To maintain and ensure a safe, family-oriented outdoor recreation experience for all park guests, the Maryland Park Service has modified its policy regulating the consumption of alcohol in State Parks. This policy has been adopted in the interest of all park patrons to restore the family atmosphere of State Parks while still allowing for the appropriate consumption of alcoholic beverages under a special permit process.

Can I consume alcohol in my park cabin?

• Yes, alcohol may be consumed in full-service cabins by those of legal drinking age.
• Beginning November 1, 2009, alcohol may no longer be consumed in camper cabins. Camper cabins are commonly located in campgrounds or within close proximity, and therefore present a potential conflict with the family atmosphere of the park campground if visitors are consuming alcohol.

Will I be cited for having unopened containers of alcoholic beverages in my vehicle?

• No, per State law, park patrons may transport unopened alcoholic beverages in their vehicles to access areas where alcohol is allowed.

Why is the Maryland Park Service changing its alcohol policy?

The Maryland Park Service is altering its alcohol consumption policy to ensure a high quality, safe experience for all State Park visitors. This change will also…

• Reduce the incidence of undesirable behaviors of park patrons who consume alcohol to excess. In 2008, NRP issued 413 citations for alcohol-related incidents and 32 DUI citations.
• Reduce impacts on state facilities and natural resources;
• Ensure the safety of park patrons, park staff and Natural Resources Police officers.

Who can request an alcohol permit and how can I obtain one?

• Beginning November 1, 2009, alcohol permits will be issued for $35 through the standard reservation process for a designated shelter. The alcohol permit must be displayed as provided at the shelter during use.
• Alcohol permits may be issued upon request by the park manager for special events operating under a Use Agreement with the Maryland Park Service.

How much does an alcohol permit cost?

• A $35 fee will be charged for each permit. The permit must be displayed on-site to be valid, and may be revoked for cause by the park manager, their designee or a Natural Resources Police officer. All revenue will be used to support state park operations and improvements.

Do other state and county park systems ban alcohol consumption?

• All Maryland county park systems either ban the consumption of alcohol or require an alcohol permit with the rental of a picnic shelter.
• Alcohol is banned in 19 state park systems: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
• Alcohol is banned without a permit in five state parks systems: Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, South Carolina, West Virginia.

Is there a fine if I am cited for violating the alcohol policy?

• Yes, a natural resource citation with a pre-payable fine of $55 may be issued for violation of the policy.