Elk Neck State Forest — Shooting Range Complex
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Current Status (updated May 2026): The rifle and shotgun ranges remain closed for safety upgrades. No reopening date has been set. Phased upgrades are in progress. The pistol and archery ranges are open during regular hours. Contact the Elk Neck State Forest office with questions: 410-287-5675.
Ranges
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Rifle Range (100 yards) —
Closed. Closed since December 2023 for berm repairs and structural safety upgrades. DNR is in the design phase. Updates will be posted here as the project progresses.
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Shotgun Range —
Closed. Closed concurrently with the rifle range.
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Pistol Range (50 yards) —
Open. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays except on state and federal holidays.
- November 2 through March 1: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- March 2 through November 1: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Bow and Arrow Range —
Open. Same hours as the pistol range.
All ranges are closed the second Saturday in September for the Northern Chesapeake Sportsmen's Kids Youth Day.
Permits and Fees
Permits are required and must be obtained before using any range. Purchase options:
- Online:
MD Outdoors
- In person: Any authorized Sport License Sales agent in Maryland, or at the Maintenance Complex near the Main Entrance (cash or check; exact change required for cash)
Annual permit: $50 (ages 18–61); $25 (age 62 and older) Daily permit: $10; free for visitors under 18 accompanied by a paying adult
Range Rules
- All shooters must provide a freestanding target stand. The target center must be at least 54 inches above the ground.
- Firearms must be legal to possess and transport in Maryland.
Verify firearm legality through the Maryland State Police.
- The range does not provide firearms, ammunition, or targets.
Download Range Regulations (PDF)
Other Public Shooting Ranges
Maryland DNR ranges:
Full list of Maryland shooting ranges (PDF)
