How Do I Register?
Park Quest registration for 2020 will be conducted via the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Online Store, starting April 2 at 10 a.m. Registration will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Teams must agree to the Liability Waiver on-line prior to completing registration.
Park Quest Registration will OPEN on Thursday April 2nd at 10 a.m. on DNR Online Store.
Registration will be taken on a first come, first serve basis until the 1,000 team limit is reached. One Park Quest Passport Booklet per team. Please Note: There is no automatic pre-registration for previous teams. Park Quest Passport Booklets will be mailed out via USPS before May 1st.
Park Quest is Open to Everyone!
Families who may have missed the Park Quest Passport registration process may still participate in Park Quest. Quest materials can be found on our website and downloaded. However, without the Park Quest Passport, teams will need to pay the appropriate day-use service charges at some of the participating State Parks. You may want to consider purchasing the Annual State Park & Trail Passport Maryland Park Service Annual Passport, which provides unlimited day-use access to all State Parks for one year from purchase.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is a $10 registration fee per team to participate in Park Quest 2020. This fee provides your team with the 2020 Park Quest Passport and the opportunity to be entered for Park Quest Prizes upon the completion of a minimum number of Quests. The $10 registration fee only applies to Park Quest and does not include camping, cabins or other park related fees. One Park Quest Passport Booklet per team. The Park Quest Passport provides access to the Park Quests sites and activities. The Passport only provides access to areas of the Park where the Quest is located. Other areas (such as Beach or Picnic Areas) may require standard park entrance fees. The Maryland Park Service encourages families to come explore the many wonderful State Parks found in Maryland.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Parks?
With the Park Quest Passport, day-use service charges are waived for the day that teams are at a park to complete the Quest, at the specific Quest location. Please remember to bring your Park Quest Passport with you to gain entry into the participating parks. Return visits to any state park will be subject to all applicable service charges.
The Park Quest Passport provides the team with free access to the Quest location ONLY on the day of the team's Quest. The Passport provides access to areas of the Park where the Quest is located. Other areas outside of the Quest (such as Beach or Picnic Areas) may require the standard park entrance fees. For additional services such as camping or cabins, teams will be subject to applicable service charges.
If you do not have a Park Quest Passport, you will be required to pay the daily entrance fees. It is recommended that frequent visitors to Maryland State Parks purchase an Annual Passport, which provides unlimited day-use access to all state parks for one year from purchase.
Can We Camp For Free?
Participants who are camping will need to pay for their overnight accommodations when staying in the campgrounds or cabins. State Park camping reservations can be made through this website: parkreservations.maryland.gov.
Who Can Be On A Team?
Park Quest is designed to get the whole family outdoors to explore and enjoy Maryland State Parks. As such, a team consists of at least one adult and one minor 16 years old or younger. There is a limit of 10 persons per team. As much as possible, we encourage the entire family to participate in all Park Quest activities.
What Will We Have To Do And When?
Park Quest 2020 officially begins on May 1st and ends on October 31st. The goal of your team is to visit as many of the designated Park Quest locations and finish the assigned activities. Upon successful completion of a Quest, you will get your Passport endorsed. Information on the times you can complete Quests will be available on the Park Quest website.
Do The Quests Need To Be Completed In Order Or On Particular Days Of The Week?
The Park Quest adventures do not need to be completed in any particular order and teams can complete more than one in a day, if they choose to do so. Any time and day restrictions will be noted on the Park Quest website and the Park Quest worksheet pages. Teams that complete a minimum number of Quests will be eligible for Park Quest prizes!
What Is The Difference Between a Basic Quest and Bonus Quest?
- Basic Quest – The Basic Quest is an activity in a Maryland State Park that requires teams to complete a challenge. These challenges range from activity sheets and puzzles, to hikes and scavenger hunts! Park Quest activities are designed to take the average family approximately 2 hours to complete. We encourage teams to plan to visit Park Quest sites at off peak times, whenever possible, so that you are able to better enjoy the Park Quest experience!
- Bonus Quest – The Bonus Quest is an additional activity associated with Park Quest. Bonus Quests offers teams the opportunity to expand their Quest activity beyond the basic offering. It is not required that you complete the Bonus Quests. These extra Park Quest activities are more strenuous, and will require additional time and skills, experience or special equipment to be able to successfully complete. Bonus Quests are best suited for older children or teens that are looking for more adventurous Quest activities. Teams are challenged to complete as many of the 2020 Bonus Quests as they can!
Please note that some Quests have both Basic and Bonus Quest options.
At the end of Park Quest, teams that have completed a minimum number of Quests will be entered into a drawing for special Park Quest prizes.
How Do We Prove That We've Completed A Quest?
Each team will be issued a Park Quest Passport which will be used by park staff to confirm your team’s participation. When teams go to a State Park to complete a Quest, you should follow the instructions posted on the Park Quest website. Once you’ve completed the challenge, you will get your Passport endorsed. At the end of Park Quest, teams that have completed a minimum number of Quests will be entered into a drawing for special Park Quest prizes.
I/My Child Has Disabilities - Can We Participate?
Yes, Park Quests are physically challenging but persons with disabilities can be accommodated on most Quests with advance notice. Contact the State Park directly at least one week prior to the day you want to complete your Quest and request assistance.
Is It Possible To Get Injured On The Park Quest?
Yes, as with any adventure there is a small possibility that a participant could be injured. Park staff members will give instructions to minimize the potential for injuries. It is important to be aware of the hazards of participating in outdoor activities and take the proper safeguards to ensure that you and your teammates have a safe enjoyable Park Quest adventure. Here are some tips to remember when recreating outdoors.
- Wear proper clothing for the weather conditions. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
- Wear sunblock and hat to protect you from sunburn.
- Wear light-colored clothing and insect repellent when recreating outdoors in the summer.
- Conduct a tick check after participating in an outdoor activity.
- Always be aware of the weather and check the forecast before starting an outdoor activity. You may not be permitted to start a Quest if weather conditions are considered hazardous by park staff.
- Always wear a lifejacket when participating in activities on the water. Lifejackets are required for anyone under the age of 13.
- Stay on the trail - off-trail activities can be hazardous to your health and the health of the environment.
- Stay hydrated. Make sure you bring water and drink regularly as you participate in your Park Quest Activity.
- Know your limits! For example, before taking a long hike make sure your team tries several short hikes to test their endurance.
Will Our Identity (name, address, etc.) Be Posted On The Internet?
Addresses and phone numbers will not be released. Names of winning teams will only be used with permission.
What State Parks Are Quest Sites For 2020?
Each park name will link to a detailed description of the Park Quest at that site, including downloadable Quest materials (when available). Sites will be updated before Park Quest begins on May 1st.
Questions about Park Quest may be directed to:
Melissa Boyle Acuti
Maryland Park Service
E-mail: Melissa.Boyle@maryland.gov
(Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
