Smallwood State Park

SHELTER HOURS – Sunrise to Sunset. When entering the park, the current sunset closing time will be displayed on a brown signpost along the road.
ADMISSION FEE – Reservation fees only cover the cost of the shelter. You and your guests will need to pay a separate entrance fee.
All non-Maryland residents add $2 to the listed prices.

PARKING – All shelters have been given a designated allotment of parking spaces. All vehicles are to park in the parking lot. Vehicles are not permitted on the grass at any time.
PETS – Pets must be on a leash at all times. Click here for the Maryland Park Service’s statewide pet policies.

INCLEMENT WEATHER - When planning your event, always take into consideration the possibility of inclement weather. Refunds are not issued due to inclement weather, unless the park has been officially closed by management. In this case, we will notify the contact person as soon as possible. Always contact the reservation center (1-888-432-2267) to review the refund policy or review the Frequently Asked Questions page.
THE GENERAL’S STORE – Located by the fishing piers, the General’s Store offers food and drinks, ice, fishing gear, and souvenirs.
TRASH – Maryland State Parks practice Leave No Trace ethics regarding trash. We ask that you leave shelters and surrounding areas as you found them. Guests are expected to pack out what they bring in, so p lease bring enough trash bags for your stay. If you find yourself short of bags, feel free to contact a ranger.
SWIMMING – There is no swimming allowed in Smallwood State Park.
ELECTRICITY – The electricity in the shelters is only 20 amps. Generators are NOT permitted.
OPEN SPACES - All areas away from the shelters are considered open spaces for use by all patrons. Shelter guests must keep within the space close to their shelter. Our staff reserves the right to request anything or anyone move back to their shelter area.

CATERERS - Catering companies must pay the entrance service charge and adhere to all policies and procedures of the park. Vehicles are not permitted on grassy areas at any time.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – An alcohol permit is required for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the shelter. Permits may be purchased through the DNR reservation center at the time of the shelter booking.
COOKING LIQUIDS AND GREASE – There are no accommodations available for the dumping of cooking liquids & grease. Cooking liquids & grease are not to be poured on the ground or disposed of in restrooms. The group is responsible for making arrangements to remove these items from the park and dispose of them properly.

AMPLIFIED SOUND – Amplified music, DJs, bands, or speaker podiums with microphones are not permitted. Music from a CD player or phone is allowed as long as the volume is kept low so as not to interfere with other guests and the content of the music is family-friendly . If the amplified sound is too loud, park staff reserve the right to ask the sound be turned down or off completely.
DECORATIONS – Use only tape to secure decorations in the shelter. Balloons are not allowed. Do not use staples, tacks, nails, etc. All decoration materials and adhesives must be removed after your event.
ENTERTAINMENT – Carnival-type games and booths (including but not limited to slides, moon bounces, cotton candy machines, etc.) are not permitted. This equipment creates a visual distraction to other park guests as well as causes damage to the natural resources. NO kiddie pools/waterslides or hoses at the shelter. If you have questions, please contact the park (301-743-7613).