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
2020 Park, Camping and Building Hours
ALERT: 6-19-2020 – Fort Frederick State Park remains OPEN during the
Governor’s Safer at Home public health advisory to allow for outdoor recreation. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reaffirming the need for members of the public who engage in outdoor recreation to follow all guidelines in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department website includes a guide to social distancing and safe outdoor activity.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/COVID-19-Personal-Spacing-at-Parks.aspx
The safety and well-being of our staff and visitors to Maryland State Parks is our top priority and we take that responsibility very seriously. With that in mind, Maryland State Parks, campgrounds, picnic areas, shelters and trails are open at this time; however, staff will be taking extra safety precautions to mitigate the risk of contact with the COVID-19 virus. This includes the implementation of enhanced cleaning protocols at all of the parks’ restrooms. All other State Park buildings are closed to the public. All planned daily programming, and special events are cancelled through the end of July. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust operations as events warrant. This
website will be updated as new information becomes available.
For the Department of Natural Resources Issued Guidance on Governor Hogan’s
Stay at Home Order please visit: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/05/06/frequently-asked-questions-about-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/
Fort Barracks Restoration Closure
The reconstructed barracks at Fort Frederick will undergo much needed restoration work from June 8, 2020 to August 31, 2020. There will be limited access to the fort grounds and all historical programming inside the fort is cancelled. During the closure you can take a virtual tour of the barracks at https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/FFSP_Virtual%20Tour.pdf
New Self Guided Activities!
Since you can’t come visit the historic fort right now, 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 2020 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!
The centerpiece of the Fort Frederick State Park is a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. Built in 1756, the fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. Historic exhibits are in the fort, barracks, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum and visitor center. The fort barracks are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall, when staff and volunteers dress in period clothing and occupy the fort, demonstrating daily life in the 18th century. The 585-acre park borders the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal passes through the park. The park also features a boat launch, campsites, camp store, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trails, a playground, a picnic area and large pavilion. Group tours are available seasonally.