Contact: 301-271-7574
E-mail Cunningham Falls State Park
Frederick County
Cunningham Falls State Park
14039 Catoctin Hollow Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
Hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset, April-October
10 a.m. to Sunset, November-March
ALERT:
Cunningham Falls State Park day-use areas, including trails & playgrounds are open. South Beach is at reduced capacity due to construction. Swimming is permitted at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty from May 23rd through Labor Day. Pets are not permitted on sandy beaches or in the lake during this time period. Fishing is permitted outside of the swim areas beyond the marker buoys. There is no fishing allowed in the stream channel between North and South Beaches. The Aviary and Visitor Center in the Manor Area is closed at this time.
The William Houck Campground is open as of May 29. Reservations are strongly recommended. Please check in at the camp office. Click here to make your reservation. Firewood and ice are for sale at the camp office.
The Manor Area Campground is open as of May 29. Reservations are strongly recommended. Please check in at the Registration shed at the entrance of the campground. Firewood is for sale for $5 per bundle. To limit exposure of park staff, exact change is preferred. Click here to make your reservation.
Please Note: Visitors are encouraged to maintain social distancing guidelines and recreate in groups of 10 or less. Visitors are also encouraged to wear masks to protect other visitors and park staff, though they are not required for outdoor activities.
Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. It is divided into two separate but unique areas. The William Houck Area, located three miles west of Thurmont on Route 77, has the lake area, falls and camping area. The Manor Area off Route 15, three miles south of Thurmont, has the Scales and Tales Aviary, camping and the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace. Leisure opportunities include swimming, hiking, fishing and canoeing. Campsites and camper cabins are available from April through October.
The snack bar at the lake at Cunningham Falls State Park is currently closed until further notice due, in part, to ongoing construction. We hope to reopen later in the summer but, in the meantime, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and snacks into the park.