Fort Frederick State Park

Reservations

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

The centerpiece of the Fort Frederick State Park is the only stone fort built by a colony during the French and Indian War. It served as Maryland’s frontier defense during that war and as a prisoner of war camp for British soldiers captured during the American Revolution. Built in 1756, the fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. Historical exhibits telling the many stories of park are located in the fort, barracks, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum and visitor center. The fort barracks are open Thursday to Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall, when staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing occupy the fort, demonstrating daily life during the French and Indian War. Group tours are available seasonally. The 585-acre park borders the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park 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.

Self Guided Activities!

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 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! Click here to go to the Self Guided Activities for Fort Frederick State Park.

One Fort, Three Wars

The stone fort built in 1756 protected Maryland’s frontier settlers during the French and Indian War. The fort saw service during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers. During the Civil War, Union troops were often stationed near the fort to guard the C&O Canal.

In 1922, the State of Maryland acquired the fort and in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the fort walls and began development of the state park.

Click here to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps in Maryland Parks.

Throughout the year, the park features events and re-enactments that mark Fort Frederick's long and colorful history.