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Maryland, nicknamed "America in Miniature" for its vast diversity in landscape and ecosystem, really does have an outdoor recreation activity for everyone! Check out all the regions and read below for ideas on how to get #OutdoorsInAll4Seasons.
A drive across the bay bridge brings you to the land of beautiful sunrises over the ocean and bay tributaries and amazing water trails.
These seven counties encompass the majority of our state parks and balance between outdoor spaces and thriving city centers.
Gorgeous waterland scenery can be found in southern Maryland, which is known for its vast landscapes and swimming opportunities.
The western part of Maryland hosts majestic mountains and gorgeous valleys through which people climb, hike and bike throughout the year.
Spring, Winter, Fall, Summer The feeling of water splashing onto your skin as the bow of your ship divides the waves is astounding. Boating is a popular recreational activity in Maryland and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the water while staying dry.
Where can I launch my boat? Check out our boating launch guide for some great locations!
What can I do to keep myself safe? If you venture out, remember these personal watercraft safety tips and boating safety tips to have a great trip!
What else should I know before I go? Remember to get your boater registration!
I’m feeling adventurous… Try waterskiing in some of our designated boating waterski areas during your time onboard! Check out our boating website for more information.
Spring, Fall, WinterCome spend the night, weekend, or entire week in the outdoors enjoying the beautiful dawn, s’mores for dinner and sky-filled sky! This is the perfect activity for the entire year.
Where can I camp? Find a full list of available locations in camping reservations and state parks map with amenities.
Going frequently? Consider a state parks pass!
Other questions? Check out the frequently asked questions and our state park regulations. Check out our forestry and state parks websites for more information.
Spring, Summer, Fall There are few feelings that match the wonder of gliding across the surface of a glassy lake or pond in your canoe or kayak! Kayaking and canoeing are fun, environmentally-friendly ways to spend time on the water without committing to fully immersing yourself in water.
Where can I kayak? Try one of our amazing water trails or check out these great locations in our state parks!
What can I do to keep myself safe? When heading out, remember these safety tips.
I’m feeling adventurous… While you’re on the water, why not bring in another activity to try kayak fishing!
Check out our boating and state parks websites for more information.
Summer, Fall Catching your first fish is a memory of a lifetime- from baiting the hook and casting it in the water to concentrating on the line and reeling it in, the experience is one to treasure.
Where can I fish? Come make fun memories in one of Maryland’s many fishing locations.
When can I fish? You are welcome to fish any time of year, though the typical angler season on the Chesapeake Bay typically runs from late July to the end of November.
What else should I know before I go? Remember to check the fishing regulations and make sure to get your fishing license before heading out! Fishing licenses are not needed the first two Saturdays in June.
Any additional resources? Check out our Fishing Report! Check out our fishing and state parks websites for more information.
Spring, Fall, WinterFrom a paved stroll through the forest to a heart-racing trek up a steep incline, Maryland has a trail for everyone. With varying levels of accessibility and difficulty, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to recreate on Maryland’s trails. Check out our Accessibility Statement.
Where can I go? On many of our forest lands and state parks (check out our new state parks and their amenities resource).
Where can I get a map? Check out this map on our website or on the Department of Natural Resources app (for Apple and Android)!
What else should I know before I go? To hike and bike safely, and check out these tips to stay safe on trails and read over our state parks regulations. Check out our forestry and state parks websites for more information.
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Bond with your horse and enjoy the outdoors by exploring one of Maryland's trail rides! Found around the state, they are a place to connect with nature while on horseback. See you on the trail and have a good ride!
Where can I trail? There are plenty of horseback riding trails in Maryland! Check out this pamphlet with a great overview. Additionally, here are some of the trail rides on state parks and state forests.
Can I camp with my horse? Yes! Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area has an equestrian camping area.
Where and how can I start riding? Check out this great list of Top Places to Go Horseback Riding and Horse Discovery Centers.
Fall, Winter, Spring, Winter A strong tradition and cultural marker of some parts of Maryland, hunting has a place in outdoor recreation on our state lands.
Where can I hunt? Hunting is available in natural recreation spaces throughout the state- see a list of counties here!
What are the regulations? Read over the 2024 Hunting & Trapping guide.
How can I learn to hunt? Are there hunter events? Yes! Learn more about Learn to Hunt and many events as well as the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program.
Are there additional resources? Check out Fish & Hunt MD!
What else should I know before I go? Remember to get your hunting license. Check out our hunting website or more information.
Spring, Summer Want to cool off in the heat of Spring and Summer? Take a dip in the bay or one of Maryland’s many human-made lakes! Swimming is a great way to exercise, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors.
Where can you swim? In any of these state parks!
What else should I know before I go? Read over the regulations before you go. If you’re planning on being a frequent visitor, also consider a state parks pass! Check out our state parks website for more information.
Outdoor recreation is unique in its broad reach- check out these amazing resources put together by Maryland Tourism!
Learn more on the Maryland Department of Tourism.
You can find and explore other public recreation areas on Kent County’s Parks & Recreation website!
Links
Eastern Kent: https://www.kentparksandrec.org/ Queen Anne’s: https://www.qac.org/1553/Parks-Recreation Caroline: https://www.carolinemd.org/639/Recreation-Parks Dorchester: https://www.dorchesterrecreation.org/ Somerset: https://somersetmd.myrec.com/info/default.aspx Worcester: https://worcesterrecandparks.org/parks
Central Queen Anne’s County: https://www.qac.org/1553/Parks-Recreation Carroll: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/recreation-parks/ Cecil: https://cecilrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home Harford: https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/225/Parks-Recreation Montgomery: https://montgomeryparks.org/
Southern Anne Arundel: https://www.aacounty.org/recreation-parks Prince George’s: https://www.pgparks.com/ Calvert: https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/115/Parks-Recreation Charles: https://www.charlescountyparks.com/ St. Mary’s: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate/
Western Frederick: https://www.recreater.com/ Garrett: You can find and explore other public recreation areas on the Visit Deep Creek website! Washington: https://www.washco-md.net/public-works/parks-and-recreation/ Allegany: https://www.mdmountainside.com/outdoors/parks-and-forests/
Multiple Counties
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park - Talbot/Dorchester CountiesChesapeake State Forests - Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester CountiesPocomoke State Forest - Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester CountiesTuckahoe State Park - Caroline & Queen Anne’s Counties
Maryland state parks have a series of events that encompass various types of outdoor recreation!
No matter how you recreate outdoors, always practice leave no trace principles!
Fishing and Boating Service Forest ServicePark ServiceWildlife & Heritage ServicesChesapeake & Coastal Service
Forest Bathing with the First Lady Outdoor Equity Grants 2024 Inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit Ice Cream Trail
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