Maryland State Parks Facility Updates Guide

Campground and Road Closures Due to Construction

Several Maryland State Parks are experiencing campground or road access changes due to active construction and maintenance projects. At Big Run State Park, a major road closure is reshaping how campers reach their sites: Big Run Road is closed 1,000 feet north of its intersection with Savage River Road while a new bridge replaces an existing culvert. This means campers heading to sites 123–144, 60–75, the Creekside Group Campsite, and the Monroe Run Group Campsite must approach via New Germany Road, not Savage River Road. Conversely, campsites 78–89 and the Big Run Pavilion are only reachable from Savage River Road. Notably, the Monroe Run Group Campsite will lack electric service for the entire construction period. The closure is expected to last through December 2026. At Patapsco Valley State Park's Hollofield Area, the campground itself is fully closed for the 2026 season due to a planned maintenance project, though camping remains available at the park's Hilton Area. At Elk Neck State Park, construction has limited camping reservations to only the North East Loop and the Miles Loop until the project nears completion.

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Pier, Pool, and Landmark Facility Closures

A number of specific facilities within open parks are currently closed or suspended, which can significantly affect the experience of visitors who travel to those parks for those particular amenities. At St. Clement's Island State Park, public access to both the South Pier and the North Pier water taxi landing has been suspended after safety inspections identified structural concerns; only the south section of the North Pier remains available. Visitors relying on water taxi access to the island should be aware that normal pier access is not available. The Casselman River Bridge State Park is fully closed due to bridge repairs and will remain closed for the duration of that work. The Dans Mountain Pool is closed for the entire 2026 season and is not expected to reopen until summer 2027; visitors with questions are directed to contact the New Germany State Park Office at 301-895-5453.

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New Entry Systems, Reservation Requirements, and Seasonal Store Hours

Several parks have introduced new visitor-facing systems that require advance awareness to avoid inconvenience. Greenbrier State Park has installed a new electronic entry gate, active since May 1, 2026, which accepts only credit cards when the toll booth is unmanned. Visitors holding a Maryland Annual State Park and Trail Passport, a Maryland Golden Age Pass, a Maryland Universal Disability Pass, or those with military or veteran status must contact the park directly to obtain a gate pass; campers receive gate instructions at check-in. Additionally, a section of the Big Red Trail on the west side of Greenbrier Lake is temporarily closed due to dam infrastructure improvements, and the affected dam area is inaccessible for boating and fishing. At Rocks State Park, reservations are now required on weekends and holidays to visit Kilgore Falls in the Falling Branch area, booked through a new website at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. At Gunpowder Falls State Park's Hammerman Area, the Dundee Creek Marina Store is closed for the season, and visitors are advised to purchase supplies before arriving, though boat launches remain available. At the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, the museum store currently operates only Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

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