You May Need A Reservation For MD State Parks This Summer

If you’re used to spontaneously visiting a Maryland State Park to beat the summer heat, you’ll need to adjust your plans this season.

Starting May 19, the Maryland Park Service is rolling out a new Day-Use Reservation System, beginning with Greenbrier State Park and Sandy Point State Park.

Under this new system, visitors will be required to reserve day-use passes in advance during peak times, specifically, weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

“Our goal is to make parks more welcoming and accessible to everyone,” said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw. “By encouraging visitors to plan ahead, we’re helping families enjoy their time outdoors with less stress and more confidence.”

Key changes include:

• No same-day drive-up access will be allowed on peak days.
• Reservations and payments must be made online, beginning May 19.
• Visitors can edit or cancel reservations until 8 a.m. the day before their visit.
• Upon booking, guests will receive a QR code for park entry.
• Discounts will still apply for Maryland Park Pass holders, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Later this summer, the reservation system will expand to include Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, and North Point State Parks. Launch dates for those parks will be announced soon.

Planning A Trip to A Maryland State Park? You May Need A Reservation This Summer  was originally published on r1wolbbaltimore.staging.go.ione.nyc