Winter Activities in Western Maryland State Parks

New Germany and Herrington Manor State Parks in Garrett County offer a quiet getaway to relax, unwind and enjoy a winter weekend. When snow conditions are right, New Germany State Park staff groom and track the trails for a first class skiing experience. The trails offer a challenge for skiers of all abilities, with a flat open “turnpike” for beginners, and winding hillside trails for more experienced skiers. You can hike or snowshoe the trails if you prefer, or bring your own sled and ask a park ranger about great family sledding locations.

Cross country skiers will also enjoy the 10 miles of beginner to intermediate level trails at Herrington Manor State Park. There is also a 5.5 mile trail that runs between Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls State Parks. The park trails are track-set when conditions allow.

New Germany and Herrington Manor State Parks offer full-service cabins so you can spend the weekend hiking, skiing, or just relaxing by a cozy warm fire in the comfort of your cabin. Travel time to New Germany and Herrington Manor is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours from the Baltimore area. Both parks offer a ski report update on their web pages, so make sure to check conditions and call the park before heading to Western Maryland. Cabin, camping and picnic shelter reservations for Maryland State Parks are available through our reservation service at: http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us

Fall and Winter Camping Adventures in Maryland State Parks
and State Forests

Many people enjoy the cooler temperatures, fall colors and increased solitude of camping in State Parks during the fall and even winter months. The onset of hunting season draws many sportsmen and women into the campgrounds. Photographers enjoy the improved lighting provided by a sun passing lower in the sky and birders and wildlife watchers take advantage of seeing new animals migrating through the area.

In response to a growing interest in fall and winter camping, the Service offers camping opportunities at many State Parks. The following summary provides a description of overnight get-aways that appeal to a wide range of visitors, from those seeking a warm cabin or hot shower after a brisk day of exploring to the most adventurous souls pitching a tent in the snow.

Creature Comforts – Cabins and Cottages

Maryland State Parks offer cozy, full-service, heated cabins and cottages with woodstoves and fireplaces year-round. Unless otherwise noted, the following State Parks have cabins and cottages that can be reserved in advance on the State Park reservation website at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us or by calling 888-432-2267 or by calling the State Park:

Eastern Shore

• Janes Island State Park (Four cabins and the Daugherty Creek Conference Center)
• Martinak State Park (one cabin)

Western Maryland

• Herrington Manor State Park (20 cabins)
• New Germany State Park (11 cabins)
• Rocky Gap State Park (Chalet; must reserve by calling the State Park at 301-722-1480)

Baltimore Area

• Gunpowder Falls State Park (Mill Pond Cottage; must reserve by calling the State Park at 410-592-2897)

Full-service Camping Opportunities – Hot showers included

Most State Park campgrounds close by the end of October due to unheated bathroom and shower facilities that need to be winterized for protection from freezing temperatures. Several Maryland State Parks, however, have heated bathhouses and therefore can offer year-round or an extended season for camping and camper cabins as follows:

Eastern Shore

• Pocomoke River State Park (Shad Landing Area) (year-round)
• Elk Neck State Park (year-round)

These State Park campgrounds include access to electric sites and heated bathhouses with hot showers. Year-round campground loops are plowed during snow events. Reservations are accepted in advance at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us or by calling 888-432-2267 or by calling the State Park.

Fall and Winter RV Camping (no bathroom facilities)

Many State Parks offer fall and winter primitive RV camping opportunities in scenic settings. Primitive camping means that no bathroom or shower facilities are provided. Therefore, campers must be traveling in self-contained recreational vehicles only. Tent camping is not allowed in these developed campgrounds when toilet facilities are unavailable. It is important to note that primitive camping access to these State Park campgrounds is weather and snow dependent. These campgrounds are not plowed and therefore will not be available if snow or ice is impassable. When weather conditions are favorable, fall and winter RV camping options include:

Eastern Shore

• Assateague State Park (campground parking area only; no electric)
• Janes Island State Park (electric sites available)
• Martinak State Park (electric sites available)

Southern Maryland

• Cedarville State Forest (no electric sites available)
• Point Lookout State Park (year-round)

Western Maryland

• Cunningham Falls State Park, Manor Area (electric sites available)
• Fort Frederick State Park (no electric sites available)
• Rocky Gap State Park (electric sites available)
• Swallow Falls State Park ( three electric sites available - closes after hunting season on December 11th)

Primitive RV camping outside of the normal operating season is provided on a first-come, first-served basis only. No reservations are accepted for most campgrounds after October 31. Due to reduced services during the winter months, campsite fees are also reduced by 50 percent. Some privately operated campgrounds in Maryland also offer cool weather camping and cabins either year-round or into the month of December. You can find information about private campground services on the Maryland Association of Campgrounds website: www.mdcamping.com.

Primitive Tent Camping Options

The most adventurous campers who enjoy the challenge of primitive camping in the woods during colder months in a tent are encouraged to visit the following Maryland State Forests and Parks located in Western Maryland:

• South Mountain Recreation Area, Appalachian Trail
• Big Run State Park (vault toilets provided on site; hot shower facilities are available at nearby New Germany State Park Lake House)
• Potomac State Forest
• Garrett State Forest
• Greenridge State Forest
• Savage River State Forest

Unless otherwise indicated, primitive camping in designated State Forests and State Parks does not include toilet or shower facilities. Campsites are available as self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis, year-round.

DNR Dedicates Statue To Honor The Civilian Conservation Corps

Former Maryland Governor Harry Hughes, the Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin and Maryland Park Service (MPS) recently dedicated the State's first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Worker statue at Gambrill State Park. The bronze statue recognizes CCC’s monumental contributions to the conservation and improvement of Maryland's public lands and natural resources.

"The Civilian Conservation Corps signifies that our State is growing in smarter, greener ways and showcases the hard work these Marylanders put into restoring and building many of our State Parks and Forests," said Governor Martin O’Malley. "I am proud to honor them through this memorial and stewardship programs that continue their legacy."

The dedication also fulfills a dream of Chapter 113 (Maryland Free State) of the former National Association of CC Alumni, now called the National Association of CCC Legacy. The Maryland Free State chapter was established in 1984 by former Maryland CCC members and their families. One of the chapter’s chief purposes has been to raise private donations and advocacy for the creation of the statue memorial in Maryland.

"Click here" to read the full press release.

Maryland Partners with the North Face for Explore Your Parks Program

The Maryland Park Service (MPS) has partnered with The North Face company for its annual Explore Your Parks program that encourages families to get outdoors and enjoy State Parks across the country.

"We're proud to have The North Face as a partner as we encourage everyone to have a more active, healthy lifestyle, all the while creating stronger connections between people and the outdoors," said MPS Superintendent Nita Settina. "Maryland's State Parks provide endless opportunities for kids and their families to be active and connect with nature – hiking, climbing, running, biking, volunteering, camping, playing sports, paddling and everything else their imagination allows."

As part of the program, Marylanders can receive a free day-pass to one of five participating Maryland State Parks with the purchase of The North Face products at local retailers. The stores will also carry free activity guides that provide information on things to do at the parks. Participating in Maryland are Gambrill, Greenbrier, Patapsco Valley, Sandy Point and Seneca Creek State Parks.

Learn more about the North Face Explore Your Parks Program on this website.