Caledonia State Park

Caledonia State Park sits on 1,125 acres of land nestled within the South Mountains for you to explore and enjoy! To start, there are 10 miles of hiking trails of all levels of difficulty for families to try out. Need to cool off? Take a dip in the swimming pool which also has a waterslide and a small snack bar; visit after 4 p.m. to receive a discount! If you’re not ready to go home yet, end your day with camping or make a reservation at Caledonia Lodge which has a kitchen, one and a half baths, and sleeps 10 people!

Colonel Denning State Park

Start your day in nature with four hiking trails that vary from easiest to most difficult. After hiking, take it easy by spending time at the sand beach that is open from 8 a.m. through sunset. Make sure to bring your cameras for a picture perfect sunset in the midst of the forest! There are 49 sites for trailers and campers to call home for a weekend, with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and warm showers included. The park allows non-powered boats, canoes and kayaks, and you can fish for trout in Doubling Gap Lake.

Cowans Gap State Park

Cowans Gap State Park is a place that will provide family and friends with memories that will last a lifetime! The park sits on 1,085 acres of land with the lake being 42 acres for all to swim, fish, and boat (electric only). You can also rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, paddle boards, and boats. Outside of water activities visitors can camp, hike, sunbathe on the beach and even ride horses. Visit the concession stand for lunch or if you’re staying overnight, check out the camp store for necessities.

Greenbrier State Park

Spend a weekend at Greenbrier State Park for a peaceful getaway from the world. You can even bring your furry friends, but they are only allowed in some areas, so check out the regulations before you go! There is a 42-acre freshwater lake stocked with trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Electric trolling motors are permitted, or you can rent rowboats and paddle boats. You and your family can also enjoy 11 miles of hiking trails which range from moderate to strenuous, wildlife habitats, and geological history.

South Mountain State Park

With 13,000 acres of forest to explore, South Mountain State Park is the place to visit if you’re looking to become one with nature. The park itself is only 40 miles long, but if you have the time, trek through it all! There is an abundance of geological, natural, and historic experiences for visitors to see and learn about. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, black bears, meadow voles, whitetail deer, raccoons, rat snakes, and opossums.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Check out this state park for all of your summer and even winter activities! Pine Grove is a 696-acre park located on the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains with 10 hiking trails weaving throughout. Stop at Laurel Beach if you want a day of rest and relaxation; swimming is allowed as well as electric boats! In the cooler months, you can visit this park for cross country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling! 

Cunningham Falls State Park

Looking for a day surrounded by nature? Cunningham Falls is the spot for you! With captivating views of the cascading waterfall, visitors can have a picture-perfect day at the Falls. You can also swim at Hunting Creek Lake and relax on the sand beach. Pets are not permitted on the beach, but you can take them on your hike to the Falls. Camp out at William Houck and Manor Area or check out Maryland’s Operation Campout program for military families new to camping!