The good news is that visitors are flocking to Maryland State Parks. The bad news is that sometimes certain parks run out of parking spaces on weekends and holidays. The result? Weekend and holiday reservations are now required at several Maryland state parks, including Sandy Point, Greenbrier, Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, and North Point State Parks. The reservation system started Memorial Day with Sandy Point and Greenbrier State Parks and expanded to the other three this week, starting with the Juneteenth holiday on June 19.
The Maryland Park Service’s new day pass reservation system requires all visitors to these parks to reserve their day-use passes in advance during peak times, to reduce overcrowding, limit traffic backups at park entrances, reduce the frequency of capacity closures, and ensure that every visitor knows they have a space before arriving.
Park visitation has surged since 2020—nearly doubling in some locations—and with a limited number of parking spaces at individual parks, during weekends in peak season some parks need to be closed to new visitors. Unfortunately, sometimes cars that have been in line for hours are turned away at the entrance.
Reservations must be made online and can be made starting seven days in advance of a visit. Reservations may be edited or canceled until 8 a.m. the day before the visit. Once you have a reservation, park guests may check in with a QR code when they arrive (and park pass, if applicable).
Regular day-use fees will be paid at the time of reservation using credit or debit cards or other online payment methods. Visitors with Maryland Annual Park Passes, Golden Age Passes, or who qualify for free entry as veterans or individuals with disabilities will have their status verified upon entry to the park. Park staff may also adjust and require additional payment based on the actual number of visitors who arrive.
Remember, advance reservations are mandatory on weekends and holidays through Labor Day— no same-day drive-up access will be allowed. To make a reservation, visit parkdayuse.maryland.gov.