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Gambrill State Park

3.9 (23 reviews)

Gambrill State Park Photos

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Pat G.

Easy to get to from DC. Reasonable prices ($25 for non-MD residents on the weekend) and good plots with some privacy. The on-site ninja was very helpful although it was a bit of a challenge to figure out how to pay since there were two or three signs on the way in that had conflicting information. You need to drive into the middle of the camp site where the bathhouse is (not to be confused with the bathroom when you first get into the campsite) to pay. The bath house is well kept and clean and has two hot showers, which was nice. There are plenty of local hikes and and overlook that has pretty fantastic views. Good weekend trip.

Neat little rock cliff while walking a trail. We later used it as a backdrop
Loren C.

I went on a Sunday (10/2020 - post COVID) and the parking lots weren't crowded, though not desolate either. I recommend having your mask handy if you decide to walk a trail. The paths are def not 6" apart for passing people but anyone we did pas was very polite and courteous. My fam & I walked one trail (not sure of color) and spent a lot of time at the "overlook" as I call it. Overall it was quality time for my family that didn't consist of 4 walls.

Meagan P.

Gambrill has some excellent hiking trails with various intensities. The black trail is the most difficult (3.3 miles) and is usually my trail of choice because it has an equal mix of uphill treks and flat terrain. If you are looking for length rather than intensity, give the Yellow trail a try (~ 7 miles). The scenery is beautiful for all trails, but make sure to check which trails will lead to the Middletown and Frederick overlooks if you are seeking a view of the city. The trails are clearly marked and easy to follow. Most trails, with the exception of the Catoctin trail, loop back to the parking area.

Park entrance--to hike go to the right!
U. U.

This is a nice little getaway from the hustle and bustle of The District. Just a little over an hour away, you will find this nature oasis and it's a great place for a nice hike. We actually did a combination of a few trails (Catoctin,Yellow Poplar/Red Maple) to complete approximately a 7.4-mile loop. It was challenging with some elevation, but not overly strenuous. The paths are marked very well so you will not have trouble navigating. They also have lots of posts and descriptions of the trees you will see along the hiking paths. The paths are also VERY well-maintained. They are rocky though, so you definitely need some good hiking boots or you will not enjoy walking along some of the paths. The views are really beautiful of Catoctin Mountain -- I suppose in the wintertime. By late May, there's too many bloomed trees and shrubbery to see much of the mountain, but I did catch a glimpse of it. The best part of this park is that it wasn't crowded at all. In fact, even on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in May, we were virtually the only ones on our path with the exception of a handful of other hikers going the opposite direction and some mountain bikers. Otherwise, we really had the place to ourselves and it was peaceful and nice. Just what the doctor ordered and a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Recommended.

Hope these pics help you get a feel for the place!!
Katie B.

A lovely park in the mountains of Frederick. So easily accessible from Baltimore and DC. We got married at the historic Tea Room at Gambrill State Park. Check it out - the views alone are worth the drive!

Dog friendly!
Marivel S.

Stayed here for two weekends over the past month and truly enjoyed my stay. Camp site was quiet, clean, and facilities were super close. Downtown Frederick is really close so when we needed to buy something we ran out of...or when my dogs destroyed our tent and we needed to buy an emergency tent, we were minutes away from civilization. Lucky me! From what I could see, every site had a picnic bench and fire pit with a grill. There are some grills toward the entrance of the camp site too.

From the mountaintop.  Stunning...
Kenny D.

I visited last Labor Day. Haven't been there in 3 years and was reminded how much I missed Frederick (lived there for 4 years). It's a nice upward drive to the top, but an exciting view after sunrise and before sunset. You definitely have to check this place out.

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7 years ago

This is a family friendly place not a lot of wild animals pretty clean.

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8 years ago

The hikes are great different trails from short to adventurous! Just down right beautiful!

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10 years ago

Great wilderness great Mt. Bike area. So beautiful and well marked trails through woods and along streams.

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Review Highlights - Gambrill State Park

My fam & I walked one trail (not sure of color) and spent a lot of time at the "overlook" as I call it.

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Greenbrier State Park - Campsite BBQ pit

Greenbrier State Park

(71 reviews)

This is a huge park, great for camping, hiking, walking, beach relaxing and more…read more Be aware: constructions are currently going on at different places of the park including the main entrance. After the constructions are completed, the park will start to request campers or day visitors to make reservations online during holidays and weekends visitors. Atmosphere: it's a large park filled with nature's love, trees, water, birds, logs, dirt paths, bugs, wildlife, fresh air and tables benches roads for visitors. Service: staff in the visitors' center are friendly and knowledgeable. Value: you cannot put a price tag on your love of nature and experience of outdoors. Parking: there is no issue to find parkings inside the park, just depending on how far you are willing to walk. Beautiful park, highly recommend.

Visited Greenbrier State Park this summer and had plenty of fun in the sun! My family and I went on…read morea weekday and it was fairly busy (but of course I can't imagine how much busier it would be on weekends, let alone holiday weekends). I think families with young kids (or even new swimmers) really appreciate the "beach" area because the water level doesn't exceed 5.5 feet (swimming vests are encouraged). There are life guards present as well. There are spacious bathrooms available for use a short walk up from the water and have changing rooms in addition to shower areas as well. The bathrooms were clean as well as the changing rooms, but there was a lot of standing water in areas. I'd definitely recommend walking carefully. Bring a picnic and come early if you plan on getting a grill. Those were all taken even on the weekday we went. Costs Day-use Admission Fees: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day- $5/person After Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend - $5/vehicle https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/oc.aspx

Gambrill State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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