Maryland · 27 sites

National parks, monuments & historic sites in Maryland

Maryland is home to 27 sites managed by the National Park Service. Beyond the big-name parks you'll find 1 national monument and 12 historic sites that most visitors overlook — and that's where some of the best trips hide. Every listing below pulls real, current hours, entrance fees, alerts, and reservation requirements straight from the National Park Service, paired with honest planning notes so you can decide what's actually worth your time.

27

Total NPS sites

0

National Parks

1

National Monuments

12

Historic sites

National Monuments in Maryland

National Monuments protect a single landmark, landscape, or archaeological feature. Maryland has 1 — usually cheaper, quieter, and faster to visit than a full park.

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

National Monument and Historic Shrine · MD

Historic Sites & Memorials in Maryland

Battlefields, memorials, and places where American history happened. Most are free, take a few hours, and reward visitors who do a little reading first.

The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

National Historical Park · DC, MD, WV

View of Lower Town Harpers Ferry as seen from Maryland Heights

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

National Historical Park · WV, VA, MD

Girl stands on a bridge overlooking the marshlands.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

National Historical Park · MD

luminaries placed by Maryland Monument with dramatic orange red clouds

Antietam National Battlefield

National Battlefield · MD

A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY

two and half story wooden frame house with double porch and stone corner posts.

Clara Barton National Historic Site

National Historic Site · MD

Stone Bridge Along the George Washington Memorial Parkway

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Memorial Parkway · DC, MD, VA

Hampton Mansion in the fall

Hampton National Historic Site

National Historic Site · MD

Federal style house with trees behind it during the fall season.

Monocacy National Battlefield

National Battlefield · MD

A tall ship sails on the water.

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · MD, VA, DC

5 part Mansion at Haberdeventure

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

National Historic Site · MD

Flag marking the trail

Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC

Seashores, Recreation Areas & Preserves in Maryland

Seashores, lakeshores, recreation areas, preserves, and scenic rivers — public lands built for time outside rather than a checklist visit.

Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague

Assateague Island National Seashore

National Seashore · MD, VA

Silhouette of a man with backpack standing on McAfee Knob at sunset with mountains in the distance.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail · CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV

Gladys Noon Spellman sign on the Baltimore Washington Parkway

Baltimore-Washington Parkway

Parkway · MD

sunset over a river

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail · DC, MD, PA, VA

Other Public Lands in Maryland

Additional NPS-managed sites in Maryland.

Rock formation with mountains in the background

Catoctin Mountain Park

Park · MD

A view of docks and boats in the waterside town of Cape Charles VA

Chesapeake Bay

Park · DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV

Historic Fort Davis

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Park · DC, MD, VA

A cannon in front of fall leaves

Fort Foote Park

Park · MD

Entrance way into historic Fort Washington

Fort Washington Park

Park · MD

groups of families, adults and children strolling in Glen Echo Park near Carousel Building

Glen Echo Park

Park · MD

Tent in the Greenbelt Park campground

Greenbelt Park

Park · MD

Flowers on a tree with a large brick house in the background.

Harmony Hall

Park · MD

Two brown cows graze in a field

Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm

Park · MD

Building at National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park

Piscataway Park

Park · MD

Frequently asked questions about Maryland's parks

How many national parks are in Maryland?

Maryland doesn't have a designated "National Park," but the National Park Service still manages 27 sites here — including monuments, historic sites, and memorials worth visiting.

What's the difference between a national park, monument, and historic site in Maryland?

A National Park is established by Congress to protect a large landscape with multiple resources — think Yellowstone or Acadia. A National Monument is created by presidential proclamation to protect a specific landmark or feature and is usually smaller. A National Historic Site preserves a single place tied to American history. All three are managed by the National Park Service, but they vary widely in size, fees, and what there is to do.

Which national monuments are in Maryland?

Maryland has 1 national monument: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

Are there historic sites worth visiting in Maryland?

Yes — Maryland has 12 NPS-managed historic sites, memorials, or battlefields. The most-visited include Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, Harpers Ferry, and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad. Most are free or have a low entrance fee and can be done in a half-day.

Do I need a reservation to visit parks in Maryland?

It depends on the site. A handful of marquee national parks now require timed-entry reservations during peak season, and most campgrounds book out months ahead on Recreation.gov. Monuments and historic sites almost never require reservations. Check the individual park page for the current rules before you go — we keep it synced daily.

When is the best time to visit Maryland's national parks?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) generally offer the best mix of weather, lower crowds, and full access. Summer is the busiest by far at every marquee park. Winter cuts crowds dramatically but closes roads and facilities at higher elevations.

Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it for Maryland?

If you'll visit more than three fee-charging sites in a year — anywhere in the U.S., not just Maryland — the $80 annual America the Beautiful pass pays for itself. It covers entrance fees at every NPS site and most federal recreation lands. Seniors (62+), active military, fourth-graders, and people with permanent disabilities qualify for free or discounted versions.

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