Fort Frederick State Park RV & Campground Guide
Maryland
- Home
- State Parks
- Maryland
- Fort Frederick State Park
Fort Frederick State Park is located in Maryland, just south of the town of Big Pool on the Potomac River. The fully restored fort was constructed during the French and Indian War and then used during the American Revolutionary War and Civil War. Both the Chesapeake and Ohio canals run through the park’s 287 acres, adding to the park’s appeal. The restored fort, complete with a stone wall and two barracks, is open to the public. Guests can learn more about the area’s history at the Visitor Center and the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
Spring 31 - 75 F
Summer 60 - 87 F
Fall 34 - 79 F
Winter 27 - 45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Frederick State Park
The Fort Frederick State Park Campground offers 29 spacious campsites for self-contained RVs up to 50 feet in length. There are no hookups available, but potable water and a dump station are found within one mile of the campground. No water spigots are in the campground, so come prepared. Portable toilets are available from May through October.
Generators are allowed during the day, but they must be turned off during the night out of respect for the other campers. You’ll find convenient amenities at each campsite like lantern posts, picnic tables, and fire rings. You’ll have to buy your firewood from the Sutler Shop since you are not allowed to bring firewood into the park or gather it from the land.
What to Do at
Fort Frederick State Park
History buffs will find plenty to do at Fort Frederick State Park with the fort and museums waiting to be explored. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the Potomac River. On land, hiking and picnicking are always popular activities.
Bird watching is exciting in Fort Frederick State Park with several species taking up residency here or passing through during the migration season. Hunting is also permitted within the park.
Fishing
Anglers will love Big Pool Lake where catches include carp, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Bank fishing can be enjoyed at the Beaver Pond. This is a wonderful spot for children to learn about fishing. Species here include bass, crappie, and catfish. You can also fish for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and muskellunge in the Potomac River. A valid fishing license is required for all of these spots.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun scavenger hunt game that Fort Frederick State Park participates in. To try your hand at it you’ll need a GPS device. Once you find the cache, you’re asked to leave it as you found it so that others can enjoy the fun, too.
Stargazing
Fort Frederick State Park occasionally hosts astronomy programs and stargazing events. The low level of light pollution and the rural setting create a dark sky that’s ideal for viewing the stars and constellations.
Flora and Fauna
Fort Frederick State Park encompasses a diverse forest. It includes ash trees and a stand of poplar trees that were planted from 1925 to 1942. Maryland’s state bird, the Baltimore oriole, calls Fort Fredrick State Park home along with several other species. Migrating birds such as the warbler can be seen each spring and fall. Winter waterfowl like wood ducks, mergansers, and lesser scaup can be seen during the colder months. On land, you’re likely to encounter white-tailed deer, turkeys, and beavers as you explore the park.
Hiking
Fort Frederick State Park has two of its own hiking trails and shares more with C & O Canal National Park. The short 0.3-mile Beaver Trail circles the campground and allows visitors to explore the wetlands and local wildlife. The 1-mile Potomac Trail and the 1.1-mile Plantation Trail take you through the forest.
Boating
Fort Fredrick State Park has several bodies of water that are perfect for boating. The Potomac River is located at the southern edge of the park. It can be accessed by following the footpath across from the Beaver Pond parking lot. This path is easy to navigate while carrying a canoe or kayak. Big Pool Lake does not allow motor boats, but it has a boat ramp for easy canoe access.
Swimming
Fort Fredrick State Park offers guests a designated swimming area. You can also enjoy wading or walking along the Potomac River’s shores.
Biking
One of Maryland’s best biking trails goes through Fort Frederick State Park. The 43.7-mile Western Maryland Rail Trail is highly rated among bicyclists and is also ideal for inline skating.
How to Get to
Fort Frederick State Park
When coming from the town of Big Pool, Maryland, head southeast on MD-56 East toward the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Turn right on Fort Frederick Road. The park entrance will be on your right.
Entering Fort Frederick State Park
Roads that lead into Fort Frederick State Park are easy to navigate and are wide enough to accommodate large RVs. There are parking lots by the fort, the Big Pool boat ramp, the trailhead, and the picnic shelter. Be sure to check the forecast before your visit. The park may close due to flooding during inclement weather.
Daily (Maryland Residents) : $3.0
Daily (Non-residents) : $5.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Frederick State Park
The park is open year-round, but spring and fall are the best time to visit due to the mild temperatures. Fall has the added bonus of beautiful fall foliage.
Wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and beavers can be found in Fort Frederick State Park. Bird watchers will appreciate the many bird species, including waterfowl and migrating birds.
The Fort Frederick State Park Campground has 29 campsites available for RVs. While there are no hookups, they do have potable water and a dump station nearby.
Yes, you’ll need to reserve your Fort Frederick State Park campsite before arriving. Sites are $15 per night.
Pets are allowed in all day-use areas except the actual fort. You’ll need to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.