ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 7, 2025 — The Maryland Park Service will implement a new Day-Use Reservation System starting May 19 at Greenbrier State Park and Sandy Point State Park to manage overcrowding and reduce park closures. Visitors must reserve day-use passes online in advance during peak times, ensuring access and minimizing traffic backups at park entrances.
The system requires reservations for weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with no same-day drive-up access permitted. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance via the Maryland State Parks website. Visitors will check in using a QR code, and regular day-use fees are paid online at booking. Maryland Park Pass holders, veterans, and individuals with disabilities can validate discounts at check-in, with staff adjusting fees based on party size.
“The goal of this new day use reservation system is making our parks more welcoming and accessible to all,” said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw. “By allowing visitors to plan ahead, we’re helping families make the most of their time outdoors — with less stress and more confidence that they’ll have a great day in our state parks.”
The initiative addresses a surge in park visitation since the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2010 to 2019, Maryland state parks averaged 10.8 million visitors annually, increasing to 18.7 million per year from 2020 to 2024. Parks with swimming access, such as those on lakes, the Chesapeake Bay, or ocean, have faced frequent capacity closures, causing traffic congestion and visitor disappointment. The reservation system aims to ensure access and reduce these issues.
Reservations can be edited or canceled until 8 a.m. the day before the visit. The system will expand later this summer to Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, and North Point State Parks, with launch dates to be announced. The Maryland Park Service expects the system to streamline entry and enhance visitor experiences.
The rise in park usage reflects a broader trend of increased outdoor recreation post-pandemic. State parks have seen significant strain, particularly at high-demand locations. Greenbrier and Sandy Point, popular for their recreational facilities, are the first to adopt this system due to their high visitation rates. The Maryland Park Service plans to monitor the system’s effectiveness before further expansion.
This initiative follows similar efforts in other states to manage park capacity through reservations. By requiring pre-planning, the system ensures visitors can enjoy Maryland’s natural resources without the uncertainty of closures or long waits. The Maryland Park Service encourages visitors to book early, especially for holiday weekends, to secure their spot.
