ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 6, 2025 — Maryland’s Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, and North Point State Parks will require advance day-use reservations starting June 12, 2025, for the Juneteenth holiday on June 19 and all weekends and holidays through Labor Day. The Maryland Park Service introduced the system to curb overcrowding and traffic congestion, building on its success at Greenbrier and Sandy Point State Parks since Memorial Day. Visitors can secure reservations up to seven days in advance via parkdayuse.maryland.gov.
The new policy eliminates same-day drive-up access on peak days, requiring all visitors to book online. Reservations can be modified or canceled until 8 a.m. the day prior to the visit. Day-use fees are paid at booking through credit, debit, or other online payment methods. Those with Maryland Annual Park Passes, Golden Age Passes, or free-entry eligibility—such as veterans or individuals with disabilities—must verify their status upon arrival. Park staff may adjust fees if the number of visitors exceeds the reservation.
Surging attendance prompted the change. Maryland State Parks saw annual visits climb from 10.8 million between 2010 and 2019 to 18.7 million from 2020 through 2024, with waterfront parks like Point Lookout facing intense demand. This led to frequent capacity closures, long entry lines, and traffic disruptions on nearby roads. The reservation system guarantees space for visitors, reducing closures and enhancing planning. Additional information is available at Maryland State Parks’ website.
The initiative prioritizes visitor experience during high-demand periods, particularly at parks with swimming areas. By mandating reservations, the Maryland Park Service aims to ensure smoother operations and fewer turnaways, benefiting both locals and tourists through September 1, 2025.
