How Do I Register?
Registration opens May 14, 2012. To register for Park Quest, follow the instructions on the DNR Park Quest Internet site. Follow the prompts and complete the required team information, Liability Waiver and Photo Waiver.
After you complete the registration procedures, you will receive a packet of Park Quest information in the mail containing your Park Quest Passport.
Questions may be directed to:
Barbara Knisely
Maryland Park Service
E-mail: bknisely@dnr.state.md.us
Phone: 410-260-8169 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
What Do I Do If I (or friends) Don't Have Internet Access?
Registration information can be obtained by contacting the Maryland Park Service at 410-260-8186 or toll-free at 800-830-3974, between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
How Much Does It Cost?
Park Quest is absolutely free to participants. The Maryland Park Service wants participants to come explore our extraordinary parks across the state as part of Park Quest.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Parks?
All day-use service charges are waived for the day that teams are at a park to complete the Quest. Please remember to bring your Park Quest Passport with you to gain entry into the participating parks.
Can We Camp For Free?
Participants who are camping will need to pay for their overnight accommodations when staying in the campgrounds or cabins. State Park camping reservations can be made through this website.
Who Can Be On A Team?
Park Quest is designed to get teams out to explore and enjoy Maryland State Parks. As such, a team consists of at least one adult and one minor 16 years old or younger. There is a limit of 10 persons per team.
What Will We Have To Do And When?
Park Quest officially begins on May 26th and ends on September 3rd. The goal of your team is to visit at least 10 of 24 designated Maryland State Parks and complete the assigned Quest challenge. Information on the times you can complete the challenges is in the Park Quest Passport and on the Park Quest website. Once you have successfully finished 10 quests, you will be invited to the Park Quest Rendezvous which will be held in the Pickall Area of Patapsco Valley State Park on September 29, 2012.
Do The Quests Need To Be Completed In Order Or On Particular Days Of The Week?
The Park Quest adventures do not need to be completed in any order and teams can complete more than one in a day if they choose to do so. Any time and day restrictions will be noted on the individual park's Passport pages.
What Is The Difference Between a Basic Quest, a Super Quest, and a Bonus Quest?
- Park Quest - is an activity in a Park that requires teams to complete a challenge. These challenges range from activity sheets, hikes and scavenger hunts to canoeing and Geocacheing. Park Quest activities are designed to take the average family 1.5 -2 hours to complete. Quests that are equipment dependent are popular. We encourage teams to plan to visit these sites at off peak times so that the there is a greater likelihood that the equipment will be available when you desire to use it. Equipment is only available on a first come, first served basis.
- Super Quest - These Quests often include activities like canoeing and kayaking. Super Quests may be directed/facilitated by Maryland Park Service Nature Tourism providers. Since these Quests are being offered through a private contractor the appropriate service charges do apply.
- Bonus Quest - is an additional activity associated with a Quest. It is not required that you complete the Bonus Quest portion of a Park Quest activity. These activities are often more strenuous but offer teams the opportunity to continue their Quest activity beyond the basic offering. Teams are highly encouraged to complete the Bonus Quests to fully experience the park they are visiting.
What Can We Win? How Do We Do It?
Teams that successfully complete at least 10 Quests are eligible to attend the Park Quest Rendezvous where they will be eligible to compete for prizes. The prizes are themed toward outdoor activities for a family of four. Past prize packages have included kayaks, camping gear, vacation packages and bicycles, all provided by our Park Quest sponsors. During the Rendezvous, team names will be drawn at random for door prize giveaways that may include outdoor recreation equipment, park discounts and memorabilia.
How Do We Prove That We've Completed A Quest?
Each team will be issued a Park Quest Passport which will be used by park staff to confirm your team’s participation. When teams go to a State Park to complete a Quest, they should follow the instructions posted on the Park Quest website. Once they complete the challenge to the best of their ability, they will get their Passport endorsed.
I/My Child Has Disabilities - Can We Participate?
Yes, Park Quests are physically challenging but persons with disabilities can be accommodated on most Quests with advance notice. Contact the State Park directly at least one week prior to the day you want to complete your Quest and request assistance.
Is It Possible To Get Injured On The Park Quest?
Yes, as with any adventure there is a small possibility that a participant could be injured. Park staff members will give instructions to minimize the potential for injuries. It is important to be aware of the hazards of participating in outdoor activities and take the proper safeguards to ensure that you and your teammates have a safe enjoyable Park Quest adventure. Here are some tips to remember when recreating outdoors.
- Wear proper clothing for the weather conditions. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
- Wear sunblock and hat to protect you from sunburn.
- Wear light-colored clothing and insect repellent when recreating outdoors in the summer.
- Conduct a tick check after participating in an outdoor activity.
- Always be aware of the weather and check the forecast before starting an outdoor activity. You may not be permitted to start a Quest if weather conditions are considered hazardous by park staff.
- Always wear a lifejacket when participating in activities on the water. Lifejackets are required for anyone under the age of 13.
- Stay on the trail - off-trail activities can be hazardous to your health and the health of the environment.
- Stay hydrated. Make sure you bring water and drink regularly as you participate in you Park Quest Activity
Will Our Identity (picture, name, address, etc.) Be Posted On The Internet?
Teams will be asked to agree to a photo waiver on-line during the registration process so that team pictures can be shown on the DNR Park Quest website. Addresses and phone numbers will not be released.
When and Where Will The Rendezvous Be Held?
The Park Quest Rendezvous will be held on September 29, 2012 in the Pickall area of Patapsco Valley State Park beginning at 10 a.m. Displays, Events and Snacks will be provided. Teams participating in the Rendezvous are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day as a celebration of their accomplishments.
Who Can Attend The Rendezvous Event?
The Park Quest Rendezvous is open to all teams that successfully finish at least 10 Quest challenges and pre-register for the Rendezvous.
Is There A Minimum Or Maximum Number of Teams Allowed For Park Quest?
Park Quest will be limited to the first 1,000 teams that register.
What State Parks Are Quest Sites For 2012?
Quests are available daily, unless otherwise indicated.
- Cedarville State Forest
- Dan's Mountain
- Deep Creek Lake State Park
- Elk Neck State Park
- Fair Hill NRMA
- Fort Frederick State Park
- Gambrill State Park
- Gathland State Park
- Greenbrier State Park (Park frequently fills to capacity on weekends. Families should consider completing this Quest on a weekday.)
- Greenwell State Park
- Herrington Manor State Park
- Janes Island State Park
- New Germany State Park
- North Point State Park
- Patapsco Valley State Park
- Pocomoke River State Park (Quest available Wednesday through Sunday, or other days by appointment)
- Rocks State Park
- Sandy Point State Park (Park frequently fills to capacity on weekends. Families should consider completing this Quest on a weekday.)
- Sassafras NRMA (Recommended that families complete this quest on weekends)
- Seneca Creek State Park (Bonus Quest available weekends only; and Wednesday through Sunday starting June 13th)
- Tuckahoe State Park
- Western Maryland Rail Trail
- Wye Island NRMA
Can I Complete More Than 10 Quests?
Yes, teams are encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity. Park Quest ends on September 3, 2012. After that time all applicable service charges will apply. Some Quests may no longer be available in their entirety after that date.
