Great American Backyard Campout
Events at Maryland State Parks
The Maryland Park Service has teamed with the National Wildlife Federation to celebrate the Great American Backyard Campout on June 23, 2012 with events at seven State Parks. Refer to the complete list below. The cost of each event varies and all proceeds support nature education programs.
On June 23 thousands of people across the nation will participate in The Great American Backyard Campout as they gather in backyards, neighborhoods, communities and parks for a one-night event that encourages a new generation to explore the wonders of nature and have fun participating in a classic, family-friendly outdoor activity known as camping.
Maryland State Parks invites you to join them for a night under the stars at one of their fabulous facilities listed below. No previous camping experience required! They'll provide family-friendly activities, along with some fun giveaways from National Wildlife Federation.
Great American Backyard Campout at Dan's Mountain State Park
Dan's Mountain State Park and National Wildlife Federation
Camp under the stars. Create lasting memories by connecting with family and friends in the great outdoors. Enjoy a unique opportunity to tent camp at Dan’s Mountain State Park for one night. A ranger will be on site to speak of the history and significance of Dan's Mountain, as well as provide an evening owl presentation with live owls from our Scales & Tales program. This is a great experience for a family or scout group! Advance registration recommended.
Date: June 23, 2012
Where: Allegany County - 17410 Recreation Area Road SW, Lonaconing, MD 21539
Cost: Free
Accessible: Yes; Advance notice recommended
All Ages
Contact: Julie Wieners
Phone: 301-722-1480
E-mail: jwieners@dnr.state.md.us
Website: Dan’s Mountain State Park
Great American Backyard Campout at Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park and National Wildlife Federation
Camp under the stars. Rocky Gap State Park invites campers to participate in an evening campfire program presented by Ben Cooper, an entertaining local bee keeper and expert. Other opportunities offered in the campground include Nature Center activities, canoe rentals and pontoon boat rides on Lake Habeeb. Advance registration recommended.
Date: June 23, 2012
Where: Allegany County - 12500 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone, MD 21530
Cost: Event open to registered campers
Accessible: Yes; Advance notice recommended
All Ages
Contact: Julie Wieners
Phone: 301-722-1480
E-mail: jwieners@dnr.state.md.us
Website: Rocky Gap State Park
Great American Backyard Campout at Elk Neck State Park
Elk Neck State Park and National Wildlife Federation
Camp under the stars. Come for canoeing, stories, crafts, sing-a-longs for the whole family, a live animal program, s'mores, and a night hike.
Date: June 23-24, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. Saturday - 10 a.m. Sunday
Where: Cecil County - 4395 Turkey Point Road, North East, MD 21901
Cost: $15 per campsite
Accessible: Yes; Advance notice recommended
All Ages
Contact: Jeanettet Bitzel
Phone: 410-287-5333
E-mail: jbitzel@dnr.state.md.us
Website: Elk Neck State Park
Great American Backyard Campout at Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park and National Wildlife Federation
Camp under the stars. Sandy Point State Park invites the community for a night out in the Park. We invite you to enjoy a fun and relaxing evening of tent camping, Scales and Tales demonstrations, Owl Prowls, and campfire programs. Limited space available. This year we will also be celebrating our 60th anniversary and the Grand Opening of the Nature Center on Saturday, June23. Families are allowed to tent camp only and supply their own food and drinks. Picnic tables and grills will be available to use. S’mores will be provided. Both alcohol and pets are not permitted.
Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Anne Arundel County - 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409
Cost: $25/family (up to six people); includes entrance into the day-use area on both Saturday and Sunday
Accessible: Yes; advance notice recommended
All Ages
Phone: 410-974-2149
E-mail: sandypoint@dnr.state.md.us
Website: Sandy Point State Park
Great American Backyard Campout at Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State park and National Wildlife Federation
Camp under the stars. Fun-filled weekend planned in celebration! Wildlife Walk, Campfire Dinner, Ft. Lincoln Tour, Stargazing, Sunrise Paddle, kid's fishing, Animal tracks hike.
Date: June 23, 2012
Where: St. Mary's County - 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD 20687
Cost: Limited number of sites available for free
Accessible: Yes; Advance notice recommended
All Ages
Contact: Courtney Clark
Phone: 301-872-5688
E-mail: cclark@dnr.state.md.us
Website: Point Lookout State Park
Great American Backyard Campout at Fair Hill NRMA
Fair Hill NRMA and National Wildlife Federation
Pack your favorite campfire food and tent to camp under the stars. Come for some healthy outdoor fun with stories, activities, sing-a-longs, s'mores, and a night hike. Advance registration required.
Date: June 23-24, 2012
Time: 2 pm. Saturday - 10 a.m. Sunday
Where: Cecil County – McCloskey campsite, 2895 Appleton Road, North East, MD 21921
Cost: $10 per family of four and $2 for each additional member
Accessible: Yes; Advance notice recommended
All Ages
Contact: Nicole Heinrich
Phone: 410-398-1246
E-mail: nheinrich@dnr.state.md.us
Website: Fair Hill NRMA
Great American Backyard Campout at Pocomoke River State Park
Pocomoke River State Park and National Wildlife Federation
The Pocomoke River State Park camp out includes: Free pool access for Saturday, June 25th, one hour of boat rentals ( 2 boat maximum), a Park Quest activity, and free one night camping in group area ( tent camping). Also included is a special campfire program with Scales and Tales and s'mores.
Date: June 22-24, 2012
Time: 2 pm. Saturday - 10 a.m. Sunday
Where: Worcester County – McCloskey campsite, 2895 Appleton Road, North East, MD 21921
Cost: $25 per family of eight
Accessible: Yes; Advance notice recommended
All Ages
Phone: 410-632-2566
Website: Pocomoke River State Park