 Rocky Gap State Park |
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Rocky Gap State Park |
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Rocky Gap State Park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for guests to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park which features 243-acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run which winds its way through an impressive mile long gorge displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.
Rocky Gap State Park Campground & Day Use Renovations
Self-registration camping reopens on April 17, 2009 in available loops. Please contact the park office for details. Construction will continue in remaining loops through May.
- Phase III construction will take place in Loops H, D and the youth group area beginning September 8, 2009 and continue until March 1, 2010.
- Renovation of day use facilities will begin on July 1, 2009 and is expected to last for at least one calendar year. During that time, day use facilities will be closed nightly from dusk until dawn.
Campground, Campsites & Mini-Cabins
Rocky Gap offers 278 individual campsites, including 30 equipped with electric hook-ups. The campground also reatures a dump station, centrally located bathhouses with hot water, a family group site, three youth group camping areas, a nature center, game room, private swimming beach and a camp store. Fourteen mini cabins, each with electric, bunk bed and a double bed, are available for rent. Pets are allowed in four designated camp loops. Check out a map of the park.
The family group site includes offers visitors a location for many units and space for up to 40 people to camp together. The group site includes a two-story mini cabin with balcony, porch and electric, as well as six electric hookups and a group fire ring. Access to two nearby bathhouse facilities is available. Rental of the group site is $225.00 per night, with no reduction for individual rentals.
Campground/Mini Cabin Rates: Pavilion Rates: 
Easter Hill Chalet:
The park offers a two-story, three bedroom chalet available for rental that accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, wrap around deck, fireplace, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake.Chalet Rates: The chalet is available out-of-season on a two-night minimum basis for $175 per night. From Memorial Day to Labor Day there is a seven day minimum stay from Saturday to Saturday. The chalet can be reserved October 1-April 30 by contacting Rocky Gap State Park at (301) 722-1480. Reservations made from May 1-September 30 can be made toll-free by contacting the reservation service at 1-888-432-2267. For citizens residing outside the United States, reservations can be made by calling 301-784-9060. This is not a toll-free call. TTY users can call 866-804-7846.
Pavilion Facilities
Rocky Gap offers four pavilions for rent. Pavilions are only available on a rental basis. All pavilions include a private restroom or one located in the immediate vicinity.
The Clover Hill pavilion is a small pavilion that accommodates up to 50 people and is located at the entranceway to Rocky Gap's day use area.
White Pine pavilion is nestled under a grove of white pine trees, situated above the public boat launch, overlooking Lake Habeeb. The pavilion accommodates up to 125 people and is located along Pleasant Valley Road.
Lakeview pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road and is in a private area with a large field available to users. The pavilion is situated on a slope above the lake. Lakeview pavilion accommodates up to 125 people.
Mountain View pavilion is located in the day use area, near the public beaches and across the lake from Rocky Gap Lodge. The pavilion accommodates a maximum capacity of 80 people.
All pavilion reservations may be made by contacting the Reservation Center at 1-888-432-2267.
Boating & Fishing
Rocky Gap State Park's Lake Habeeb offers year round recreational opportunities. Boats are allowed on Lake Habeeb 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Navigational lights are required after sunset. Gasoline powered motors are prohibited. Boat ramp is located within the park off Pleasant Valley Road. Rental boats, including canoes, kayaks and paddle boats, are available in the day-use area.
Lake Habeeb offers year-round recreational opportunities. Boats are allowed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Navigational lights are required after sunset. Gasoline powered motors are prohibited. A public boat ramp is located within the park, off Pleasant Valley Road. Rental boats, including canoes, kayaks and paddle boats are available in the day use area and at the campground beach for campground users.
Fishing is permitted 24 hours per day, year-round. The lake is home to panfish, trout, catfish, and large and smallmouth bass. A valid Maryland Anglers License is required for those 16 years of age and older. To purchase a Maryland fishing license, call the licensing service, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at 1-800-918-2870. Callers may purchase a license by phone and begin fishing immediately.
To help maintain a healthy fish population, park volunteers have added artificial fish habitats throughout the lake. Both brown and rainbow trout are stocked throughout the year.
Trails
Rocky Gap offers a variety of hiking trails that guests can enjoy. The Lakeside Trail, a moderate 4.5 mile trail that encircles Lake Habeeb, offers hikers scenic beauty of the area. Crossing over four-foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands are what makes this such a diverse trail.A magnificent view of the one mile long gorge is the gift hikers will get when they reach the overlook on the one-quarter mile long Canyon Overlook Trail. This trail offers visitors a short but scenic hike.
"Rock hop" down into the canyon on the challenging five-mile long Evitt's Homesite Trail and find yourself surrounded by hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Cross the small cascading stream on the footbridge and begin to climb Evitt's Mountain, named for one of Allegany County's first European settlers. This is an ambitious trail that climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation in 2.5 miles (5 miles round-trip). Plan to take water and a camera and spend a couple hours hiking to the top of the mountain. This trail offers a great hike for those willing to take the challenge.
The one-quarter mile long Touch of Nature Trail offers hikers of all ability levels a fully accessible paved trail. Rest areas and hand rails line the hemlock-edged path that leads to the fishing dock and connects with the Lakeside Trail. Keep your eyes open for evidence of the beaver family living nearby! This trail was originally dedicated in 1980 by Governor Harry Hughes. Funds for the construction of this unique trail were provided by the Cumberland Junior Women's Civic Club.
Walk 100 feet into the woods from the road to the Touch of Nature parking lot to visit the Lemel Bucy family cemetery. The Bucy cemetery is an excellent example of a 19th century rural cemetery. Originally owned by Caleb Luman, the land was sold to Lemel Bucy, whose family used the cemetery during the 1800's until the property was sold in 1900. The parcel of land passed through five owners before the Maryland Commission of Forests and Parks purchased it in 1964. The cemetery features many Civil War era stones, including ones for two children who perished only days apart.
View a copy of the Rocky Gap State Park Trail Guide. This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale at Rocky Gap State Park headquarters. Self-Guided Recreational Activities
- Canoeing/Kayaking the Potomac River (12 mi.)
- Canoeing/Kayaking the Potomac River (10.9 mi)
- Canoeing/Kayaking the Potomac River (9 mi.)
- Cycling the C&O Canal, Cumberland to Lock 74 (9.5 mi. one way)
- Cycling the C&O Canal, Lock 67 to Little Orleans (15 mi. one way)
- Cycling the C&O Canal, Oldtown to Lock 67 (11 mi.)
- Hiking at Rocky Gap (4.2 mi.)
Nature Center & Interpretive Programs
Rocky Gap State Park's interpretive programs are based out of the nature center. Throughout the summer, the nature center offers daily activities to educate visitors about natural and cultural resources and experience the exciting features of the outdoor environment.Interpretive activities include nature hikes, talks, nature crafts, demonstrations, children's programs, campfire programs and special events. The nature center has open hours for visitors to explore the building and its many exhibits.
Group programs are also available upon request throughout the year and can be tailored to accommodate group needs. To learn more about the interpretive program, please contact Sarah Milbourne at 301-722-1487 or email at smilbourne@dnr.state.md.us
Scales and Tales is an educational program using injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland. Featrued at the aviary are many birds that have been injured and cannot be released or have been raised in captivity and could not survive in the wild.
This one-of-a-kind program allows visitors the opportunity to view wildlife up close and hear the tales of how the animals became part of the program.
Our "Critter Encounter" program will bring our birds directly to your campsite. If you are looking for something unique at your next gathering, a Scales and Tales program can be scheduled as part of your special event. To check for program availability, scheduling or to receive information on program costs, please contact the park office at 301-722-1487 or email Ranger Milbourne.
- To learn more about the Scales and Tales programs offered at Rock Gap, please read the Scales and Tales Program Guide.
(Adobe Acrobat file 89KB) - To get the free Acrobat Reader go to Adobe.com.Amphitheater
If you are looking for a place to host your outdoor wedding, reception, a small concert or other special event, the amphitheater offers the perfect facility. The amphitheatre at Rocky Gap State Park is available for daily rental. Applications for special events are available at the park office.
Rocky Gap State Park is located just seven miles east of Cumberland on Lake Habeeb surrounded by mountains for the most breathtaking views and backdrop for your special event. Seating capacity is 3,000. The stage area is 42 feet x 60 feet of smooth finish, rose colored concrete. There is no overhead cover installed on the stage area. The service charge for daily rentals is $250.00 per day.
For more information on daily rentals of the amphitheatre at Rocky Gap State Park, contact the park office at 301-722-1487.
Hunting Program
Rocky Gap is one of Maryland's many state parks that allow hunting activities for the public. At Rocky Gap there are 1,451 acres of land designated solely for rifle and muzzleloader hunting. This area can be accessed by walking from the parking area at the Touch of Nature Trailhead or by walking in from the campground or campground office. A map of the managed hunting area can be viewed and printed for your use.
A separate 300-acre tract of land between Pleasant Valley Road and I-68 offers bow only hunting. Parking is available at the park office and at the amphitheatre on Pleasant Valley Road. A map of the bow hunting area can be viewed and printed for your use.
Hunting areas are marked with signs and safety areas are posted as well. Please recognize all hunting regulations and safety precautions. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded and cased until you are within a designated hunting area. Hunters are asked to take into consideration that recreational trails do pass into the managed hunting areas. Rocky Gap State Park offers a distinct hunting program for individuals who possess a Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle. Additional information is available at the park office at 301-722-1480 and at www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife.
Members of the Volunteer Team have donated over 300,000 hours of valuable time since the inception of the team in 1992. The Volunteer Team sponsors and provides assistance for numerous special events for the public including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day activities, a Memorial Day fun fair for children camping at Rocky Gap, a Labor Day corn roast, the haunted campground and the Mt. Reflections Christmas Light Display. On Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends the team also hosts campground karaoke for campers.
Support is provided to park and forest visitors on a continuing basis through the Camp Host and Volunteer Ranger programs. These volunteers are publicly visible and help to promote goodwill and understanding of the park to campers and visitors.
Volunteer schedules are very flexible. Volunteers may commit to a weekly or monthly schedule or help on an as-needed basis. No amount of time donated is too small! Many of the projects are scheduled in the evening or on the weekends so that working volunteers and students may participate.
If you are interested in volunteering at Rocky Gap State Park, please call Ranger Norris at 301-722-1483 or email at anorris@dnr.state.md.us
Internships
Rocky Gap State Park offers a variety of unpaid internships for motivated students. Opportunities are available in several areas, including interpretation, volunteer management, office management, concession management, IT/website management, maintenance, special event coordination, marketing natural resource management, trail management, grant writing, special operations, emergency services, Spanish language and cultural adaptations, park operations, and sports management.Internships are available throughout the year and are unpaid positions. Students are expected to perform at least 150 hours of service, according to a flexible schedule. Internships may be conducted during block semesters, over the summer or during the winter.
Interested applications should send a resume', cover letter and three character references to Ranger Milbourne at smilbourne@dnr.state.md.us. Applicants will be required to complete a volunteer application and student internship program application. The selection process will begin after all required materials are received and the applicant will be notified in advance of the requested internship. For additional information, please call 301-722-1487.
Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort
Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort is located in the heart of Rocky Gap State Park in Western Maryland. Amidst the ridges, gaps and valleys of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, lies a beautiful new place to relax and conduct business.
The Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort is located in the heart of Rocky Gap State Park. Amidst the ridges, gaps and valleys of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, lies a beautiful place to relax or conduct business.
The mountains, forests and serene 243-acre lake will quiet the mind, while the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course will quicken the pulse with a truly varied and challenging course out of the mountain. The 220-room lakeside lodge provides everything you need for a productive meeting, including nine modern meeting rooms for 15 to 550 people, full service restaurant and lounge, private dining room overlooking the lake, and lobby with a large stone fireplace for unwinding at the end of the day. They also offer white sandy beaches, fishing, fitness room, outdoor swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, a gazebo dock with paddle boats, and a fire pit for late night lakeside campfires.
Adventure Packages featuring guided kayaking, rappelling, canoeing, biking and hiking excursions are also available through Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort.
Rocky Gap offers a mobility impaired fishing dock, amphitheater, picnic tables and camping. Trail and hunting programs along with interpretive pontoon boat rides are also available. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
DIRECTIONS:
From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and areas west:
Take I-279 south to I-79 south (Washington, PA) to I-68 east (Morgantown, WV) and follow I-68 east for approximately 78 miles. Take the Rocky Gap State Park exit (Exit 50). Make a left crossing over I-68 and the park's headquarters is on the right.From Washington, D.C.: (approximately 150 miles)
Take I-270 north to I-70 west to I-68 west. Take the Rocky Gap State Park exit (Exit 50). The park's headquarters is located on the right.From Baltimore, Maryland: (approximately 130 miles)
Take I-70 west to I-68 west to Exit 50 for Rocky Gap State Park. The park's headquarters is located to the right.
Rocky Gap State Park
12500 Pleasant Valley Road
Flintstone, MD 21530
301-722-1480 (park headquarters)
Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations
Click here to make reservations on-line for Rocky Gap State Park.
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Updated on January 20, 2010
