GAMBRILL STATE PARK
Gambrill State Park has its beginnings when public-spirited conservationists of Frederick County purchased this tract of land on Catoctin Mountain and donated it to the City of Frederick to be used for a municipal mountain park. On September 7, 1934, the City presented the acreage to the State for use as a state park, which was later named to honor the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a Frederick resident and leading advocate of the conservation of natural resources. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping is permitted in the upper portion of the Rock Run area, where a modern washhouse with showers and hot water is available from April through mid-October. The camping area accommodates up to 30 family units. The park also offers four camper cabins. Senior citizen rate applies only on non-holiday Sunday through Thursday nights.
Gambrill State Park is located near Clarksburg, Damascus and Frederick
Picnic tables, grills, shelters, modern restrooms and playground facilities are available at Gambrill State Park. The High Knob area offers three shelters, available for rent from April through October, as well as a lodge-type native stone shelter, The Tea Room. The balcony of the Tea Room faces beautiful vistas, while a huge stone fireplace dominates the interior. The building accommodates 75 people and has a kitchen designed for cooking and serving food. Pets are not allowed in the picnic areas or the Tea Room.
For those interested in hiking and observing nature and wildlife, there are 13 miles of wooded trails. A wide variety of birds, wildflowers, ferns, trees and shrubs can be viewed along these trails. Leashed pets are allowed on all trails.
A Nature Lodge is located in the High Knob area. Scheduled nature walks and evening campfire programs are conducted periodically throughout the summer season. Schedules are posted at various locations within the park.
Orvis-Hunting Creek Outfitters
29 N Market St
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-4333
Fox's Sport & Bait Store
501 S Market St
Frederick, MD
(301) 663-3697
Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort
12806 Mink Farm Rd
Thurmont, MD
(301) 271-7012
From Washington: Take I-270 north to Frederick, which transitions into U.S. Route 15, and continue to Route 40 west (West Patrick Street). Exit to the I-70 west/Route 40 split, bear right and continue on Route 40. Turn right on Gambrill Park Road and follow one mile to the Rock Run Area entrance on your left to reach the campground. Continue on Gambrill Park Road to reach the trail parking lot and to the top of the mountain to reach the scenic overlooks, pavilions and the Tea Room.
From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to Frederick and follow to U.S. Route 15 and then to Route 40 west exit. Follow Route 40 west to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.
From Pennsylvania: Take U.S. 15 south to Frederick. Take Route 40 west exit and follow to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.
From Hagerstown: Take I-70 east to Myersville Maryland Route 17 exit (exit #42). Turn left on Route 17 and follow through Myersville to Route 40. Turn right on Route 40 and continue to Gambrill Park Road on your left. Turn left and proceed one mile to the park.
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