🌤 Weather at Fort Frederick State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–75 °F | 60–87 °F | 33–79 °F | 23–45 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Martinsburg 2, 10 mi away, elevation 460 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Fort Frederick State Park is a public state park in Maryland near Big Pool in Washington County. Spanning 722 acres and established in 1922, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Maryland |
| Nearest City | Big Pool |
| County | Washington |
| Park Size | 722 acres |
| Established | 1922 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (600 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Fort Frederick State Park is located near Big Pool, Maryland. The park’s coordinates are 39.5167, -78.0167.
Things to Do
Maryland state parks highlight the state’s geographic diversity, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy ocean swimming and wild horse watching at Assateague, hiking the rugged Appalachian Trail, boating and crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay estuaries, and fishing for trout in mountain streams. Other popular activities include mountain biking through extensive forested watersheds, exploring Civil War and colonial history, camping in both beach and mountain settings, and kayaking calm tidal rivers.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for outdoor recreation in Maryland. Fall (October) brings crisp air and excellent foliage in the western mountain parks. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer (June–August) is peak season for coastal and bay parks, though inland parks can be very hot and humid. Winter is mild in the east but brings enough snow for winter sports in the westernmost parks like Deep Creek Lake.
Visitor Tips
Entry fees vary widely: some parks charge per vehicle (around $3-$5), while others charge per person, and out-of-state visitors generally pay slightly more. A Maryland Park Service Annual Passport ($75 for residents) provides unlimited day-use entry. Popular parks, especially beaches and those near Baltimore/Washington D.C., frequently reach capacity and close early on summer weekends and holidays, so arrive before 10 AM. Dogs are allowed in many areas but have strict seasonal restrictions on beaches.
Explore More Maryland State Parks
Fort Frederick State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maryland. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maryland guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fort Tonoloway State Park (a short drive away) and Western Maryland Rail Trail (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Fort Frederick State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 29 sites — 29 family campsites along the Potomac River, each with a stone-dust pad, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. No potable water in the campground (available near the railroad tracks, 3/5 mile away); portable toilets in-season, plus a comfort station with flush toilets/rinse-off near the fort parking lot. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Reserve at parkreservations.maryland.gov or call 1-888-432-CAMP; unreserved sites available first-come, first-served. Check-in 3 p.m., check-out 1 p.m. |
| Special sites | 4 youth group campsites in the same season, reservable with a Maryland DNR Youth Group Pass or by calling the park. Tent camping runs first Saturday in May through first Sunday in November; self-contained units may camp year-round. Campground closed during Market Fair in April. |
| Season notes | Most campsites reservable May through October; tent camping runs first Saturday in May through first Sunday in November. |
Camping questions about Fort Frederick State Park
Can you camp at Fort Frederick State Park?
Yes. Fort Frederick State Park has 29 campsites. 29 family campsites along the Potomac River, each with a stone-dust pad, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. No potable water in the campground (available near the railroad tracks, 3/5 mile away); portable toilets in-season, plus a comfort station with flush toilets/rinse-off near the fort parking lot.
How do you reserve a campsite at Fort Frederick State Park?
Reserve at parkreservations.maryland.gov or call 1-888-432-CAMP; unreserved sites available first-come, first-served. Check-in 3 p.m., check-out 1 p.m.
Source: dnr.maryland.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort Frederick State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Fort Frederick State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Fort Frederick State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
