Rocky Gap State Park

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertMarch 14, 2023 · Updated May 14, 2026

Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland features the stunning 243-acre Lake Habeeb (bluest water in the state!), the Rocky Gap Casino Resort, over 260 campsites, and scenic mountain trails!

Lake Habeeb

Swimming Beaches

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

260+ Campsites

Multi-Use Trails

3,000+ acres of rugged mountain trails including Lakeside Loop (5.3mi), Canyon Overlook (0.25mi), and Evitts Homesite (5mi challenging).

FAQ

Wildlife & Nature

Rocky Gap SP — 3,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. The park’s Lake Habeeb (a 243-acre man-made lake with a rare white sand beach), Evitts Mountain, and hardwood forest support black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.

Nearby Attractions

Cumberland — 5 miles east — western terminus of the C&O Canal and eastern terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Allegany County — surrounding.

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

Rocky Gap 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.

Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Wills Mountain State Park is a short drive away, and Dans Mountain State Park is a short drive away.

Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Maryland state parks online at parkreservations.maryland.gov.

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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