Once called ‘America in Miniature’ by the National Geographic Magazine, Maryland boasts an incredible natural landscape.
Incorporating everything from the Appalachian Mountains, and Chesapeake Bay, to the lush wetlands, and beautiful Atlantic beaches that line the east coast; for residents of major centers like Ocean City, there are plenty of places they can head to when they want to chill out.
Within Maryland, some 53 areas are designated as State Parks. Which collectively provide excellent opportunities for outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and a host of water based recreational activities.
Whilst some of them could easily be visited as day trip destinations, many of them require you to stay overnight, either at onsite camping, or hotel accommodation located close by.
If you do live in Ocean City and are thinking of having a nature getaway for the weekend or a longer period of time, below is a selection of some of the best state parks you could visit.
Map of State Parks Near Ocean City MD
Here is a map of the Maryland state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Ocean City
Located throughout Maryland, these 10 fantastic state parks near Ocean City are all fabulous places to visit. If you want to reconnect with nature, you would be well advised to check them all out.
1. Assateague State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 9 miles south of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811
A lot closer to home, just 15 minutes south of Ocean City lies Assateague State Park.
Located on Assateague Island, this picturesque barrier island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by beautiful Sinepuxent Bay.
As Maryland’s only oceanfront park, this 2 mile stretch of pristine beach offers fantastic options for sunbathing, beach walking, beachcombing, surfing and fishing.
Furthermore it’s bayside gives visitors the opportunity to explore some of the secluded coves that are dotted around the area by kayak or canoe. While those into wildlife you will want to check out the marsh area where the likes of deer, feral horses and waterfowl roam freely.
The camping options are huge at this park, with some 342 sites available. Many have electric hook-ups, whilst all of them have their own picnic table and fire ring.
See our full Assateague State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Fenwick Island State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 9 miles north of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Fenwick Island State Park is a 375-acre (152 ha) Delaware state park between Ocean City, Maryland and South Bethany, Delaware in Sussex County, Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Fenwick Island State Park include beach access, coastal dunes, and river access.
See our full Fenwick Island State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Holts Landing State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 18 miles north of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: 27046 Holts Lndg Rd,
Dagsboro, DE 19939
Holts Landing State Park is a 205-acre (83 ha) public recreation area on the southern shore of Indian River Bay, five miles (8.0 km) northwest of Bethany Beach, Sussex County, Delaware, United States.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a boat launch.
See our full Holts Landing State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Delaware Seashore State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 20 miles north of Ocean City (straight-line).
Delaware Seashore State Park is a public recreation area located near Dewey Beach in Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Delaware Seashore State Park include beach access, river access, and island scenery.
See our full Delaware Seashore State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Shad Landing State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 24 miles southwest of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: Snow Hill, MD
Shad Landing State Park covers 916 acres in Maryland. Established 1939.
Highlights associated with Shad Landing State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground.
See our full Shad Landing State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Trap Pond State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 25 miles northwest of Ocean City (straight-line).
Trap Pond State Park is a 3,993.28 acres (1,616.02 ha) Delaware state park located near Laurel, Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Trap Pond State Park include beach access, river access, and island scenery.
See our full Trap Pond State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Milburn Landing State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 26 miles southwest of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: Milburn Landing Trail, Maryland
Milburn Landing State Park covers 372 acres in Worcester County, Maryland. Established 1939.
Highlights associated with Milburn Landing State Park include beach access, river access, and island scenery.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground and a boat launch.
See our full Milburn Landing State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Pocomoke River State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 26 miles southwest of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: Snow Hill, MD
Pocomoke River State Park is a Maryland state park lying on both banks of the Pocomoke River between Snow Hill and Pocomoke City in Worcester County, Maryland.
Highlights associated with Pocomoke River State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Pocomoke River State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Cape Henlopen State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 32 miles north of Ocean City (straight-line).
Cape Henlopen State Park is a Delaware state park on 5,450 acres (2,210 ha) on Cape Henlopen in Sussex County, Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Cape Henlopen State Park include beach access, coastal dunes, and river access.
See our full Cape Henlopen State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Tuckahoe State Park
Distance from Ocean City: about 64 miles northwest of Ocean City (straight-line).
Location: 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657
Situated about a 90 minute drive north west from Ocean City, Tuckahoe State Park is a great park to visit with the family.
Offering something for everyone, there are over 20 miles of scenic trails which can be explored on foot, bike or horseback. In addition the 60-acre lake is great for swimming in the summer, as well as boating and fishing.
Another lovely spot for picnicking, the park also has an enchanting terrain of wooded marshlands and a gentle stream which makes for splendid photo opportunities. While kids will enjoy the playground made out of recycled tires.
With 54 sites available in the family camping area, of which 33 have electric hookups, there are good accommodation options here. Each one has a camping pad, fire ring and picnic table. Whilst there is also a bathhouse with toilet and shower facilities.
See our full Tuckahoe State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
