Heading to Sandy Point or “Maryland’s Secret Beach”Greenbrier this summer? A day-use reservation is now required on weekends and holidays. Per Maryland State Parks, “This change helps reduce traffic and avoid capacity closures on our busiest days. Planning ahead means a safer, smoother visit for everyone.”
The new system was implemented last month, and while some customers appreciate the peace of mind it provides when visiting these destinations, others have expressed concerns that it deters them from going. The system requires all visitors to reserve their day-use passes in advance during peak times. This measure is designed to reduce overcrowding, limit traffic backups at park entrances, decrease the frequency of capacity closures, and ensure that every visitor is guaranteed entry before they arrive.
One Maryland resident who frequently makes the trip to Greenbrier from Montgomery County, MD shared with us that it seems less crowded, but that it may just feel that was because there isn’t much of a backup at the entrance anymore. “It’s quick and easy and we’ve made reservations twice already.”
“The goal of this new day use reservation system is making our parks more welcoming and accessible to all,” said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw. “By allowing visitors to plan ahead, we’re helping families make the most of their time outdoors — with less stress and more confidence that they’ll have a great day in our state parks.”
With the new system, advance reservations are mandatory on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day— no same-day drive-up access will be allowed. Reservations must be made online and can be made starting seven days in advance of a visit. Reservations may be edited or canceled until 8 a.m. the day before the visit.
Regular day-use fees will be paid at the time of reservation using credit or debit cards or other online payment methods. Reservations will be made through the Maryland State Parks website. Visitors will check in with a QR code upon arrival at the park, and discounts will be validated for Maryland Park Pass holders, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Park staff may also adjust and require additional payment based on the actual number of visitors in your party.
Later this summer, the system will also expand to other parks including Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, and North Point State Parks. The launch dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Per Maryland State Parks: “The system is needed due to the influx of new visitors entering Maryland State Parks–particularly parks with public swimming access such as on lakes, the Chesapeake Bay or ocean–following the Covid-19 pandemic. Park visitation rates increased from an average of 10.8 million per year from 2010 to 2019 to an average of 18.7 million per year from 2020 through 2024. This has resulted in a significant corresponding increase in park capacity closures. These sudden closures can result in large backups at state parks and traffic issues on approaching roads as visitors wait in lines to enter the park, or in disappointment when park staff must turn away potential visitors due to capacity limitations.”