Maryland's Greenbrier State Park requires reservations due to high demand
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. () — Before we know it, the holiday weekend will be here and we'll be off to our state parks for Memorial Day — but in western Maryland, one state park is dealing with an unusual issue: it's too popular.
Due to the Greenbrier State Park's popularity, officials are requiring reservations to prevent overcrowding.
At peak times, it's not unusual for cars to line up outside of the main gate to the park off Route 40. Some start lining up at midnight, waiting for the park to open at sunrise.
The park is popular for 'grilling and having a picnic, camping, boating, hiking and mountain biking,' said Assistant Park Manager Jeremiah Corbin. 'But the main attraction is really the beach.'
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Chloe visited from Frederick on Tuesday afternoon and loved the endless opportunities at the park.
'It's a beautiful park,' she said. 'There is so much to do. You can hike, go to the beach and have a beach day. And it's really family friendly.'
It's a perfect way to spend the day, agreed Chloe's friend, Anastasia.
'After you hike a few miles, you can enjoy the lake. It's like a reward. It's really nice,' Anastasia said.
The popularity of the park has compelled the State of Maryland to put a reservations system in place for summer weekends and holidays.
'It's unfortunate when you have folks waiting in line,' explained Sarah Milbourne, western regional manager for the Maryland Park Service.
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'They'll drive two or three hours and wait in line for another two hours only to be turned away because we're filled to capacity,' she continued.
To prevent disappointment, 'we want people to show up with confidence that they're going to get in and they're going to have a great weekend,' she said.
The new reservations policy applies to weekends and holidays throughout the summer season. Phone reservations are available at 410-541-6991 or online .
Some things to know:
Reserve up to 7 days in advance. There is no same-day drive-up access without a reservation. Standard day-use fees apply; no extra cost to reserve.
Annual Pass, Golden Age, Veterans, and Disability Passes: Still need a reservation—but no fee charged.
Sandy Point Boat Ramp: Open 24/7; reservations required between 7 a.m. and sunset on weekends/holidays.
This summer, the reservation system expands to Point Lookout State Park, Newtowne Neck State Park and North Point State Park.
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