Last updated on January 20th, 2025
If you’re in need of a quick escape, some sunshine, or that classic sand-between-your-toes feeling, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of beaches near Frederick, MD—yes, beaches all around us!
You don’t always have to drive down to the Eastern Shore. I’ve got a great list of swimming lakes near Frederick MD, all within a 90 minute drive. Enjoy the sun, the sand, and the waves, then make it back home in time to sleep in your own bed!
Best Beaches Near Frederick Md
Most travelers visit Frederick solely to explore our historic downtown and nearby attractions. They don’t realize that the surrounding area offers an abundance of beautiful state park beaches!
These state park beaches offer a much-needed serene “escape” from the fast pace of daily life. They’re a much more convenient and economical alternative to the places on the coast, like Ocean City and Fenwick.
I think they also offer better amenities than the coastal beaches, too. Think nice and clean picnic areas, restroom facilities, and playground equipment.
So let me take you on a journey through the best state park beaches near Frederick, Maryland.
What to Include in Your Beach Bag
But first, I’ve included a handy list of summer day-trip essentials so you’re fully prepared for a fun day!
- Beach Hats: Wearing a hat, especially if you’re sweaty, will really protect your face from getting too much sun.
- Sunscreen: I’m a big fan of Sun Bum sunscreen products. They keep you protected without being sticky.
- Drawstring Cinch Sack: Get one of these for each family member to carry their own stuff, like their beach towel, cell phone, etc.
- Portable Charger: These are a must-have for when your cell phone battery runs low or even for your handheld fan!
- Water Shoes: Great for walking around on the rocks or shells in the water. My husband has been really tough on these all summer and they’re still intact!
- Waterproof Phone Holder – I have first-hand experience dropping my cell phone in the bottom of a lake — It’s the worst feeling in the world! So I got one of these and it has saved my phone on multiple occasions!
- Beach Buggy: A life saver when you have chairs, bags, coolers, beach umbrella, and everything else you need for a beach day!
State Park Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Frederick
I’ve included links to each state park so you can click on each of them for more information. It’s always a good idea to check for closures before you set off.
You can also check each State Parks’ Twitter page for up-to-date information:
- Maryland State Parks Twitter
- PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Twitter
- WV State Parks Twitter
And try to get there early on weekends and holidays. Busy parks often reach capacity by mid to late morning on these days, and you could be turned away.
Finally, without further ado, here is the alphabetical list of state park beaches near Frederick, Maryland!
1. Cacapon Resort State Park, WV
Cacapon Lake – Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
- Distance from Frederick: 71 miles
- Entry Fee: $5/adult, $4/child (12 & under). Cash only.
- Beach Hours: Tue-Sun, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Memorial Day–Labor Day).
- Lifeguards: On duty during summer beach hours.
2. Cowans Gap State Park, PA
Cowans Gap Lake – Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania
- Distance from Frederick: 65 miles
- Entry Fee: Free (no fee for entry, swimming, or parking).
- Beach Hours: May–Late September, 8 am–sunset.
- Lifeguards: None. Swim at your own risk; follow posted rules.
3. Cunningham Falls State Park, MD
Hunting Creek Lake – Thurmont, northern Frederick County
- Distance from Frederick: 20 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
Cunningham Falls State Park is just a short drive northwest of Frederick, and is a great spot for nature lovers.
It’s best known for its beautiful waterfall, but the park also has a lake with a sandy beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
There are also hiking trails that offer great views of the surrounding forests and streams. They lead to breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and streams.
4. Gifford Pinchot State Park, PA
Pinchot Lake – Lewisberry, Pennsylvania
- Distance from Frederick: 68 miles
- Entry Fee: Free (no fee for entry, swimming, or parking).
- Beach Hours: May 1–September 30, 8 am–sunset.
- Lifeguards: None. Swim at your own risk; follow posted rules.
5. Greenbrier State Park, MD
Greenbrier Lake – Boonsboro, Maryland
- Distance from Frederick: 19 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
Greenbrier State Park is quite close to Frederick, also having a freshwater lake with a sandy beach.
The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. With clear water and views of the mountains, it’s a peaceful place to relax with family or friends.
There are also shaded picnic areas perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
6. Gunpowder Falls State Park, MD
Middle River – Middle River, Maryland
- Distance from Frederick: 69 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
7. North Point State Park, MD
Chesapeake Bay – Edgemere, Maryland
- Distance from Frederick: 61 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
8. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA
Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake – Michaux State Forest, Pennsylvania
- Distance from Frederick: 56 miles
- Entry Fee: Free (no fee for entry, swimming, or parking).
- Beach Hours: May 1–September 30, 8 am–sunset.
- Lifeguards: Laurel Beach: Swim at your own risk. Fuller Beach: Lifeguards on duty daily, 11 am–7 pm (Memorial Day–Labor Day).
There are two mountain lake beaches at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. One beach is at Fuller Lake and the other beach is at Laurel Lake.
9. Rocky Gap State Park, MD
Lake Habeeb – Flintstone, Maryland
- Distance from Frederick: 86 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
10. Rocky Point Beach & Park
Chesapeake Bay and Back River – Essex, Maryland
- Distance from Frederick: 69 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
11. Sandy Point State Park, MD
Chesapeake Bay – Annapolis, Maryland
- Distance from Frederick: 74 miles
- Entry Fee:
- Weekends & Holidays: $5/person (MD residents), $7/person (out-of-state).
- Weekdays: $3/person (MD residents), $5/person (out-of-state).
- Free for Golden Age Pass holders, DNR Universal Disability Pass holders, and children in car seats.
- Beach Hours: Memorial Day Weekend–Labor Day
- Lifeguards: Daily, 11 am–6 pm.
Before You Go…
For other day trip ideas, check out our posts on:
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