A narrow paved park road curving down into a wooded valley, morning light through the trees, no cars

Hours & Fees

Patapsco Valley State Park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset, all year. From April through October, Maryland residents pay $2 per car on weekdays and $3 per person on weekends and holidays; out-of-state visitors pay $4 per car and $5 per person. From November through March an honor system charges $2 per car for Maryland residents and $4 for out-of-state cars. The Pickall Area has its own per-person fee and is open only to shelter renters on summer weekends and holidays. A $75 Maryland State Park and Trail Passport ($100 for non-residents) covers a year of day-use entry.

At a Glance

Hours & Fees at a Glance

Hours9 a.m. to sunset (Pickall: summer, renters only)

Weekdays (Apr–Oct)$2 per car Maryland, $4 out of state

Weekends & holidays (Apr–Oct)$3 per person Maryland, $5 out of state

Nov–Mar$2 / $4 per car, honor system

Buses (over 9 passengers)$10 weekdays and winter; per person on weekends

Pickall (May–Sep)$2 / $4 per person, renters only

Annual pass$75 Maryland, $100 non-resident

FreeCar-seat kids, Golden Age Pass, Universal Disability Pass, active military

Hours

Every area: 9 a.m. to sunset. Sunset times are posted at each entrance.
Gates: do not block them. Gates lock at sunset.
Outside hours: DNR permits some activities, such as fishing, the boat launch and permitted hunting, before or after posted hours. Check with the park at 410-461-5005 before planning one.
Pickall: open only on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, for shelter renters and guests (Pickall Area).

2026 Entry Fees

April through October (all areas except Pickall)

Weekdays: $2 per vehicle for Maryland residents, $4 per vehicle out of state. Buses (vehicles that hold more than nine passengers) pay $10.
Weekends and holidays: $3 per person for Maryland residents, $5 per person out of state. Buses pay per person.

November through March

Honor system: $2 per vehicle for Maryland residents, $4 out of state. Buses $10.

Pickall Area, May through September

$2 per person for Maryland residents, $4 per person out of state, on top of the shelter rental.

Who Gets In Free

Children buckled in safety seats
Seniors 62 and older with the Golden Age Pass (a lifetime pass with a one-time $10 processing fee)
Holders of the Universal Disability Pass (covers one companion too)
Members of the Maryland National Guard and active-duty military showing their military ID (card holder only)
Fourth graders with the federal Every Kid Outdoors pass, which Maryland state parks honor

The Annual Passport

The Maryland State Park and Trail Passport costs $75 a year for residents and $100 for non-residents. It gives unlimited day-use entry to Maryland state parks for everyone in one vehicle (up to 10 people) and unlimited boat launching. The pass is valid only once you have the physical card, so order it ahead. Maryland first responders get a $40 discount.

A mown picnic lawn under mature sycamores beside a wide shallow river, a stone-and-timber picnic shelter at the edge of the lawn

Busy Days

On busy weekends, DNR closes some areas when they reach capacity, including Avalon, Hollofield and the Daniels Trailhead. Arrive early and carpool. If you have a large group, have everyone arrive together so all can enter. If one area is full, try another; each has its own entrance (Parking & Directions).

Winter Restrooms

From November 1 to April 1, the only open restrooms are at Avalon by Shelter 104, Hilton by Shelter 201, Hollofield by Shelter 300 and McKeldin by the contact station.

History Center

The William Offutt Johnson History Center in the Avalon Area is closed for the season. DNR offers private tours by request.

FAQ

Hours & Fees FAQ

What are the hours for Patapsco Valley State Park?

9 a.m. to sunset, every day, in every area. Sunset times are posted at the entrances. Pickall is open only to shelter renters on summer weekends and holidays.

Do you have to pay to go to Patapsco Valley State Park?

Yes. From April to October it is $2 per car on weekdays and $3 per person on weekends and holidays for Maryland residents ($4 per car and $5 per person from out of state). In winter it is $2 or $4 per car on the honor system.

How much does it cost to go to Patapsco State Park?

For Maryland residents, $2 per car on weekdays and $3 per person on weekends and holidays from April to October, and $2 per car from November to March. Out-of-state visitors pay $4 per car or $5 per person.

Is there an annual pass for Patapsco?

Yes. The Maryland State Park and Trail Passport is $75 a year for residents and $100 for non-residents and covers everyone in your vehicle, up to 10 people.

Is Patapsco free for seniors?

Seniors 62 and older get in free with Maryland's Golden Age Pass, a lifetime pass with a one-time $10 processing fee.