GAMBRILL STATE PARK
GAMBRILL STATE PARK14039 Catoctin Hollow Road Thurmont, Maryland 21702
Phone: 301-271-7574 Reservations: 888-432-2267
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Gambrill State Park has its beginnings when public-spirited conservationists of Frederick County purchased this tract of land on Catoctin Mountain and donated it to the City of Frederick to be used for a municipal mountain park. On September 7, 1934, the City presented the acreage to the State for use as a state park, which was later named to honor the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a Frederick resident and leading advocate of the conservation of natural resources. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
CampingPrimativeyes
Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping is permitted in the upper portion of the Rock Run area, where a modern washhouse with showers and hot water is available from April through mid-October. The camping area accommodates up to 30 family units. The park also offers four camper cabins. Senior citizen rate applies only on non-holiday Sunday through Thursday nights.
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Picnic tables, grills, shelters, modern restrooms and playground facilities are available at Gambrill State Park. The High Knob area offers three shelters, available for rent from April through October, as well as a lodge-type native stone shelter, The Tea Room. The balcony of the Tea Room faces beautiful vistas, while a huge stone fireplace dominates the interior. The building accommodates 75 people and has a kitchen designed for cooking and serving food. Pets are not allowed in the picnic areas or the Tea Room.
For those interested in hiking and observing nature and wildlife, there are 13 miles of wooded trails. A wide variety of birds, wildflowers, ferns, trees and shrubs can be viewed along these trails. Leashed pets are allowed on all trails.
A Nature Lodge is located in the High Knob area. Scheduled nature walks and evening campfire programs are conducted periodically throughout the summer season. Schedules are posted at various locations within the park.
Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 10 Gambrill State Park:Rock Run campsites by Hotheadem
I stayed in a mini cabin for two nights at Gambrill State Park this month. It was after the 4th of July madness. The park was basically empty. I felt like I had it all to myself. The cabins are amazingly clean as well as the bathrooms. The staff was very nice -so kind that they delivered my firewood and they were sold 3 bundles for $12.
My cabin had a few power outlets, an overhead light and a porch light.
There only issues I had were the fact that there was no camp store, a semi busy road was located next to the park, the playground was a swing set with no swings and the camp sites were located very close to one another. Didnt matter to me because they were empty when I stayed there.
Its new to being listed on the internet. I feel like if you want privacy and a less hectic campground stay at Gambrill. Its very close to Cunningham state park which is apparently noisy with more outdoor activities for families.
I did not venture to the trails that are not accessible from the Rock Run site of Gambrill. I would of had to drive up the road and parked to access it. So I cant tell you about the trails.
| Area Campgrounds |
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| Area Fishing Related Businesses |
| Orvis-Hunting Creek Outfitters
29 N Market St
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-4333
| Fox's Sport & Bait Store
501 S Market St
Frederick, MD
(301) 663-3697
| Reels & Wheels
17328 Taylors Landing Rd
Sharpsburg, MD
(301) 432-7281
| Wolfe Fish Hunt on the Square
1 W Potomac St
Williamsport, MD
(301) 223-7411
| Smoketown Bait & Tackle
27 W Potomac St
Brunswick, MD
(301) 834-5540
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| Area Resorts and Lodging |
| Ole Mink Farm Recreation Resort
12806 Mink Farm Rd
Thurmont, MD
(301) 271-7012
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From Washington: Take I-270 north to Frederick, which transitions into U.S. Route 15, and continue to Route 40 west (West Patrick Street). Exit to the I-70 west/Route 40 split, bear right and continue on Route 40. Turn right on Gambrill Park Road and follow one mile to the Rock Run Area entrance on your left to reach the campground. Continue on Gambrill Park Road to reach the trail parking lot and to the top of the mountain to reach the scenic overlooks, pavilions and the Tea Room.
From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to Frederick and follow to U.S. Route 15 and then to Route 40 west exit. Follow Route 40 west to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.
From Pennsylvania: Take U.S. 15 south to Frederick. Take Route 40 west exit and follow to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above.
From Hagerstown: Take I-70 east to Myersville Maryland Route 17 exit (exit #42). Turn left on Route 17 and follow through Myersville to Route 40. Turn right on Route 40 and continue to Gambrill Park Road on your left. Turn left and proceed one mile to the park.
