If you’ve been dreaming about a relaxing day at Greenbrier State Park, often called Maryland’s “Secret Beach,” there’s something important you need to know before you go.
Starting May 24, visitors won’t be able to just show up — they’ll need to book their day-use passes in advance.
This new system is designed to make your visit smoother and less crowded.
How the New Day-Use Reservation System Will Work
The Maryland Park Service is rolling out a Day-Use Reservation System for Greenbrier State Park.
This means if you want to spend the day swimming, lounging on the white sandy beach, or enjoying the 42-acre lake, you’ll need to reserve a spot online ahead of time.
Reservations open seven days before your planned visit, and you can change or cancel your booking up until 8 a.m. the day before you arrive.
Why Reservations Are Being Introduced
Greenbrier State Park is a major attraction, drawing around 500,000 visitors every year.
With so many people flocking to the beach and lake, overcrowding has become a real problem — not just for visitors but for the park’s overall management.
The goal with the new system is to ease traffic, reduce wait times at the entrance, and avoid turning visitors away because the park is full.
Angela Crenshaw, Maryland Park Service Director, said it’s all about helping families plan ahead, making their outdoor time more enjoyable and stress-free.
What You Need to Know About Booking and Fees
To get your reservation, you’ll have to visit the Maryland State Parks website.
You’ll fill out your details, pay for your pass at the time of booking, and then get a QR code that you’ll show to staff when you arrive.
Day passes cost $3 per vehicle any day of the week, but starting Memorial Day weekend, the fee will increase to $5 on Saturdays and Sundays. Out-of-state visitors will also pay an extra $2.
Discounts are available for Maryland Park Pass holders, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Staff might adjust prices depending on how many people arrive in one vehicle.
This System Is Coming to Other Parks Too
Greenbrier isn’t the only spot getting this update.
Sandy Point State Park will start the reservation system on May 19, and other parks like Point Lookout, Newtowne Neck, and North Point will follow later this year, with exact dates announced soon.
This is part of a bigger effort to manage the surge in visitors.
Why Maryland’s Parks Are Seeing More Visitors Than Ever
It’s no secret that more and more people have been visiting Maryland’s parks in recent years — especially since the pandemic.
From 2010 to 2019, the parks averaged about 10.8 million visitors annually, but now that number has jumped to nearly 18.7 million.
Many of the parks experiencing the biggest spikes are those with public swimming areas.
This increase means more traffic, more crowds, and, unfortunately, more people sometimes being turned away when parks reach capacity.
What This Means for Your Next Visit
If the reservation system does what it’s supposed to, it should make visits to Maryland’s state parks a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.
No more long waits or worrying you’ll get turned away at the gate.
Instead, visitors can plan ahead with confidence and make the most of their outdoor adventures.
So mark your calendars and get ready to book your next day at Maryland’s beautiful beaches and parks.