Greenbrier State Park supports so many different activities; you'll be glad you can spend a night or two here in your RV. There is so much to do and see that it's impossible to pack all the fun into one day. In this Maryland park, you'll have access to clear glassy waters, a pristine campground, sandy lakeside shores, and gorgeous scenery. It's all tucked into a small stretch of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountains are what give this park its unique rock formations. A sliver of the Appalachian Trail even passes right through the park.
There are numerous rugged hiking opportunities here, and it's even a great place to get out the mountain bike. Greenbrier Lake is also a wonderful place for recreational opportunities. It's known for being an excellent spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. Beauty truly surrounds you here. If you've been looking to feel refreshed, you may just get your wish staying at this tranquil Maryland park. The serene atmosphere is both comfortable and fun.
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or as a whole family, you'll find that Greenbrier's surroundings suit just about everyone. Staying busy during your RV vacation here is easy. In fact, the hardest part of your stay will be deciding what to do first. So, get registered, parked, unpacked, and then head to either the beach or the mountains first. The possibilities are endless.
Roads to this Maryland recreational hub branch right off of US-40 from I-70, making for an easy find. Just over an hour from Baltimore to the southeast and only 1.5 miles from our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., you’re close enough to the big city to visit but far away enough to relax. You can take the interstates to get to the park quickly or choose one of the scenic routes along the Potomac River. Either way, if you are driving a large rig, you may have to pull off on one of the many turnouts here, so you don’t cause too much traffic behind you.
Roads leading into the park are well-paved and easy to navigate. The day-use area is open to the public, so even those who aren't spending the night at the grounds will be here to fill up the beach. Roads lead to Greenbrier Lake's parking area as well as to each of the four loops of Greenbrier campgrounds. These campground loops are also paved, making it easy to get around in your camper or vehicle.
If you're here to spend the night, you're likely going to be parking in Greenbrier Campgrounds. Sites here can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet, but some visitors have said they can get away with slightly-larger rigs. Sites are gravel and somewhat level, though, some have a bit of a slope.
Greenbrier State Park has one of the largest recreational day-use and camping areas around, and it hosts a clean and comfortable campground. There are 165 campsites here, offering both tent camping and RV and trailer use. There are four loops in the campground, alphabetically named: Ash, Birch, Cedar, and Dogwood. All sites are available for reservations, which can be made either by calling or using an online portal. There is only one loop that has electrical hookups (Cedar), and two loops that feature pet-friendly sites (Cedar and Dogwood.) Each site has a table and a fire ring, and bathhouses and hot showers are readily accessible.
Be aware that the sites are not made for larger rigs. There is a maximum length of 30 feet permitted, so visitors with larger RVs or trailers may either wish to call in for more information for each site or anticipate finding an alternate place to park. If you fall within length requirements, certainly don't be shy—get those reservations in! Reservations are available up to one year in advance.
If you are unable to stay at the Greenbrier State Park campground, at least you'll find other suitable locations within a close range at a private campground or RV park. These different locations are easily within a 15-mile distance from the park. In fact, just 11 miles to the southeast, you can find Gambrill State Park just off of US-40 W. This lush campground has 21 RV campsites that each have their own lantern hanger, campfire ring, and a large picnic table.
Although you’ll only be about 20 minutes from Greenbrier State Park, be sure to leave early enough so that you won't miss out on the day-use parking at Gambrill State Park. Getting into day-use parking may be surprisingly tricky on beautiful summer days, weekends, or holidays. Parking is rather ample, however, so there's certainly reason to try. The recreational opportunities offered here are nothing to be missed.
Mountain bikers will love the moderate to strenuous bike trails at Greenbrier State Park. Park guests consider the Big Red Trail a favorite riding location because this popular looped path is one of the longer trails within the park. During the off-season, this trail doesn't see as many guests as it does during the peak season, so it is a perfect opportunity to ride around without weaving through other bikes. The scenery is quite lovely too. Experienced riders are best suited to ride the Big Red Trail as this loop can prove to be rather tricky, especially if you're navigating after the rain. If you want to avoid a steep climb, consider riding the trail counterclockwise.
There are quite a few trails that run through the state park for hiking, each differing in length and difficulty. The trails wind through varying habitats and produce a spectacular view of the area's geologic history. Challenge yourself with the Big Red Trail or go for a more leisurely walk along the Green Trail. One of the treks within the park even connects to one of the most famed walking routes—the Appalachian Trail. All you have to do is park your motorhome and head out onto the trail.
Make sure you pack your favorite hiking boots in your rig before heading out to the park. Why? A stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through Greenbrier State Park. A connecting trail ends at the Appalachian Trail, so access is easy. If you're up for a long hike, why not start here? The entire trail is a challenge that few have finished in its entirety. Maryland lies almost smack dab in the middle of the trail, with the northern end landing in Maine and southern end beginning in Georgia.
During the height of the hunting season, park visitors should expect to share the land with hunters. There are 500 acres of land that permits the hunting of many different species. This land rests just west of the lake and makes for a pleasant setting. Hunters are allowed on state park grounds during authorized seasons from Monday through Saturday. Hunting for whitetail and sika deer are both popular here, as well as wild turkey and other game birds. Nighttime furbearer hunting is also conducted here, but individuals must have a permit.
Professionals and novices alike will have plenty of opportunities to snap some shots of both the local wildlife as well as the park's stunning scenery. There's so much beauty that surrounds you here. From the lake to the forested trails, the landscape offers either a spectacular background or even serves as a captivating subject. Be sure to pack your camera in your rig and capture all that you can, because who doesn't like looking back on a good trip or sharing their images on their favorite social media site?
The park's lake features a boat ramp where you can launch your choice of paddle boats. If you're traveling with your canoe or kayak, you're in good company. Unfortunately, the park does not rent out these types of boats. They do, however, provide pedal boat rentals. Be sure to bring the sunscreen in your rig! You're likely going to be out on the water for a while. It makes for a fun way to get around to different parts of the park. There are buoys set up in the water to highlight the boundaries between the boating and the swimming areas.
This state park is home to all sorts of aquatic recreation. With a 42-acre freshwater lake as the primary source of fun, you're sure to find your favorite way to cool down during a hot summer day. If you've arrived at the park with a Maryland Angler's License, you're able to cast your line here, although there are exceptions for those under 16 years of age. The park's lake is regularly stocked with all sorts of fish, including bluegill, trout, and largemouth bass. Both fishing from the shoreline as well as by boat is permitted here. Be sure to read up on and follow all Maryland fishing laws and regulations before you cast your line.
Bring the whole family along on your trip to Greenbrier State Park because you can all learn something new here about the park’s natural surroundings. During the summer months, guests can enjoy several programs and interpretive exhibits at the Nature Center. The center is located near the lake and offers education and fun for all ages. Here, you can learn about the park from anything about its wildlife to its unique geology. You're sure to take away something new each time you attend a program.
Families are free to enjoy a good picnic at the day-use area, where tables, grills, and a playground are available to make your day a little more special. The picnic area is relatively large and shaded, helping to make this an ideal spot to sit down for a while. Depending on what time of year you're visiting in your camper, you may find the tables already filled. Don't fret, though; the grassy edges that border the beach make for another perfect location to sit down for a summer picnic.
Be ready to share the beach with all sorts of aquatic enthusiasts during your RV stay here, as this is a popular and active recreation area. You'll see beachgoers either staying on land soaking up the sun or diving on into the clear water of the lake. The swimming boundaries are marked clearly and easily spotted, and the water doesn't get too deep in this part of the lake. These are some reasons it's pretty popular with families, as kids can enjoy the calm waters, safely. Lifeguards remain on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
