Greenbrier State Park wilderness guide
State Park · MD

Greenbrier State Park

Greenbrier State Park offers a serene getaway with a variety of outdoor activities centered around its picturesque lake and expansive natural beauty.

State Park1,4073+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,407

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Greenbrier State Park

Greenbrier State Park offers a serene getaway with a variety of outdoor activities centered around its picturesque lake and expansive natural beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Greenbrier State Park, located in Washington County, Maryland, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans over 1,407 acres and features the central Greenbrier Lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, making it an attractive spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1963, the park quickly became a favorite for locals and visitors seeking recreational opportunities. The calm waters of Greenbrier Lake allow for swimming, fishing, and pedal boating, while the surrounding trails offer hiking and biking options. Historical remnants, such as old farmland stone walls, can be found throughout the park, adding a touch of history to the natural beauty. With well-maintained campgrounds and picnic areas, Greenbrier State Park is perfectly suited for day trips and extended stays.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Greenbrier State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Greenbrier Lake, perfect for swimming and fishing.✦ Diverse wildlife sightings, including various bird species.✦ Historical features such as old stone walls from past farmland.✦ Picturesque views from the Bartman Hill Overlook.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Greenbrier State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Greenbrier State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Greenbrier State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Greenbrier State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Greenbrier State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Greenbrier State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Greenbrier State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Greenbrier State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry fees apply seasonally; state park passes accepted.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Greenbrier State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Greenbrier State Park Campground

Located near the lake with facilities such as showers, toilets, and picnic tables.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Greenbrier State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Boonsboro, Maryland
⌖ 2.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boonsboro, Maryland

Boonsboro delivers charming hiking, biking, and historical experiences with scenic views. Explore Maryland's history and enjoy peaceful outdoor adventures in this welcoming town.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Myersville, Maryland
⌖ 4.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Myersville, Maryland

Myersville, MD, is your gateway to adventure in the Catoctin Mountains. Discover scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking, cozy campsites, and tranquil fishing spots. This town offers a peaceful escape with easy access to outdoor exploration.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Funkstown, Maryland
⌖ 6.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Funkstown, Maryland

Funkstown, Maryland is a quiet historic town near Antietam National Battlefield, offering gentle hikes, peaceful creek paddling, and scenic biking routes. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking a mix of nature and Civil War history.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Middletown, Maryland
⌖ 8.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Middletown, Maryland

Middletown, Maryland, is a peaceful town offering easy access to hiking trails, mountain biking, paddling spots, and historic landmarks in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains area. It’s a great base for outdoor adventures from spring through fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Smithsburg, Maryland
⌖ 8.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Smithsburg, Maryland

Smithsburg is a small Maryland town offering access to great hiking, biking, and natural beauty in locations like Catoctin Mountain Park. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Hagerstown, Maryland
⌖ 8.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hagerstown, Maryland

Hagerstown, Maryland offers easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing through nearby state parks and the Potomac River. Its mix of history and nature makes it a great basecamp for Mid-Atlantic outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Greenbrier State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

All-Day Hands-On Whiskey: From Grain to Barrel in Frederick
ADVEXPEDITION
Frederick, Maryland
DistilleryADV Bookable

All-Day Hands-On Whiskey: From Grain to Barrel in Frederick

A full-day, immersive course at McClintock Distilling that teaches the chemistry and craft of whiskey through classroom sessions and hands-on milling, mashing, fermenting and distilling.

DistilleryPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Opening Day Excursions: Vintage Cars over 1872 Pennsylvania Railroad Track
ADVEXPEDITION
Walkersville, Maryland
TrainADV Bookable

Opening Day Excursions: Vintage Cars over 1872 Pennsylvania Railroad Track

A 1 hour, 10 minute seasonal run on the Walkersville Southern Railroad that carries riders past a historic lime kiln, Maryland farms, charming stations and a lively outdoor market—this guide orients you to what to expect on opening day.

TrainPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nightfall on the Rails: A Vintage Train to a Front‑Row Fireworks Display
ADVEXPEDITION
Walkersville, Maryland
TrainADV Bookable

Nightfall on the Rails: A Vintage Train to a Front‑Row Fireworks Display

A roughly 70‑minute Walkersville excursion aboard 1920s passenger cars and open flatcars that stops at a pumpkin patch and pauses in a park for a fireworks show—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who should (or should not) go.

TrainPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip