Calvert Cliffs State Park Ultimate Guide
Calvert Cliffs State Park is located in Lusby, Calvert County Maryland along he Chesapeake Bay. It is a very unique state park and great for a day trip from Baltimore or Washington D.C. Learn more below about how to get there, where to stay and top things to do in this Calvert Cliffs State Park Ultimate Guide!
getting there
If you are flying to the area, the closest airports are Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) or Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA). The drive from Baltimore is about 75 miles or 1.5 hours, Washington D.C is about 59 miles away or 1 hour 15 minutes drive. Richmond, Virginia is about 114 miles away or 2 hours 11 minutes.
getting Around
The best way to get to the park is by car and once you are there you will get around by foot. There is a parking but during peak season it is recommended to arrive before 10 AM. Alternatively, you can go during the week. We went on New Years Day (turns out free day to visit the park so was fairly busy) but also going during the off season can help decrease crowds. Once there you can hike so wearing sturdy shoes is recommended.
where to stay in and around Calvert Cliff State Park
There is youth group camping available but otherwise no hook ups or camping in the park. For youth groups reservations can be made online or by calling 888-432-2267. There is access to pit toilets, fire ring and picnic table. Nearby Solomons, Lexington Park and California, Maryland have several hotels that are very nearby this state park. We spent time in Solomons and you can check out my Solomons Maryland Visit Guide!
when to visit Calvert Cliffs State Park
This park is absolutely beautiful year-round and wonderful to visit. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Summer weekends are the busiest time so please try to arrive before 10 AM if going during peak season.
Fees
There is a day service charge to visit the park. It is $5/vehicle in state or $7/vehicle out of state. Small bus is $10 and large bus is $20. The fees must be paid with cash so don’t forget the cash!
things to do in Calvert Cliffs State Park
Fossil Hunting
The very unique part of the this park is that fossils wash up on the beaches. The cliffs expose Miocene-era fossils including shark teeth, shells, whale and bird bones. You can bring sifting sand toys but it is not required. You can find the best fossils at low tide and after storms.
hiking
The park offers several hiking trails. The most used is the Red Trail which winds through the marshes and woods and ends at the sandy bay beach. This trail is 1.8 miles long to get to the beach. Other popular paths include the Orange Trail and Pond Loop. There are a total of 13 miles of marked trails open to the public.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is 1,300 acres and includes forest, wetland and shoreline so offers a host of wildlife. You can spot deer, turtles, ospreys, herons, and so many more birds. The marsh boardwalks are fantastic for birdwatching.
Bay Beach
You can set up along the shoreline to dip your feet in the water between hunting for fossils. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Fishing
There is a 1 acre fishing pond located around the picnic tables. A non-tidal fishing license is required for anyone over 16 years old.
Explore the area
Outside of Calvert Cliffs State Park there are some other neat attractions including the Calvert Marine Museum, Cove Point Lighthouse and Chesapeake Beach. Solomons is a great little place to check out in the area. While here we watched an epic sunset over the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge.
