New Germany State Park Ultimate Guide
New Germany State Park is located Garrett County, Maryland is known as the Alps of Maryland. This park is full of hiking, water activities swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing and wildlife viewing. It is also a great place for cross country skiing during the winter! Learn more below about how to get there, where to stay and top things to do in this New Germany State Park Ultimate Guide!
getting there
If you are flying to the area, the closest major airports are Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) or Washington Dulles International airport (IAD) The drive from PIT is 116 miles or 2 hours 5 minutes . The drive from IAD airport is 2 hours 35 minutes. Baltimore is about 165 miles or a 3 hour 25 minutes drive. Charleston, West Virginia is about 210 miles away or 3 hour drive.
getting Around
The best way to get to the park is by car and once you are there you will get around by foot. This area is fairly remote in western Maryland and this hidden gem is easy to park at and enjoy year round adventures.
where to stay in and around New Germany State Park
The New Germany State Park has historic cabins. These full service cabins from the 1930s have kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces. There are also 48 camping/RV slots with a central bath house. Reservations can by made by calling 1-888-432-CAMP or by visiting parkreservations.maryland.gov.
You can also stay nearby Grantsville at the Casselman Inn or the Comfort Inn in Grantsville. Downtown Grantsville is about a 10 minute drive away. Check out this Western Maryland Weekend Getaway to check out other great things to do while visiting this area!
when to visit New Germany State Park
This park is absolutely beautiful year-round and wonderful to visit. The park is open from 8 AM to sunset.
Summer is great for lake activities and winter is great for cross country skiing. Be aware that campsites may not be plowed during the winter so may need to walk from day use area to campsites.
Fees
There is no fee for day use admission. Camping can be reserved online or by phone. Current rates (2025) campsite $18.50, campsite with electric $27.50, alpine lodge campsite (3 sided shelter) $27.50 or glamping campsite (canvas tent, queen bed and Adirondack chairs) $37.50. Cabins range from $76-117 per night with a 2 night minimum stay.
things to do in New Germany State Park
Lake Activities
There is a central 13-acre lake that supports boating, swimming, and fishing. During the summer months canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available.
hiking
The park offers several hiking trails. There are over 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is 508 acres and includes forest and lake life so offers a host of wildlife. You can spot deer, foxes and black bears. It is a great place for birding and is a spring warbler migration spot.
Beach
During the summer, this park is great for relaxing on the shore and swimming in the lake. There is a permitted area for swimming in the lake. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Fishing
Fishing is permitted with a non-tidal fishing license. The lake has large mouth bass, bluegill, trout and catfish.
Boating
Boats are allowed year round. Gasoline motors are not permitted. A soft boat ramp is available. You can rent canoes, row boats, kayaks and paddle boards from late spring to early fall.
Ultimate Guide New Germany State Park
I hope this inspires you to check out this hidden gem while visiting western Maryland. For ideas on more things to do check out my Western Maryland Getaway Weekend for more inspiration!
