Hampstead MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Hampstead, Maryland.
1. Coppermine Cascade Park
FORMER CASCADE LAKE SWIMMING
Coppermine Cascade Park, formerly known as Cascade Lake, was once a spring-fed lake with swimming, water slides, and picnic areas set among rolling hills. While the original lake was drained due to dam failure in 2018, the site now offers recreation spaces under the new name. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and the park's natural surroundings.
2. Prettyboy Reservoir Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE RETREAT
Prettyboy Reservoir Park is a popular destination for those seeking peaceful lakeside views and nature walks. The park features numerous access points for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, set against a tranquil reservoir backdrop. It's a favored spot for both quiet relaxation and outdoor recreation.
3. Leister Park
COMMUNITY PARK AND TRAILS
Leister Park provides a welcoming green space with walking trails, open fields, and a small creek that invites exploration. The park is popular with families for picnics and casual strolls along the water's edge. Its peaceful creek setting offers a gentle taste of waterfront relaxation in Hampstead.
4. Lions Club Park
NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION AREA
Lions Club Park is a well-maintained local park known for its family-friendly amenities and open green spaces. Visitors enjoy the playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to a gentle stream running through the park. It's a comfortable spot for outdoor gatherings by the water.
5. Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hereford Area
RIVERSIDE TRAILS AND SWIMMING HOLES
Located a short drive from Hampstead, Gunpowder Falls State Park's Hereford Area boasts scenic riverside beaches and renowned swimming holes. The Gunpowder River offers opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and fishing amidst forested surroundings. It's a favorite destination for summer escapes just north of Baltimore.
6. Oregon Ridge Park and Beach
LAKESIDE BEACH AND NATURE TRAILS
Oregon Ridge Park features a charming lakeside beach where visitors can swim in summer months and hike year-round. The nature center and varied trail network provide educational programs and scenic views. It's a beloved spot for families seeking a classic beach day near Baltimore.
7. Piney Run Park and Lake
LAKESIDE SWIMMING AND BOATING
Piney Run Park offers a beautiful 300-acre lake with designated swimming areas and boat rentals for fishing or paddling. The park also features hiking trails, picnic shelters, and wildlife watching opportunities along the lakefront. It's a top choice for freshwater recreation in Carroll County.
8. Liberty Reservoir
EXPANSIVE RESERVOIR ESCAPE
Liberty Reservoir provides a vast, protected watershed ideal for fishing, kayaking, and hiking along forested shorelines. While swimming is not allowed, the waterfront views and extensive trails make it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The peaceful, undeveloped surroundings offer a scenic retreat near Hampstead.
9. Cunningham Falls State Park
LAKE BEACH AND WATERFALLS
Cunningham Falls State Park is celebrated for its sandy lake beach, tranquil swimming area, and impressive waterfalls. The park also offers picnic areas, boat rentals, and wooded trails for hikers of all abilities. Its combination of lakeside and forested scenery makes it a premier getaway in northern Maryland.
10. Beaver Dam Swimming Club
QUARRY SWIMMING AND PICNIC GROUNDS
Beaver Dam Swimming Club features a historic freshwater quarry with rope swings, docks, and floating platforms for swimming. Families and groups enjoy the club's shaded picnic groves and a separate pool area for children. This unique spot blends classic quarry fun with convenient amenities.