New Windsor MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near New Windsor, Maryland.
1. Local Homestead Products
RUSTIC FARM EXPERIENCE
Local Homestead Products offers visitors a charming farm setting with access to a swimming hole on their property. Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the natural water feature after exploring the working farm and shopping for fresh produce. The farm provides a perfect blend of agricultural tourism and outdoor recreation for families seeking a countryside escape.
2. Codorus State Park
LAKE MARBURG RECREATION
Codorus State Park features the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg where visitors can swim, boat, and fish. The park's swimming pool complex offers a refreshing alternative to lake swimming during summer months. Visitors also enjoy the park's hiking trails, disc golf course, and marina facilities along the scenic shoreline.
3. Cunningham Falls State Park
CASCADING WATERFALL RETREAT
Cunningham Falls State Park is home to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall, creating a natural swimming area at its base. The park's 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake offers a sandy beach with lifeguards during summer months for safe swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking to the falls, camping, and exploring the abundant wildlife in this Catoctin Mountain getaway.
4. Greenbrier State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE PARADISE
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre freshwater lake with a 300-foot sandy beach for swimming. The park offers boat rentals, picnic areas, and hiking trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and scenic mountain backdrop that makes this one of Maryland's most popular summer destinations.
5. Middle Creek Cabin Retreat
CREEKSIDE MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
Middle Creek Cabin Retreat offers a serene waterfront experience where guests can enjoy wading and swimming in the creek that runs through the property. The peaceful 9-acre private setting is nestled between South Mountain State Park and Gambrill State Park, providing a perfect natural escape. Visitors can relax to the sound of flowing water and take refreshing dips in the stream during warmer months.
6. Caledonia State Park
HISTORIC FOREST SWIMMING
Caledonia State Park features a large swimming pool fed by mountain springs, offering a refreshing alternative to natural swimming areas. The park's Conococheague Creek provides fishing opportunities and scenic water views throughout the forested landscape. Visitors can explore historic furnace remains, hike portions of the Appalachian Trail, and enjoy the cool mountain streams that flow through this 1,125-acre park.
7. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
HISTORIC LAKE DESTINATION
Pine Grove Furnace State Park features two mountain lakes, Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake, both offering swimming beaches and boat rentals. Fuller Lake, a former quarry with crystal-clear waters, is known as one of the most refreshing swimming spots in the region. The park marks the midway point of the Appalachian Trail and houses the Appalachian Trail Museum for hikers taking a cooling break from their journey.
8. Fort Smallwood Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT PRESERVE
Fort Smallwood Park offers visitors access to private coves and beaches along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. The historic coastal defense site now serves as a recreational area with fishing piers, picnic facilities, and waterfront relaxation spots. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe various bird species and marine life while enjoying the panoramic water views from this secluded setting.
9. Liberty Reservoir
SCENIC FISHING DESTINATION
Liberty Reservoir spans 3,100 acres with 82 miles of shoreline offering fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities near New Windsor. The reservoir serves as both a drinking water source for Baltimore and a recreational destination with several access points for waterfront activities. While swimming is officially prohibited to protect water quality, many visitors enjoy the peaceful shoreline trails and excellent fishing for bass, trout, and other species.
10. Cascade Lake
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER PARK
Cascade Lake features a spring-fed swimming area with a sandy beach and water park attractions including slides and floating platforms. The family-oriented destination offers fishing, picnicking, and outdoor recreation on its 6-acre lake surrounded by wooded areas. Visitors appreciate the lifeguarded swimming areas, concession stands, and rental facilities that make this a popular summer destination for families near New Windsor.