Fort Frederick State Park - Big Pool, MD - Maryland State Parks

Camping
Camping is available along the Potomac River. Features include:
29 unimproved sites which include a fire ring and picnic table
Portable toilets
The family campground is first come, first served only
Four youth group campsites are available for organized youth groups

Fishing and Boating
Big Pool Lake lies within Fort Frederick State Park. Big Pool is a natural depression that was filled with water when the C & O Canal was created. Big Pool provides excellent opportunities for both the angler and boater. Gas motors are prohibited on Big Pool. A boat ramp provides access for canoes and other boats. Big Pool is primarily a warm water fishery, offering good fishing for species such as largemouth bass, catfish, carp, bluegill, and many others.
The Beaver Pond is a perfect place for young anglers to try out their skills. Bank fishing provides families a safe place to catch a variety of fish species.
The Potomac River runs along the southern edge of the park. It provides excellent opportunities for boating and fishing. It and can be accessed by a foot path located across from the Beaver Pond parking lot. The foot path is suitable for carrying a lightweight canoe or kayak.

Hiking
Fort Frederick State Park offers several hiking opportunities.
The Beaver Pond Trail is an easy trail for hikers, .3 miles in length, and passes along a wetlands around the campground. Hikers can see several species of turtles, waterfowl, birds, as well as white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
The C&O Canal National Park tow path runs through Fort Frederick State Park. There is parking and access for the C&O Canal at mile post 112.5

Fort Frederick
The stone fort built in 1756 protected Maryland’s frontier settlers during the French and Indian War.
Fort Frederick is unique because of its strong stone wall, large size, and roomy barracks.
The fort saw service during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers.
During the Civil War, Union troops were often stationed near the fort to guard the C & O Canal.
In 1922, the State of Maryland acquired the fort and in 1930's, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the fort walls and began development of the state park.
The fort barracks are open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on the weekends in the spring and fall.
During those times, staff and volunteers dressed in 18th century clothing occupy the fort, demonstrating daily life in the 18th century.
Group Tours are available seasonally. Call 301-842-2155 for details.

Visitor Center
At the visitor center, our helpful and courteous staff can provide you with information about the park and the surrounding area. Visitors can view a 10 minute orientation film, Legacy of Fort Frederick, upon request. The visitor center houses exhibits highlighting the park’s history, including:Fort Frederick artillery cannon being fired.

Captain Wort’s Sutler Shop
Captain Wort’s Sutler Shop sells items including souvenirs, food, camping supplies, as well as firewood.
Some souvenir items you may purchase are historical books, flags, toy muskets, Fort Frederick clothing, patches, magnets, maps, and hiking staff medallions.
Items related to the Western Maryland Rail Trail can also be purchased.
Captain Wort’s is open weekends in the spring and fall, and seven days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Picnicking
Nestled in a wooden glen, the picnic area provides the perfect setting for a relaxing family gathering. Features include:
Picnic tables with grills
A playground
A picnic pavilion that holds up to 50 people can be rented for activities such as weddings, reunions or company picnics