Gambrill State Park, Near Myersville, Maryland

Gambrill State Park has its beginnings when public-spirited conservationists of Frederick County purchased this tract of land on Catoctin Mountain and donated it to the City of Frederick to be used for a municipal mountain park. On September 7, 1934, the City presented the acreage to the State for use as a state park, which was later named to honor the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a Frederick resident and leading advocate of the conservation of natural resources.

Three native stone overlooks, strategically located on the 1600-foot summit of High Knob, midway between the Mason-Dixon Line and the Potomac River, offer excellent and exciting views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, looking north, a visitor can see the rugged tree-covered mountains of the Frederick City Municipal Forest, one of the State's best managed watersheds. Looking south, one can see Crampton's Gap, a Civil War Landmark and the site of Gathland State Park, and the Middletown and Monocacy Valleys. South Mountain, where many engagements between Confederate and Union troops took place during the Civil War, can be seen to the West.

Gambrill State Park comes alive in the spring, with the flowering of many trees and shrubs, highlighted by the blooming of the dogwood trees in late May and the abundance of the beautiful mountain laurel's large white flowers in early June.

Two separate areas of Gambrill State Park provide recreational facilities and activities for visitors of all ages. The Rock Run area is located at the park entrance. The High Knob area is located at the top of Catoctin Mountain.

Four camper cabins are located in Gambrill State Park. Each cabin is a 12'x12' room with a front porch, situated on a campsite. Each cabin has two electrical outlets, an overhead light, a porch light and a lockable door. The cabins sleep up to four people. Each cabin has a double bed and two bunk beds. Campers must provide their own bedding. Each cabin site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. All cooking must be done outside the cabin. The cabins have no heat or air conditioning. Campers may bring an electric heater or fan. No propane heaters are allowed.

Gambrill State Park offers an accessible shelter, nature center, campsites, and the Tea Room. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.

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