Susquehanna State Park (MD)

Hours

9 a.m. to Sunset
Picnic Area open 10 a.m. to Sunset.

(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)

Fees

Day Use Service Charges:

Deer Creek Picnic Area, daily March – October $2/vehicle; out-of-state residents $4/vehicle; open weekends only November - February

Boat Launch Charges: $10/vehicle; out-of-state residents $12.

Activities

Fishing--Susquehanna State Park has direct access to the river where, depending on the season, anglers can improve their skills while catching striped bass as well as large and small mouth bass. The annual shad and herring runs in early spring are an awesome sight. Perch, catfish and carp are also in abundance in the Susquehanna. The river, from the Conowingo Dam to the mouth where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay, is tidal water. The Chesapeake Bay Sports Fishing License (tidal license) is required in order to fish this portion of the Susquehanna River. Fishing in Deer Creek requires a non-tidal fishing license.

Camping-- The Susquehanna State Park campground contains two loops with a total of 69 sites, six of which are electric, and six camper cabins. Each loop has its own comfort station with hot showers.

Picnic area--The Deer Creek picnic area offers shaded picnic tables, grills, two picnic shelters and a modern restroom. Large open fields close by are great for family games or blanket and basket picnics. A freshwater pond is on site and is ideal for the novice angler. The pavilions are available for rent for your family reunion or company picnic. Pavilion use is by reservation only.

Boating--The park's Lapidum Boating Facility offers direct access to the river and the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay just a short trip down stream.

Hunting--Designated areas of the park are open to bow hunting for deer only. The hunting areas are open from October throughout the end of January. Hunting is allowed by permit only.

Susquehanna State Park is also home of the privately run Steppingstone Museum. Exhibits include antique farm implements, woodwrights shop, blacksmith shop, decoy carving shop and restored farm house.

Historic sites--History buffs will love touring the operational 200 year old Rock Run Grist Mill, as well as the Carter-Archer mansion. This area also contains the Jersey Toll House which at one time was the collection point for travelers crossing the covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River. The remnants of the Susquehanna Tidewater Canal can be seen here as it parallels the river from Havre de Grace to Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.

Riding and Hiking Trails-More than 15 miles of trails are available for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking.