Unsurprisingly, given the state’s critical role in U.S. history, there are a number of unmissable Maryland landmarks. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you see all the best landmarks in Maryland during your visit.
Top Landmarks in Maryland
Maryland Landmarks
Deep Creek Lake
The largest inland body of water in all of Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a well-known and beloved destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and all sorts of other water-based activities. The lake is preserved inside Deep Creek Lake State Park, whose grounds were actually once a logging and mining area.
Today, they’re a natural oasis, filled with hiking trails (turned snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails come winter), as well as an aviary containing recuperating birds of prey.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Deep Creek Lake State Park is close to the town of McHenry as well as additional wilderness areas like Savage River State Forest, Swallow Falls State Park and others.
As far as lodging goes, we recommend setting up camp at Bumble Bee RV Park and Campground.
Fort Frederick
Today preserved inside Fort Frederick State Park, frontier defensive fort, Fort Frederick was originally constructed back in 1756. Made of stone, this strong fort has survived centuries to tell the tale to visitors today of what that lifestyle was like so many years ago.
Along with self-guided tours, the state park also offers regular events and reenactments, which can help bring the unique and critical U.S. history of this place to life.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Less than half an hour from the mid-sized city of Hagerstown, Fort Frederick is convenient to urban landscapes as well as other outdoor areas. For example, West Virginia’s Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area is just across the border.
You can find RV camping nearby at Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA Holiday.
Monocacy Battlefield
Monocacy Battlefield in known for the Battle of Monocacy, fought during the Civil War on July 9, 1864. Today, it is an NPS-managed location that preserves and exhibits centuries’ worth of history.
The site offers more than 1,600 rolling acres of fields, historic buildings and more. It is also brought to life by actors, reenactors and park rangers who fire cannons, offer guided tours, and provide informative yet fun lectures that’ll make you feel like a historian yourself. There’s also an auto tour for those who don’t wish to get out of their vehicles, as well as walking trails for those who do want to stretch their legs.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Monocacy National Battlefield is located just south of the city of Frederick, Maryland. This city offers several landmarks of its own to visit, such as the famed John Hanson Statue in front of the courthouse. It’s also convenient to other outdoor areas such as Gambrill State Park, Cunningham Falls State Park and Patuxent River State Park.
Wondering where to stay? Camping is available at Little Bennett Campground.
Antietam National Battlefield
Another important Civil War landmark located west of Frederick, Antietam National Battlefield was the site of a particularly famous — or infamous — fight that took place in September of 1862. A shocking 23,000 soldiers were killed, injured, or missing after the 12-hour combat. This ended the efforts of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to invade the North and also led to Abraham Lincoln’s preliminary issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Today, the battlefield offers both idyllic views and an incredible learning opportunity.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Antietam National Battlefield is within an easy drive of many smaller communities that offer dining and shopping options, as well as state parks like Gathland and Greenbrier.
When you’re finished exploring, you can set up camp at Brunswick Family Campground.
Washington Monument State Park
Preserving the first monument ever completed to our first U.S. president, Washington Monument State Park contains a very unique, one-of-a-kind piece of our history. The monument itself is a stone tower that was first erected back in 1827 by the citizens of the nearby city of Boonsboro.
A park office and museum offer more context and information about both the monument and the man it stands for.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
For even more historical information, head to Boonsboro itself to check out the Boonsboro Museum of History. If you need more outdoor time, check out the larger landscape of Greenbrier State Park.
Want to stay? You can actually set up camp at Greenbrier State Park.
Fort McHenry National Monument
If there’s one U.S. landmark in the state of Maryland everyone knows about, it’s Baltimore’s Fort McHenry National Monument. This fort, known for its victory during the War of 1812, inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the song many Americans know best: “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Of course, the inception of our national anthem is just the beginning of the fascinating and important history contained in Fort McHenry’s walls. Informative and friendly park rangers and historical reenactors bring the whole story to life for visitors of all ages.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Baltimore is a thriving American metropole filled to the gills with fun things to see and do, including several more landmarks that we’ll outline on this list.
RV camping can be found nearby at Patapsco Valley State Park.
The Baltimore Museum of Art
While the U.S. has no shortage of excellent art museums, the Baltimore Museum of Art is considered one of the finest on a global level. Its unique collection is internationally recognized for its value, and a variety of rotating exhibitions keep things fresh and interesting no matter how many times you visit.
The museum is also known for the suite of events it hosts year round for families, adults and members, including artist talks, hands-on workshops and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just off the campus of Johns Hopkins University, the Baltimore Museum of Art is within walking distance of other must-see town attractions such as the Johns Hopkins Archeological Museum.
Of course, you’ll also need a place to stay. We recommend Ramblin’ Pines Campground.
The National Aquarium
Home to a whopping 20,000 animals, the National Aquarium has earned its reputation as one of the best animal sanctuaries of any kind in the United States. It is renowned as an aquatic conservatory the world over.
Along with the regular exhibits that allow you to dive deeper into the unique biology and ecology of our planet’s oceans, the Aquarium also hosts special one-on-one experiences. These include the opportunity to meet a dolphin, a private reptile encounter, and more.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located along the Inner Harbor neighborhood, pair your visit to the National Aquarium with a trip to the Maryland Science Center or find a quiet spot to enjoy a bite to eat on the waterfront.
As far as camping goes, Cherry Hill Park Campground is another great Baltimore area campground.
Colonial Annapolis Historic District
Not every city can boast an entire district that’s made the cut to The Colonial Annapolis Historic District has been designated a national landmark since 1965. This was updated to include an expanded portion of the town in 1984.
One of the first planned cities in Colonial America, much of this part of town is laid out identically to how it was when the town plan was first developed in 1695 by Francis Nicholson. As you wander this area, you’ll see a number of landmarks and historic buildings. These include the Maryland State House, St. Anne’s Parish, and others.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Throughout the historic district and well beyond, Annopolis has plenty to offer hungry eyes, ears, and bellies. It’s also close to natural areas like Sandy Point State Park, Wye Oak State Park and others.
Some of the best RV camping in the area is found at Capitol KOA.
Clara Barton House
Located in the small town of Glen Echo, the Clara Barton House, served as the home to the founder of the Red Cross for the final 15 years of her life. Today, it stands tribute to her ongoing acts of service toward others and is part of the Clara Barton National Historic Site. Along with exploring the house itself, visitors can also enjoy organized events led by passionate and informative rangers.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Tucked amongst the many smaller communities that make up the larger Washington, D.C. metro, the Clara Barton House is near many restaurants, shops, and other tourist attractions. There are also plenty of beautiful green spaces nearby like Langley Oaks Park just over the river.
Camping is available at Lake Fairfax Park Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to Maryland
Ready to take a Maryland RV trip so you can see all these Maryland landmarks and more? Make sure to stay in some of the top 10 campgrounds in the entire state. You’ll also want to see the best Maryland state parks as well as the populous and popular city of Baltimore.
