Exploring and Relaxing at Calvert Cliffs State Park

Looking for an exciting escape to nature? Calvert Cliffs State Park in Maryland is the perfect place to unwind, hike, explore, and enjoy the outdoors! From beachfront swimming to ancient cliffs and forests full of wildlife, this state park has something for everyone.

About Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs State Park has impressive cliffs that extend for about 24 miles along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Calvert County. The cliffs were interesting because they were created over 10 to 20 million years ago when a warm, shallow sea covered Southern Maryland. The cliffs have since been exposed and eroded, revealing the fossils of prehistoric species like sharks, whales, rays, and large seabirds.

The park offers many activities for visitors, such as a sandy beach, a playground made from recycled tires, fishing, marshlands, and 13 miles of hiking trails. It is a day-use park, so that you can enjoy all the park offers in a single day trip.

General Information

Address: 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657, United States

Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Parking: Parking is available at the park, and the beach is about 2 miles from the parking lot.

Entrance Fee: The entry is $5 per car for in-state visitors and $7 per car for out-of-state visitors. (They don’t accept card payments, so bring cash)

Restrooms: Restroom facilities are conveniently located at the park’s parking lot, and portable toilets are available along the trail close to the beach area.

Accessibility: The administration of Calvert Cliffs Park is committed to making the state’s natural resources accessible to all, including people with disabilities. They have designed and constructed various amenities such as camping areas, fishing and boating docks, visitor centers, and trails with accessibility in mind.

Pets: The park welcomes dogs on a leash, allowing visitors to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry companions. It’s important to remember to clean up after your pet, ensuring a clean and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Drive Time:

Northern Virginia

1 hour and 25 minutes

Washington DC

50 minutes to an hour

The Beach Area at Calvert Cliffs State Park

If you’re a fan of fossil hunting and soaking up the sun, Calvert Cliffs State Park’s swimming beach is a must-visit! Facing east across the Chesapeake Bay, this sandy quarter-mile stretch is the perfect place to dig for ancient sharks’ teeth and other fascinating fossils that have sunk into the cliffs and the beach below.

You can take the 1.8-mile Red Trail, the shortest route to reach the beach. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from fossil hunting to classic beach games. So, take in the beautiful eastern view where Grays Creek meets the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy a day of adventure.

Calvert Cliffs State Park Fossil Hunting

Fossil hunting is allowed at the open beach area at the end of the red trail, about 1.8 miles from the parking lot. The Calvert Cliffs contain over 600 different kinds of fossils that are from 10 to 20 million years old. Some of the fossils that can be found are Chesapecten, Ecphora, oyster shells, and shark teeth.

Visitors can use sieves and shovels to search for fossils in the sand. However, it’s important to note that climbing or walking under the cliffs is not allowed due to the risk of landslides caused by active erosion. Due to this, the area is off-limits to ensure visitors’ safety.

Click here to get a list of shark teeth and fossil-hunting tools!

Camping at Calvert Cliffs State Park

Calvert Cliffs State Park offers five Youth Group Camping sites that require reservations. Each site includes a fire ring, one 12-foot picnic table, and access to pit toilets. These sites are available from April to October. You can make a reservation for the youth group from here!

Hiking Trail and Map of Cliffs State Park

Ready for a wild adventure? Calvert Cliffs State Park offers over 1,000 acres of wildland for hiking and nature appreciation. Thirteen miles of marked foot trails are open to the public, but if you’re a cyclist or equestrian, you’ll have to stick to the service road.

And the best part? You can download a free trail map right from their website! So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and discover this Park’s natural beauty.

Photo Courtesy of Calvert State Park

Things to do Nearby

There are plenty of exciting activities surrounding Calvert Cliffs and State Park. Here are some top recommendations:

Visit the charming town of Solomons Island and explore its museums, art galleries, and unique shops.
Head to Cove Point Lighthouse for a guided tour and learn about its history and significance.
Check out the Calvert Marine Museum, which features exhibits on the Chesapeake Bay’s ecology and maritime heritage.
Visit the nearby Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary and hike its scenic trails through the swamp forest.

Calvert Cliffs State Park offers an incredible experience for those who enjoy exploring nature and relaxing in a beautiful environment. From hiking on marked trails and fossil hunting on the beach to camping with friends and family, there are several things to do for visitors. With so much to offer, this Park is truly a gem of the Chesapeake Bay area, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by all.