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Baltimore-Washington Parkway: fees, hours, camping and when to visit

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on National Park Service data. Published by Humblebee.

Entrance fee
None[1]

Baltimore-Washington Parkway is a Parkway unit of the National Park System in Maryland[2]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].

Entrance fees and passes

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for Baltimore-Washington Parkway[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.

When to visit and hours

NPS lists the parkway as open all year, around the clock, in general[3]. Closures can happen because of road work or bad weather, so check current conditions before you go[3]. The Washington, D.C. area has four seasons, with warm and humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters[4]. NPS names June, July, and August as the warmest months, with high humidity[4]. In spring the weather can swing between warm, humid air and cold, dry air, so be ready for changing conditions[4].

Pets and dogs

Under the national NPS pet rule, pets must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet where they are allowed[5]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches, though service animals are excepted[5]. Each park can close more areas to pets, so check the official park page[5].

Before you go

Questions people ask

Is there an entrance fee at Baltimore-Washington Parkway?
NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1]. Confirm on the official park page before you go.
Is Baltimore-Washington Parkway open all year?
NPS lists it as open all year, around the clock, in general, with possible closures for road work or bad weather[3].
Are dogs allowed at Baltimore-Washington Parkway?
Pets must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet where allowed[5]. Each park can close more areas to pets[5].
What is there to do at Baltimore-Washington Parkway?
NPS lists auto and ATV use and scenic driving as activities[6]. It also lists Junior Ranger Programs and Passport Stamps for National Capital Parks - East[7].

Facts and sources

  1. NPS lists Baltimore-Washington Parkway as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
  2. Baltimore-Washington Parkway is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: Parkway) in Maryland. National Park Service
  3. Operating hours, Baltimore-Washington Parkway: The Baltimore-Washington Parkway is generally open year round, 24 hours a day. Check current conditions for information about closures due to road work and inclement weather. National Park Service
  4. NPS weather and seasons overview for Baltimore-Washington Parkway. National Park Service
  5. National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
  6. Activities NPS lists for Baltimore-Washington Parkway: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving. National Park Service
  7. NPS lists 2 things to do at Baltimore-Washington Parkway: Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East, Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps. Pets permitted on 1 of them (Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks... National Park Service

Fees and hours are what NPS lists in its data at the snapshot date. They change: tell readers to confirm on the official park page before a trip. Visits are NPS recreation visits (counted entries, not unique people). Use them only for this park's own months and years, never to rank parks. Campground list and site counts come from NPS and Recreation.gov records. Count fields can differ slightly between the two. The pet rule is the national baseline (36 CFR 2.15). The park may close more areas to pets. Do not claim specific trails allow dogs unless a fact says so.