Fort Frederick State Park
Big Pool, MD
A stone fort from 1756, built during the French and Indian War and restored with barracks, beside the C&O Canal towpath. Small entry fee; a quiet campground lies near the Potomac.
Fort Frederick State Park is a 585-acre (about 237-hectare) state park at Big Pool in Washington County, Maryland, on the Potomac. Its centerpiece is a stone fort from 1756, named after Frederick Calvert, the sixth Lord Baltimore. It protected Maryland’s frontier settlers in the French and Indian War and, according to the Maryland DNR, is the only stone fort a British colony built in that war. During the Revolutionary War it served as a prison for British soldiers.
In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the walls; the wall and two barracks have been returned to their 1758 appearance. Exhibits are in the visitor center, the barracks and the CCC museum. On certain dates each year, interpreters in period dress show life in the 18th century. The C&O Canal National Historical Park runs through the park.
For campers: there is a campground, a boat launch, flatwater paddling and picnic areas. According to the DNR the barracks are open Thursday to Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on spring and fall weekends; check hours and trail closures in advance.
- Nearest town
- Big Pool, MD
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.6070, -78.0060
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ridge Rider CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Fort Frederick State ParkTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Greenbrier State Park - Dogwood CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Fort Frederick State ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Greenbrier State Park - Cedar CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Fort Frederick State Park · 40 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposal
- Greenbrier State Park - Birch CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Fort Frederick State ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Greenbrier State Park - Ash CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Fort Frederick State ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Harpers Ferry CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Fort Frederick State ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposal
All campsites in Maryland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Frederick State Park?
Fort Frederick State Park is in Big Pool, MD, at GPS 39.6070, -78.0060. It is about 11 mi from Hancock.
Can you camp near Fort Frederick State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fort Frederick State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 43 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Frederick State Park?
Fort Frederick State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Western Maryland: Antietam, the C&O Canal and Swallow Falls and Canal locks, battlefields and steam on the mountain – up the Potomac by camper from Great Falls to Cumberland.
What is there to see near Fort Frederick State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Berkeley Springs (12 mi), Shepherdstown (16 mi), Antietam National Battlefield (17 mi) and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Frederick State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)