July Updates
Hollofield Area Campground is Closed for Renovations
Please be advised that the Hollofield Area Campground is not accepting reservations for the 2025 season due to a long-anticipated renovation.
While the Hilton Area campground will remain open for the season, campers should be aware the campground has a limited capacity and offers only camper cabins and non-electric, tent-only sites.
Hilton Area Nature Center and William Offutt Johnson History Center
These areas are currently closed as part of a temporary adjustment in staffing, made necessary by broader resource limitations. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reopening these facilities when conditions allow.
Soldiers Delight Visitor Center Hours of Operation
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Stop in to learn about the unique Serpentine Barren ecosystem and visit your favorite animal ambassadors! Due to resource constraints, park management may occasionally need to adjust staffing on short notice to meet operational needs across the park. We appreciate your patience and continued support.
July is a busy and exciting month for the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park! We’re teaming up with Lure of the Wild and Mini Pedals to support camps that help introduce our youngest stewards to the park.
We’re also hosting an adaptive mountain biking event and volunteer trail work—so there’s something for everyone to enjoy and get involved in with caring for our shared natural resource.
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Did you know that PVSP’s 200+ miles of trails are maintained by volunteers?
Check out our award-winning Trail Captain Program to see how the community is helping to keep these trails safe, sustainable, and welcoming for all.
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July Programs and Events
 Little Explorers
One remaining session:
July 16
10-11 a.m. at Hilton Area, Nature Center
Little Explorers is a FREE program held every other Wednesday from May to July and is designed to get young explorers under the age of four outside and engaged in nature! Children will enjoy story times, nature walks, crafts, and sensory exploration. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. While the program is geared towards younger children, siblings are welcome with advance notice. Signup is encouraged. The event will be cancelled for heavy rain.
 Hora De Cuentos Bilingüe/Bilingual Storytime
11 a.m. - noon
Remaining Sessions:
August 16 at McKeldin Area, Shelter 501
September 14 at Pickall Area
¡Únete a Latino Outdoors y Growing Minds Bookstore en su próxima hora de cuentos bilingües! Los niños de kinder a quinto grado disfrutarán de atractivas historias bilingües y pizza proporcionada por Scittino's.
Join Latino Outdoors and Growing Minds Bookstore at their upcoming bilingual storytime! Kids from kindergarten to fifth grade will enjoy engaging, bilingual stories, and pizza provided by Scittino's!
 Junior Rangers
9 a.m. - noon
Ages 7-10: July 19 and 20
Ages 11-14: July 26 and 27
9 a.m.-noon at McKeldin Area, Shelter 576
Join Park staff for our 2025 Junior Rangers program! Kids will engage in hands-on outdoor activities as they explore the park, learn environmental stewardship, and have fun!
July 11: Limnic Lives Canoeing
6-8 p.m. at Daniels Area Dam Parking Lot
Come explore the underwater lives of Patapsco’s freshwater wildlife! Join Patapsco’s Naturalists on a river canoeing expedition to learn more about limnic creatures at Daniels. Only 16 spots available. Signup required. Event will be cancelled for heavy rain or extreme heat (temperatures above 100 degrees).
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July 16: River Glass Art
1-3 p.m. at Avalon Area, Shelter 105
Get crafty with PVSP Naturalists by gathering river glass from the Patapsco River and creating homemade wind chimes. Signup required. Event will be cancelled for heavy rain.
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July 18: Basic Plant Identification
2-4 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitors Center
This course will teach eager learners the basics of plant identification, using a dichotomous key, reading plant guides, and identification practice. It includes a class and hike portion. Signup encouraged.
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July 19: WASI: The Quest for Cosmic Companions
8:30-10:30 p.m. at at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Are we alone in the universe? Join Westminster Astronomical Society Inc. in a discussion of this age-old question at their upcoming lecture. Using the work of physicist Dr. Frank Drake and his equation for estimating the number of communicative civilizations in our galaxy, we will explore the potential of intelligent life beyond Earth. Signup encouraged.
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July 20: Environmental Science Lab
1:30-2:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Bring your middle and high schoolers to the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center to learn about environmental science through a series of hands-on demonstrations. Join a naturalist to conduct fun tests focused on pollution, stormwater runoff, and biodegradation to learn how we can improve the environment in our neighborhoods. Signup encouraged.
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July 23: Sunset Canoe
6:30-8:30 p.m. at Daniels Area Dam Parking Lot
Join us for an evening on the water as we celebrate the sunset! Our naturalists will lead you on a journey down the Patapsco River for a lovely evening identifying animals, plants, and moments of history. Weather dependent. Only 16 spots available. Signup required.
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July 25: Sunset Yoga
7-8:30 p.m. at McKeldin Area, Shelter 508
Join a certified instructor for a gentle and relaxing outdoor yoga class. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the soothing sounds, and ground yourself in nature! All levels welcome; please bring mats and any additional props you would like. Signup required.
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July 26: Capture the Sun
7-8:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Do you wish to paint a sunset of orange and golden hues? Then come join us at the Soldier's Delight Overlook for a painting session as we admire the beauty of a sun setting on a summer's day. Signup required. Fee is $2 per painter. Weather dependent.
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July 27: Faerie Hike
10 a.m. - noon at McKeldin Area, Medicine Tree Trailhead
Dive into the whimsical world of winged and woodland creatures that call Patapsco home. A naturalist will lead folks through an enchanting hike followed up by an opportunity to build your own fairy (or bug) home using natural materials. Suitable for all ages. Signup encouraged.
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July 30: River Snorkeling
6-7:30 p.m. at Avalon Area, Shelter 105
Spend an evening with a Naturalist exploring the underwater world of Patapsco through freshwater river snorkeling! Masks and snorkels available in limited quantities. For ages 18 and older. Signup required. Event is dependent on weather and suitable river conditions.
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Save the date for these upcoming programs!
August 6: Intro to the Outdoors: Water Edition!
9-11:30 a.m. at Daniels Area Dam Parking Lot
Come join us as we introduce you to the Patapsco River the best way we can, canoeing along it! We’ll paddle up and down the river, learning some identification tricks, some safety tips, and have a good time enjoying the summer breeze! Signups are required and spaces are limited to 16 participants. Some children under a certain height will be regulated to the middle of the canoe. Shine only, but will have rain dates. Signup required. Weather dependent.
August 9: Cryptid Conservation Hike
6:30-7:45 p.m. at McKeldin Area, Plantation Trail
Leave no trace! Bigfoot's been doing it for years! Learn about Maryland's cryptids on a guided hike through the Plantation Trail. This hike features rocky terrain and gradients. Signup encouraged.
August 16: Stickin Around
1-3 p.m. at Soldiers Delight , Red Dog Lodge
Join us in our Red Dog Lodge for an afternoon of crafting the perfect walking stick just for you! Learn about some of the historic uses of walking sticks as well as a bit about the trees they came from. Limited to 15 participants. Signup required. Rain or shine.
August 16: The Cosmic Distance Scale: A Journey Across the Universe
8:30-10:30 p.m. at Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Join Westminster Astronomical Society Inc. for an enlightening voyage through the vastness of space! Our stellar navigators will unravel the secrets of cosmic distances, allowing us to piece together the fabric of the universe using the astronomical unit (AU), parallaxes, and "standard candles".
Buckle up, stargazers! Reserve your seat for this cosmic odyssey. Signup encouraged. Rain or shine.
ADVISORY: Avian Influenza in Maryland
Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI), often called “bird flu,” should be considered endemic throughout Maryland’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl and raptors. Risk to human and pet health is low and outdoor activities are safe, but some precautions are advised. Anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle or move the birds, but should report them by calling 1-877-463-6497 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or leave a voicemail) or if in a Maryland State Park, they can also be reported to a park ranger.
Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and remember to check for ticks.
Please call 410-461-5005 for additional information or to register.
Patapsco Valley staff also manages Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area and Morgan Run Natural Environment Area.
Join Patapsco Heritage Greenway for 2025 events. Learn more on their website.
Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to support butterfly and bumblebee
habitat and education in state parks!
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Park and Trail Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of 75 state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
First Responders & Law Enforcement Discount:
$40 off the Annual Park Pass, which provides unlimited day-use entry to all Maryland State Parks, plus free boat launching and discounts on concessions and boat rentals.
Offer good for Maryland residents only.
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