 Outdoor Recreation Summit Coming to Ocean City This Fall
Registration is now available for the 2026 Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit held at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1!
The Summit convenes more than 200 recreationists, land managers, tourism professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and advocates for three days of connection, learning, exploration, and action.
Click here to register today. Early bird pricing ends on July 1.
We’ve reserved a room block at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront at a discounted rate of $115/night for Summit attendees. If interested, book your room here by Aug. 30.
Call for Session Proposals - Deadline Extended to June 8
Have an interesting project, workshop, or topic you’d like to explore with the outdoor recreation community? Submit a proposal to present at this year’s Summit!
Impactful sessions are the heart of the Summit, with sessions organized across three tracks:
- Recreation with Purpose: Stewardship and Sustainability
- Outdoors for All: Health, Access, and Community
- The Business of Outdoor Recreation
Session submissions are due by Monday, June 8. See the call for proposals for more details.
Exhibitor Registration Open!
“From a tourism and economic development perspective, the Summit plays a critical role in connecting local destinations, land managers, outfitters, and community leaders across the state… We appreciate the opportunity to support an event that invests in the next generation of outdoor recreation leaders.” – Ashli Workman, Visit Mountain Maryland
Connect directly with +150 nonprofit, business, and government leaders in outdoor recreation throughout Maryland to share your mission, expand your network, and spark new collaborations with an in-person exhibit space. This partnership package includes full event registration.
To learn more about exhibitor space and other partnership opportunities, view the sponsorship package on our website or reach out to us at outdoorrec.summit@maryland.gov.
 Ocean Sunrise by Dennis Garcia.
 The 2026 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail is LIVE!
Maryland’s Best and the DNR Office of Outdoor Recreation are pairing up again for a sweet summer adventure! Check out Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail - a curated list of Maryland creameries and nearby hiking trails across the state. You can sign up for the free mobile pass to check in at participating locations and earn points and prizes, OR you can print out the free map to unplug while you track your stops. Getting outside, eating sweet treats, supporting local farms, and exploring new places - what’s not to love?! This promotion runs through Labor Day. Learn more and sign up today at marylandsbest.net.
In Case You Missed It…
Upcoming Events
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National Trails Day, June 6, 2026 – Throughout Maryland state parks
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Paddlefest at Janes Island State Park, Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Crisfield, MD
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Go Fish, Worcester!, June 6, 2026 – Public Landing, Snow Hill
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GBWC Sweat Networking Event – June 12, 2026 – Piedmont Learning Center, Gwynn Oak, MD
- Juneteenth Celebration, June 19, 2026 – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park
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Juneteenth Hike with Black Girls Hike, June 19, 2026 – Patapsco Valley State Park - Orange Grove Area, Elkridge, MD
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Adaptive Hike, June 20, 2026 – Patapsco Valley State Park - McKeldin Area, Marriottsville, MD
- Youth Bass Bash, 9am-12pm June 20, 2026 – Sharpsburg Pond
- Youth Bass Bash, 9am-12pm June 26, 2026 – Sharpsburg Pond
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Catalyst Adaptive Cycling, July 19, 2026 – Patapsco Valley State Park - McKeldin Area, Marriottsville, MD
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Scratch’N’Denton Gravel Grinder, August 29, 2026 – Denton, MD (Early bird registration ends June 1)
Keep in Touch!
Sign up to receive our newsletter by email.
Do you have something we should know about? Reach out to us at outdoorrecreation.dnr@maryland.gov.
Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and X!
Stay in the know by checking our Office of Outdoor Recreation website!
Don’t forget! There’s a new way to get your hunting and fishing license - check out Maryland Outdoors!
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