Downs Park

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Downs Park offers a variety of natural and recreational activities throughout its 236 acres. Downs Park offers more than five miles of paved and natural trails.
beach
Downs Park Fishing Pier

The Downs Park Fishing Pier will be closed for the entire month of October for repairs. Please visit Ft. Smallwood Park for additional fishing opportunities.

Park Highlights

About The Park

Downs Park offers a fishing pier, children’s playground, two basketball courts and an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay. Reserve one of the three large outdoor pavilions for groups up to 100 people and one small pavilion for up to 50 people. A wedding garden, youth camping area and the Chesapeake Room are available for rent. Downs Park offers amazing spots to launch a kayak at the Bay Side Beach Launch and Locust Cove Launch. 
 
The park property has a rich history which has been preserved by the Downs Park Historical Society. Volunteer groups include the Friends of Downs Park, Garden Volunteers, Volunteers-in-the-Park and the Downs Park Quilters Guild. 

General Information

  • Downs Park is open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. 
  • Downs Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Visitor Center Office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Daily Entry Fees
Daily Pass:$6.00 per vehicle
Daily Pass - Physically Challenged:$5.00 per vehicle (MVA handicapped tags or hanging permit required)
Daily Pass - Service Connected: Free per vehicle (Military Individuals, Veterans and their Families - Services connected I.D. required)
Annual Passes
Annual Pass - AACo Resident:$30.00
Annual Pass - Non-County Resident:$40.00
Senior Pass - 60 and up:$40.00
Daily Parking Fee - Buses (schools only):$30.00 (School buses only free with pavilion rental)
Get your Daily Pass, Annual Pass or Senior Pass at one of Anne Arundel County's regional parks (Downs Park, Fort Smallwood Park, Kinder Farm Park, and Quiet Waters Park) at YourPassNow.com. All passes at our regional parks can be purchased here prior to arriving at the park. With an annual pass you may explore and enjoy the four regional parks as often as you'd like for a single annual fee. Passes for regional parks are also available for purchase from the park gatehouses.
 
Vehicles entering the park must either display a valid annual/senior pass or pay the daily pass fees. The annual permit is a small sticker which is permanently affixed to the driver's side front bumper of the vehicle, drivers side window or the inside frame of the driver's side door. Persons age 60 and over may obtain a senior pass which is a card that must be shown along with valid ID to gain vehicle entry. A pass is valid for one parking space at a regional park and are not transferable.
 
Contact the park office at (410) 222-6230 for more information.
 
Replacement Permits: $3.00 per vehicle 
If your vehicle is sold or involved in an accident and the current year parking permit sticker needs to be replaced, remove the parking permit sticker from the vehicle and return it to the park office to receive a replacement. Replacement senior passes are also available in the event of loss or significant damage. Applications for replacement senior passes must be obtained and submitted to the park where the original pass was purchased.

Guildelines, rules and regulations for special events for non-profit organizations. 
 
Special Events Application

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