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Why the MD State Park Passport is a good deal(imho):
Now, granted, I already pay enough in taxes and the state has screwed over MD state parks in the past but for $75(MD residents) & $100 (non-MD residents) you get free entry into all MD state parks that have entrance fees for you and up to 10 others in your vehicle plus free boat launch all year long...expires Dec31, and I think it's a good deal.
Otherwise, you fork over the daily entry fee & the launch fee should you use the boat ramp...some places like PLO have a soft launch which is free & a concrete launch which is $10 or $12 , others just have the concrete ramp and you have to pay to launch...boat, kayak, motorized inner tube.
You also get 10% off in the park concessions. I like supporting the park's store when I haven't brought my own. It also includes books and maps and bait that are for sale. There's also 10% off boat rentals should you not wish to use your kayak at the Bay Bridge, rent a boat @SPSP.
With this pass (and I've bought it the past 2 years) I go explore MD's state parks, not worrying if I got my money's worth if the weather looks questionable or if I get there in the evening w/just a lil bit of daylight remaining. I get waved in instead of waiting in a long line while someone else is asking a thousand questions to the booth operator. At state parks w/ nobody at the entrance booth and it's the honor system pay: entry is free, just hang your pass on the rear-view mirror once you park.
Now this pass doesn't guarantee you entrance...eg, you show up to Sandy Point SP at 11am on a v hot summer morn and the park is maxed out....but you don't have to pay when they do let you in.
The fees pay for the clean restrooms which I like. They also pay for the bathhouses w/showers. This is nice if you've been out all day and need to refresh. The staff at the state parks keep the parks generally clean...it's the people who trash the parks. The staff @ SPSP does an incredible job cleaning up after a busy day...whatever happened to pack out your own trash? The launches are functional and give quick access to various waters where we like to fish. Having a pass makes you not have to worry about carrying any cash around. Having a pass says you support MD state parks. Additionally, it saves you money in the long run. For example,I usually fish @ PLO for the day and evening, launching when I can day or night....if I do this 4 times my pass is paid for. Plus I often go to Smallwood SP, Janes Island SP, SPSP, Rosaryville SP, Patapsco SP, Greenbrier SP, C Assateague SP...and I'd like to visit other state parks as well to fish, launch, pedal, or hike so it makes sense for me. Also, @SPSP you can get a special pass that will allow you access into the park to fish from shore or to launch at night or before the park opens to the general public(see the rangers on duty about that).
If you are 62 and older the Golden Pass is $10, gets you only in the state parks (everyone else in your car must pay) but does not include the launch fee....if you only soft launch, then maybe this pass is better for you. This pass, however, does get you 50% off the camping fee...which can add up if you camp a lot.
I hope this is helpful to everyone and I hope all my info is correct. I hope someone can use this info to save themselves some moolah too. Feel free to add any additional info I may not have posted. You can purchase this passport from the MD DNR website.
Otherwise, you fork over the daily entry fee & the launch fee should you use the boat ramp...some places like PLO have a soft launch which is free & a concrete launch which is $10 or $12 , others just have the concrete ramp and you have to pay to launch...boat, kayak, motorized inner tube.
You also get 10% off in the park concessions. I like supporting the park's store when I haven't brought my own. It also includes books and maps and bait that are for sale. There's also 10% off boat rentals should you not wish to use your kayak at the Bay Bridge, rent a boat @SPSP.
With this pass (and I've bought it the past 2 years) I go explore MD's state parks, not worrying if I got my money's worth if the weather looks questionable or if I get there in the evening w/just a lil bit of daylight remaining. I get waved in instead of waiting in a long line while someone else is asking a thousand questions to the booth operator. At state parks w/ nobody at the entrance booth and it's the honor system pay: entry is free, just hang your pass on the rear-view mirror once you park.
Now this pass doesn't guarantee you entrance...eg, you show up to Sandy Point SP at 11am on a v hot summer morn and the park is maxed out....but you don't have to pay when they do let you in.
The fees pay for the clean restrooms which I like. They also pay for the bathhouses w/showers. This is nice if you've been out all day and need to refresh. The staff at the state parks keep the parks generally clean...it's the people who trash the parks. The staff @ SPSP does an incredible job cleaning up after a busy day...whatever happened to pack out your own trash? The launches are functional and give quick access to various waters where we like to fish. Having a pass makes you not have to worry about carrying any cash around. Having a pass says you support MD state parks. Additionally, it saves you money in the long run. For example,I usually fish @ PLO for the day and evening, launching when I can day or night....if I do this 4 times my pass is paid for. Plus I often go to Smallwood SP, Janes Island SP, SPSP, Rosaryville SP, Patapsco SP, Greenbrier SP, C Assateague SP...and I'd like to visit other state parks as well to fish, launch, pedal, or hike so it makes sense for me. Also, @SPSP you can get a special pass that will allow you access into the park to fish from shore or to launch at night or before the park opens to the general public(see the rangers on duty about that).
If you are 62 and older the Golden Pass is $10, gets you only in the state parks (everyone else in your car must pay) but does not include the launch fee....if you only soft launch, then maybe this pass is better for you. This pass, however, does get you 50% off the camping fee...which can add up if you camp a lot.
I hope this is helpful to everyone and I hope all my info is correct. I hope someone can use this info to save themselves some moolah too. Feel free to add any additional info I may not have posted. You can purchase this passport from the MD DNR website.
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