Middletown MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Middletown, Maryland.
1. Washington Monument State Park
HISTORIC LANDMARK WITH VIEWS
Washington Monument State Park is on of the most popular attractions in Middletown. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails and historical significance at this well-preserved landmark. The park offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
2. Greenbrier State Park
FRESHWATER BEACH PARADISE
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake with a white sandy beach that draws many visitors. Located just 19 miles from Frederick, this park offers swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing opportunities for everyone to enjoy. The beach area includes lifeguards daily from 11 am to 6 pm during the season (Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day) and provides shaded picnic areas perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
3. Cunningham Falls State Park
WATERFALL AND LAKE RETREAT
Cunningham Falls State Park is a nearby natural escape featuring Maryland's largest cascading waterfall and a lake with a swimming beach. Visitors can enjoy hiking to the falls or relaxing on the sandy shoreline of the lake during summer months. The park provides a perfect combination of mountain scenery and water recreation close to Middletown.
4. Gunpowder Falls State Park
DIVERSE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Gunpowder Falls State Park offers beach access and water recreation about 69 miles from Frederick. The park features lifeguarded swimming areas operating daily from 11 am to 6 pm during the season from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities in a natural setting.
5. Cacapon Resort State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE GETAWAY
Cacapon Resort State Park offers a beautiful lake beach area in the nearby mountains of West Virginia. Visitors can swim in the clear mountain waters or relax on the sandy beach during the summer season. The park combines water recreation with mountain scenery for a refreshing escape from the everyday.
6. Cowans Gap State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Cowans Gap State Park features a mountain lake with a sandy beach area surrounded by lush forests in nearby Pennsylvania. Swimmers can enjoy the refreshing waters while picnickers take advantage of the shaded areas around the lake. The park offers a perfect blend of water recreation and mountain hiking opportunities within driving distance of Middletown.
7. Gifford Pinchot State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Gifford Pinchot State Park centers around a large lake with multiple swimming areas accessible from the Middletown region. The park's beach areas provide sandy shores and designated swimming zones for families to enjoy during summer months. Visitors can complement their beach day with hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities available throughout the park.
8. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
HISTORIC LAKES AND BEACHES
Pine Grove Furnace State Park features two lakes with beach areas in a historic setting in Pennsylvania. Visitors can swim in either Fuller Lake or Laurel Lake, both offering sandy beaches and refreshing waters during the summer season. The park combines industrial history with natural beauty, creating a unique waterfront destination within driving distance of Middletown.
9. Caledonia State Park
CREEK-SIDE SWIMMING POOL
Caledonia State Park offers a unique outdoor swimming pool experience alongside natural creek settings in Pennsylvania. The park's swimming facilities are complemented by picnic areas and trails running alongside Conococheague Creek. Visitors from Middletown can enjoy both managed swimming areas and natural waterways in this historic state park.
10. Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole
FAMILY WATER PARK ADVENTURE
Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole is a water park featuring multiple water attractions and themed swimming areas near the Middletown region. Families can enjoy water slides, lazy rivers, and interactive water features in this managed aquatic facility. The water park provides a more developed alternative to natural swimming areas while still offering refreshing water-based recreation.