Big adventure doesn’t necessarily mean big money. In Maryland, there are several places where you can go that are free of charge (or close to it). Check out these 10 inexpensive road trips in Maryland that promise a ton of fun and adventure without breaking the bank.

1. Deep Creek Lake
Flickr / Dan Gray
Maryland's largest lake is perfect to spend a day (or several) on the water. If you do decide to make this a multi-day trip, you can still keep prices down by opting to sleep under the stars at a nearby campsite. Head over to VisitMaryland.org for more information and to start planning your trip.
2. Antietam National Battlefield
Flickr / CEBImagery
The bloodiest one-day battle in American history happened at this historic battlefield. Spend the day exploring the expansive grounds and taking in the scenery. Definitely stop by Visitor Center (when it's open), Newcomer House, and Pry House Field Hospital Museum. Learn more at the official website of the National Park Service.
3. Sandy Point State Park
Flickr / Henk Sijgers
A beach with a Chesapeake Bay Bridge view! If you truly want to experience Sandy Point State Park to the fullest, head here first thing in the morning in order to get ahead of the crowds. The park also features hiking trails, boating, and fishing, making for the perfect road trip destination. Check out the official website of Sandy Point State Park.
4. C & O Canal
Flickr / Jerry Edmundson
Depending on where you live, C & O Canal may be closer than you think! You can visit any part of its 184 miles, making for a perfect day of walking, jogging, or cycling. For more information, head over to the official website of the National Park Service.
5. Conowingo Dam
Flickr / Billtacular
A dam doesn't sound too exciting, but at Conowingo Dam, it's all about the wildlife. This place is a hot spot for local bald eagles looking to catch fish. Be sure to bring your camera! If you're interested in how the dam works, stop by the visitor center. Learn more on the official website of VisitMaryland.org.

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6. George Peabody Library
Flickr / logan hicks
Maryland's most impressive library is hiding in Baltimore, just waiting for you to take in the architectural views. Lovers of reading will especially enjoy this bookish spot. For current hours, head over to the official website of the George Peabody Library.
7. Billy Goat Trail
Flickr / click-see
Possibly the most beautiful trail in Maryland (and one of the most difficult), Billy Goat Trail straddles the mighty Potomac River. Be sure to wear shoes with good tread and prepare for epic scenery. Learn more and plan your hike along the Billy Goat Trail.
8. Mallows Bay
Flickr / Fred Schroeder
Kayak among ghost ships at Mallows Bay. Yep, you read right. Ghost ships. The experience is surreal and so worth doing at least once. Read more about Mallows Bay and its ghost ships.
9. Salisbury Zoo
Flickr / sugargliding
Most people know about Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, but fewer know that the Old Line State actually has a few zoos and animal sanctuaries worth visiting. Salisbury Zoo is absolutely free of charge, although donations are encouraged to keep the animals and their enclosures in peak condition. Plan your visit by stopping by the official website of Salisbury Zoo.
10. Janes Island State Park
Flickr / IIP Photo Archive
Janes Island State Park provides secluded areas that you can kayak to, perfect for a quiet day full of sand and sun. You can also camp out here as well. The park allows a wide range of other activities, too, including swimming, birding, fishing, and picnicking. Learn more on the official website of Janes Island State Park.

What are your favorite inexpensive road trips in Maryland? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to set off on these nine road trips in Maryland you have to take soon!

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More to Explore

Inexpensive Road Trips In Maryland

Beth Price-Williams | September 25, 2020

What are the best road trips through Maryland?

There’s probably no better way to explore Maryland than on a road trip. For a road trip that’s filled with natural beauty, follow the ultimate waterfall road trip in Maryland. The scenic road trip will take you to seven unforgettable destinations, including Muddy Creek Falls & Swallow Falls, Cunningham Falls, and Cascade Falls. If you’re a fan of the paranormal, you’ll definitely want to embark on the terrifyingly haunted road trip in Maryland. Increase your odds of experiencing the paranormal when you visit Rosewood Center, Hell House Altar, and Spook Hill.

What are the best free things to do in Maryland?

Hiking is probably one of the best free things to do in Maryland, and you have a ton of hiking trails from which to choose. For sensational views, you can’t go wrong with a trek along the Billy Goat Trail. It offers jaw-dropping views of the Potomac River. Some of the other best hiking trails in Maryland include Lock Raven Reservoir, Gunpowder Falls State Park, and Sugarloaf Mountain. Did you know that you can also visit several museums in Maryland that don’t charge admission? The Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Museum of Health and Medicine are just two free-admission museums in Maryland.

Are there any covered bridges in Maryland?

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Maryland, consider heading off on the ultimate covered bridge trail. The trail will take you to six quaint covered bridges in what should take just over three hours and 15 minutes. Bring your camera along, so you can snap photos of such covered bridges as Roddy Road Covered Bridge, Loy’s Station Covered Bridge, and Jericho Covered Bridge. If you don’t have enough time to follow the whole trail, plan a bit of time for a visit to Utica Mills Covered Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Maryland.

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Featured Addresses
Deep Creek Lake State Park, 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561, USA
Antietam National Battlefield, 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782, USA
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409, USA
C & O Canal Park, 3807 Harpers Ferry Rd, Keedysville, MD 21756, USA
Conowingo Dam, Darlington, MD 21034, USA
George Peabody Library, 17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
Mallows Bay, Maryland 20640, USA
Salisbury Zoological Park, 755 S Park Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804, USA
Janes Island State Park, 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA