Tuckahoe State Park, Maryland: A Complete Guide and Things to Do

 Located along Maryland's Eastern Shore, Tuckahoe State Park is a serene outdoor haven that spans 60 acres around Tuckahoe Lake. Known for its tranquil beauty, lush landscapes, and diverse wildlife, the park is a prime destination for both adventure and relaxation. Nestled between Queen Anne and Caroline Counties, the park's origins trace back to Tuckahoe Creek, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources worked to preserve its natural splendor, turning it into a state park that offers an abundance of recreational activities.

Having explored Tuckahoe since my teenage years, I’ve had the chance to uncover many of its hidden gems. Let me share the highlights of my most recent visit to this beautiful park last spring.

Admission and Hours

Tuckahoe State Park offers free entry, making it an affordable destination for anyone looking to explore nature. However, certain activities like camping and boat launching do require fees. The park’s camping season runs from March 28 to October 27, 2025. For the latest updates and details on fees, including for campsites and cabins, be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM until sunset. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting early, especially on weekends when crowds tend to gather.

Main Attractions and Activities at Tuckahoe State Park

1. Lakeside Fun

For those seeking peace and serenity, Tuckahoe State Park offers the perfect setting for boating. The park is a paddler’s paradise, with a lake that’s ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities. If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent kayaks and canoes from the park. The still waters of Tuckahoe Lake create a tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to disconnect and enjoy nature. Additionally, the lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species to catch.

2. Hiking and Biking

The park features over 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking. For those craving a challenge, mountain biking on Pee Wee’s Trail offers a thrilling experience through wooded marshlands and alongside the lake. Some of the top biking trails around the park include:

  • Pee Wee’s Trail

  • Creekside Cliff Trail

  • Wilbur’s Cutoff Trail

  • Tuckahoe Valley Trail

In addition to biking, Tuckahoe is known for its excellent hiking trails. Popular hikes include:

  • Tuckahoe Lake Trail

  • Pee Wee’s Trail

  • Tuckahoe Fitness Trail

  • Adkins Arboretum Trail

  • Tuckahoe Office Spur Trail

3. Horseback Riding

Tuckahoe State Park is also home to scenic equestrian trails for horseback riders. If you love riding through nature, the Tuckahoe Valley Trail offers a beautiful route with a mix of terrain, while the Lake Trail provides a more challenging ride. Horseback riding is an exciting way to experience the park’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

4. Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

With its diverse wildlife, Tuckahoe is a haven for birdwatching. The park’s marshes and creek are home to wood ducks, blue herons, and many other bird species. In addition to birds, visitors can spot various wildlife, including wild deer, turkeys, and painted turtles. Last spring, I spent several hours at the park’s Aviary, which offers an immersive experience with native and migratory bird species. It was a great way to learn about the park’s wildlife up close.

5. Camping and Picnicking

If you're looking to camp, Tuckahoe State Park has some of the best camping facilities on the Eastern Shore. The park has 54 campsites, 33 of which offer electric hookups, making it a great spot for both tent campers and RVs. Other amenities include:

  • Clean bathhouses with hot showers

  • Spacious campsites with good privacy

  • Picnic tables and fire rings

  • Pet-friendly policies (pets must be leashed)

  • Youth group campsites (accommodating up to 30 people)

  • Seven camper cabins with modern amenities

For families, Tuckahoe offers a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy picnics surrounded by nature. Whether you’re camping for a weekend or just spending the day, there’s plenty to do to make your visit enjoyable.

6. Adkins Arboretum

A must-see attraction near Tuckahoe State Park is the Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acre botanical garden dedicated to native plants of the Maryland Eastern Shore. The arboretum features over 5 miles of scenic trails and is the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll. Visitors can also take part in seasonal events, book guided tours, or browse the plant exhibits and sales.

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or a peaceful retreat, Tuckahoe State Park offers something for everyone. From kayaking and hiking to birdwatching and camping, it’s an ideal destination to explore the natural beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

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