30 Martz Road, Sykesville, MD 21784
Park Office: 410-795-5165
Boat House: 410-795-6385
Nature Center: 410-795-6043

Email: pineyrunpark@carrollcountymd.gov

Entrance FeesDirections and Park Video

Natural, educational and recreational opportunities abound at Piney Run Park, Carroll County Maryland's oldest developed park. The park was opened in 1974, featuring a 300-acre lake as its centerpiece, and provides multiple recreational activities such as fishing, boating and boat rentals, and park-sponsored fishing tournaments. The lake is surrounded by 550 acres of fields, forest, and open spaces that contain over 5 miles of hiking trails, as well as tennis courts, playgrounds, climbing rock, picnic tables, and comfort stations. The Piney Run Nature Center, Park Office, and six pavilions, which are available to rent during our open season, are all located near the main entrance which is accessed off of White Rock Road.


Piney Run Park Hours

March 1-November 30 
7 am until sunset (exact time posted at gatehouse) 7 days a week. 
Private Boats may be launched for a fee of $10 per boat. Season Passes are available for $65 per boat. 

Private boats MUST be off the lake 30 minutes prior to sunset. Exact times are posted at Gatehouse, Boathouse, and Boat Ramps. See Section on Boat Rentals for Boathouse Hours of Operation. 

December 1-February 28
8am-4pm, Monday-Friday; closed on weekends and holidays. 
NO BOATING - This includes launching private boats.

Boat House is Opening at the beginning of March.

Piney Run Park Nature Center

Piney Run Nature Center  |  410-795-6043

March 1 - November 30 December 1 - February 28
   Mondays & Tuesday  |  Closed
   Wednesday-Saturday  |  11am-5pm
   Sunday  |  12pm-5pm
   Monday-Friday  |  11am- 4pm
   Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays  |  Closed

The Piney Run Park Nature Center is a special focal point of Piney Run Park, where naturalists are available year-round to answer questions and share nature's surprises. The Nature Center staff offers environmental education programs that are scheduled for schools, organized groups, our mother nature programs series, and Birthday Parties as well as the public programs offered in our Program Guide. Additionally, the Nature Center sponsors the Piney Run Nature Camp which is approaching its third-decade providing campers from kindergarten through eighth grade, a great opportunity to learn about nature and our environment. The Piney Run Recreation and Conservation Council and volunteers provide assistance with many of our programs, festivals, and daily operation of the Nature Center. 

Apply to become an MD Master Naturalist.
Download the form and email it to dharry@carrollcountymd.gov

Additional Information & Forms


Park Season Pass Application
Nature Center Memberships 
Nature Center Volunteer Application
2023 PRRCC College Scholarship Application