Rocky Gap State Park

Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy.

Rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.

Rocky Gap State Park Day Use Renovation -- Renovation of day use facilities is underway and is expected to last for at least one calendar year. During that time, day use facilities will be closed nightly from dusk until dawn. Temporary restroom and shower facilities are available.

Pet Policy

The Maryland Park Service is pleased to announce a revised Pet Policy effective April 9, 2010. The new policy offers expanded opportunities for pet owners to visit and enjoy their State Parks, while continuing to emphasize the importance of following the rules of responsible pet ownership when using public spaces.

Pets are allowed in Rocky Gap State Park in the following areas:

• Pets are allowed on trails outside day-use area
• Pets are allowed in Ash, Birch, Chestnut and Dogwood camp loops and common areas of campground
• Pets allowed in lake except for sandy portion of swimming beach areas
• Pets allowed year-round in Clover Hill day-use area
• Pets allowed in all day-use areas after Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend

Park History

According to legend, Jacob Evart was the first white, European (Englishman) settler to come to what is now known as Allegany County. He settled on top of the mountain that overlooks Rocky Gap. According to the story, Mr. Evart (the mountain is named Evitt’s Mountain), around 1730, moved to the wildlands of Western Maryland after suffering a disappointing relationship. Also named for Mr. Evart is the creek that Rocky Gap’s water ultimately empties into – Evitt’s Creek. The “Homesite Trail” leads hikers to the top of the mountain where Mr. Evart’s home once stood. Remains of a well are all that is left, today.

Just 100 feet into the woods from the road to the Touch of Nature Parking Lot is the Lemel Bucy Family Cemetery. The Bucy Cemetery is an excellent example of a 19th Century rural cemetery. Originally owned by Caleb Luman, the land was sold to Lemel Bucy, whose family used the cemetery during the 1800’s, until the property was sold in 1900. The parcel of land passed through five owners before the Maryland Commission of Forests and Parks purchased it in 1964. The cemetery features many Civil War era stones, including for two children who perished only days apart.

The day use area of Rocky Gap State Park is situated on the former Clover Hill Farm, a dairy farm that was owned and operated by the McLuckie Family throughout most of the 1900’s, until just before the park was established. Until 1998, the original Clover Hill barn stood just off of the Exit 50 ramp, at the park’s entrance. The McLuckie’s purchased 162 acres of land from Mr. Thomas Pownell, who had purchased a much larger tract of farmland that had been known as the Bretz Farm and encompassed much of present day Rocky Gap. At the time, portions of the land were known as “Clover Hill,” “Pleasant Valley,” and “Great Friendship.”

Mr. Edward Habeeb (pronounced Hay-Bib), President of the Route 40 Association, donated land to be established as a state park. He, along with approximately 40 other land owners, provided land and many were compensated $10.00 for their land, with the understanding that a park would be built on the property. The McLuckie Family was paid $100,000.00 for their portion of the land. Mr. Habeeb was a nearby resident. Although he was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1895, he came to Allegany County in 1913, first settling in Westernport, before opening a florist business in Piedmont, and ultimately moving his business to what became Route 40 and is now Interstate 68. His home and business location still stand today, operated as “Rocky Gap Gifts,” to the left off of I-68, westbound. The shop is not associated with or owned by the State of Maryland or the park.

Pursuant to Senate Resolution 2 of the 1950 Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland State Planning Commission commissioned a recreational survey of Western Maryland. The idea of constructing a park at Rocky Gap was suggested to Senator Charles See, by the Lions Club, who then presented the proposal to the Director of the Department of Forest and Parks, Mr. Joseph Kaylor. The Route 40 Association was then organized to promote business and industry in Allegany County, through improved highways and a recreational facility at Rocky Gap. The organization, under the leadership of Mr. Habeeb, obtained the support of Governors Tawes and Mandel. The beginning phase involved the purchase of the McLuckie’s farm in December of 1963, after which another 2,212 acres were acquired by December of 1966.

Rocky Gap State Park formally opened on July 17, 1974, in great part due to the efforts of Mr. Habeeb, for whom the park’s lake is named. In 1970, the dam was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to impound Rocky Gap Run and create Lake Habeeb. The 243-acre lake is typical of all Maryland lakes in that it requires a dam and is thus man-made. Maryland has no natural lakes. The park was dedicated on September 18, 1976. The campground opened to the public in 1978. Including the General Construction Loan of 1975, approximately $7.9 million was appropriated for land acquisition and development of Rocky Gap State Park.

From the beginning of the park’s development, there were plans for a golf course and hotel. The Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort came to fruition in 1998, with $33 million in private financing from a bond issue and $16 million in state funding. The Lodge & Resort features 220 rooms and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Programs & Activities

Nature Center & Interpretive Programs

Rocky Gap State Park's interpretive programs are based out of the nature center. Throughout the summer, the nature center offers daily activities to educate visitors about natural and cultural resources and experience the exciting features of the outdoor environment.

Interpretive activities include nature hikes, talks, nature crafts, demonstrations, children's programs, campfire programs and special events. The Nature Center has open hours for visitors to explore the building and its many exhibits.

Group programs are also available upon request throughout the year and can be tailored to accommodate group needs. To learn more about the interpretive programs available, please contact Ranger Milbourne at 301-722-1487.

Aviary

“Scales and Tales” is an educational program using injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles native to Maryland. Featured at the aviary are many birds that have been injured and cannot be released or have been raised in captivity and could not survive in the wild.

This one-of-a-kind program allows visitors the opportunity to view wildlife up close and hear the tales of how the animals became part of the program.

Our "Critter Encounter" program will bring our birds direct to your campsite. If you are looking for something unique at your next gathering, a Scales and Tales program can be scheduled as part of your special event. To check for program availability, scheduling or to receive information on program costs, please contact the park office at 301-722-1487 or email Ranger Milbourne.

Amphitheater

If you are looking for a place to host your outdoor wedding, reception, a small concert, or other special event, the amphitheater offers the perfect facility. The amphitheatre at Rocky Gap is available for daily rental. Applications for special events are available at the park office. Rocky Gap State Park is located just seven miles east of Cumberland, surrounded by mountains for the most breathtaking views and backdrop for your special event. Seating capacity is 3,000. The stage area is 42 feet x 60 feet of smooth finish, rose colored concrete. There is no overhead cover installed on the stage area. The service charge for daily rentals is $250.00 per day.

For more information on daily rentals of the amphitheatre at Rocky Gap State Park, please contact the park office at 301-722-1487.

Hunting Program

Rocky Gap is one of Maryland's many state parks that allow hunting activities for the public. At Rocky Gap there are 1,451 acres of land designated for hunting. This area can be accessed by walking from the parking area at the Touch of Nature Trailhead or by walking in from the campground or campground office.

A separate 300-acre tract of land between Pleasant Valley Road and I-68 offers bow only hunting. Parking is available at the park office and at the amphitheatre on Pleasant Valley Road.

Hunting areas are marked with signs and safety areas are posted. Please recognize all hunting regulations and safety precautions. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded and cased until you are within a designated hunting area. Hunters are asked to take into consideration that recreational trails do pass into the managed hunting areas. Rocky Gap State Park offers a distinct hunting program for individuals who possess a permit to hunt from a vehicle.

Pavilions

Rocky Gap offers four pavilions for rent. Pavilions are only available on a rental basis. All pavilions include a private restroom or one located in the immediate vicinity.

The Clover Hill pavilion is a small pavilion that accommodates up to 50 people and is located at the entranceway to Rocky Gap’s day use area.

White Pine Pavilion is nestled under a grove of white pine trees, situated above the public boat launch, overlooking Lake Habeeb. The pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road. White Pine Pavilion accommodates up to 125 people.

Lakeview Pavilion is located along Pleasant Valley Road and is in a private area with a large field available to users. The pavilion is situated on a slope above the lake. Lakeview Pavilion accommodates up to 125 people. The newest pavilion at Rocky Gap is located in the day use area, near the public beaches and across the lake from the Rocky Gap Lodge. The pavilion accommodates a maximum capacity of 80.

Pavilion reservations can be made by contacting the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267 or online at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us

Camping & Cabins

Please be advised that on October 22, 23, 29 & 30 Rocky Gap is holding their annual Haunted Campground in the F loop from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. There will be a considerable amount of noise, traffic, and an elevated volume of campers. For additional information, please contact Rocky Gap Headquarters at 301-722-1480.

Rocky Gap offers 278 individual campsites, including 30 equipped with electric hook-ups. Full details of every campsite at Rocky Gap are available. The campground also features a dump station, centrally located bathhouses with hot water, a family group site, three youth group camping areas, one boat ramp, boat rentals, laundry facilities, a nature center, game room, private swimming beach and a camp store. Fourteen mini cabins, each with electric, bunk bed and a double bed, are available for rent. Pets are allowed in four designated camp loops.

The family group site offers visitors a location for many units and space for up to 40 people to camp together. The group site includes a two-story mini cabin with balcony, porch, and electric, as well as six electric hookups and a group fire ring. Access to two nearby bathhouse facilities is available. Rental of the group site is $225.00 per night, with no reduction for individual rentals.

Make a camping reservation online at http://reservations.dnr.state.md.us or call the reservation center for personal assistance at 1-888-432-2267.

Available for rent at Rocky Gap is a three bedroom, two-story Easter Hill Chalet that accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, wrap-around deck, fireplace, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake.

The Chalet is available, out-of-season, on a two-night minimum basis for $175 per night. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a seven-day minimum, from Saturday to Saturday.

The chalet can be reserved from October 1 through April 30, by contacting Rocky Gap State Park, at 301-722-1480. Reservations made from May 1 through September 30, can be made toll-free by contacting the reservation service at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users can call 1-866-804-7846.

Trails & Hiking

Rocky Gap offers a variety of hiking trails for guests to enjoy. The Lakeside Trail, a moderate 4.5 mile trail that encircles Lake Habeeb, offers hikers scenic beauty of the area. Crossing over four-foot bridges, trekking along the shoreline and winding through the woodlands are what makes this such a diverse trail.

A magnificent view of the one mile long gorge is the gift hikers will get when they reach the overlook on the one-quarter mile long Canyon Overlook Trail. This trail offers visitors a short but scenic hike.

“Rock hop” down into the canyon on the challenging five-mile long Evitt’s Homesite Trail and find yourself surrounded by hemlock, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Cross the small cascading stream on the footbridge and begin to climb Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of Allegany County’s first European settlers. This is an ambitious trail that climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation in 2.5 miles (5 miles round-trip). Plan to take water and a camera and spend a couple of hours hiking to the top of the mountain. This trail offers a great hike for those willing to take the challenge.

The one-quarter mile long Touch of Nature Trail offers hikers of all ability levels a fully accessible paved trail. Benches line the hemlock-edged path that leads to the fishing dock and connects with the Lakeside Trail.

Walk 100 feet into the woods from the road to the Touch of Nature Parking Lot, to visit the Lemel Bucy Family Cemetery. The Bucy Cemetery is an excellent example of a 19th Century rural cemetery. Originally owned by Caleb Luman, the land was sold to Lemel Bucy, whose family used the cemetery during the 1800’s, until the property was sold in 1900. The parcel of land passed through five owners before the Maryland Commission of Forests and Parks purchased it in 1964. The cemetery features many Civil War era stones, including for two children who perished only days apart.

• To purchase copies of the Rocky Gap State Park Trail Guide with a credit card, please "click" on this link to place your order online.
• To purchase copies of the Rocky Gap State Park Trail Guide with a check, please "click" on this link to print an order form.

Boating & Fishing

Rocky Gap State Park's Lake Habeeb offers year-round recreational opportunities. Boats are allowed on Lake Habeeb 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Navigational lights are required after sunset. Only electric powered motors are allowed on Lake Habeeb. Gasoline powered motors are prohibited. A public boat ramp is located within the park, along Pleasant Valley Road. Rental boats, including canoes and kayaks, are available in the day-use beach area and at the campground beach, for campground users.

Fishing is permitted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The lake is home to panfish, trout, catfish and large and smallmouth bass. A valid Maryland Non-Tidal/Freshwater Fishing License is required for those 16 years of age and older.

To help maintain a healthy fish population, park volunteers have added artificial fish habitats throughout the lake. Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked throughout the year.

To purchase a Maryland fishing license, call the licensing service center, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at 1-800-918-2870. Callers may start fishing immediately with a confirmation number.

Volunteers & Internships

Members of the Volunteer Team (www.volunteerteam.org) have donated over 300,000 hours of service since the inception of the Team in 1992. The Volunteer Team sponsors and provides assistance for numerous special events for the public including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day activities, a Memorial Day fun fair for children camping at Rocky Gap, a Labor Day corn roast, the haunted campground and the Mt. Reflections Christmas Light Display. On Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends the Team also hosts campground karaoke for campers.

Support is provided to park and forest visitors on a continuing basis through the Camp Host and Volunteer Ranger programs. These volunteers are publicly visible and help to promote goodwill and understanding of the park to campers and visitors.

Volunteer schedules are very flexible. Volunteers may commit to a weekly or monthly schedule or help on an as-needed basis. No amount of time donated is too small. Many of the projects are scheduled for the evenings or on the weekends so that working volunteers and students may participate.

If you are interested in volunteering at Rocky Gap State Park, please call Ranger Norris at 301-722-1483.

Rocky Gap State Park offers a variety of unpaid internships for motivated students. Opportunities are available in several areas, including interpretation, volunteer management, office management, concession management, IT/website management, maintenance, special event coordination, marketing, natural resource management, trail management, grant writing, special operations, emergency services, Spanish language and cultural adaptations, park operations, and sports management.

Internships are available throughout the year and are unpaid. Students are expected to perform at least 150 hours of service, according to a flexible schedule. Internships may be conducted during block semesters, over the summer, or during the winter.

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and three character references to Ranger Milbourne. Applicants will be required to complete a volunteer application and student internship program application. The selection process will begin after all required materials are received and the applicant will be notified in advance of the requested internship. For additional internship information, please call 301-722-1487.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Rocky Gap Casino Resort is situated on the banks of Lake Habeeb in the center of Maryland’s Rocky Gap State Park. The AAA Four Diamond property offers many luxe amenities—including four restaurants and a casino—all surrounded by 3,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness.

• 24-hour casino with more than 600 slot machines, plus poker, blackjack, and roulette tables
• Room with a view: Spacious guest rooms and suites overlook either the mountains or the Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course.
• Dining options include the buffet-style Lakeside Restaurant, LB’s Place for casual dining, and Signatures Bar & Grill.
• Take a dip in the indoor pool or whirlpool, or head to the newly renovated spa for relaxing massages and facials.
• Casino credit offer one guest will receive $20 in slot-machine credit for the casino if they are new members signing up for the casino’s rewards club with purchase (only redeemable by purchaser of Groupon). Sign up is free.

Hotel and Casino Amenities

• 24-hour casino 
• Four restaurants 
• 18-hole golf course 
• Indoor pool and whirlpool 
• Full-service spa 
• Fitness center 
• Entertainment 
• Complimentary WiFi 
• Complimentary valet

Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Exit 50 off Interstate 68, Cumberland, MD
16701 Lakeview Road, Flintstone, MD 21530
Reservations: 1-800-724-0828 • Phone: 301-784-8400 • Fax: 301-784-8408