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1. Does my dog have to be on a leash?

Yes, all animals must be leashed on a physical tether no longer than 9 feet while on park property (Civil Code 1-12-37(C)). Parks and Recreation offers two off-leash Dog Parks free to the public at Ballenger Creek Park and Urbana District Park.

2. Can I fly Drones in Frederick County Parks?

Drones are allowed through completion of a Special Request Form and only allowed in designated parks/areas, following all regulations. Those parks include Catoctin Creek Nature Center, Kemptown Park, Middletown Park, Old National Pike Park, and Utica District Park. All FAA rules and regulations apply to flying drones on Frederick County Park property.

Park Maps with Drone Areas

3. Am I allowed to sell food or drinks in parks?

Any sale of food or drinks in on park property is prohibited without approval from Parks and Recreation through a Special Request Form and Vending Permit (Civil Code 1-12-42).

4. Am I allowed to take plants, wildlife or firewood from the parks?

No one is allowed to remove any natural resources from parkland, whether it be plants, animals, or any physical object (Civil Code 1-12-35(A)). Frederick County Parks are a resource available to all members of the public and removing or altering any part of the landscape can impact everyone.

5. Do I need a fishing license and can I fish anywhere in the parks?

Fishing is permitted only in designated areas and all park patrons are required to follow the applicable regulations from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Civil Code 1-12-40(B)). Park Patrons may fish at Middletown Park or the Trout Pond at Fountain Rock Park. Fishing at the Fountain Rock Park quarry is prohibited. Fishing is also allowed off the Monocacy River per DNR regulations.

6. Where do I go to make a reservation or apply for a permit?

To make a Reservation, complete a Special Request Permit, or apply for a Sales Permit, please call Frederick County Parks and Recreation at 301-600-1646.

7. Can I use a field that is not in use?

Field use is by permit only however, non-formal use is allowed on fields that are not reserved. Signs also designate field use closure due to weather or field conditions.

8. Am I allowed to mow fields or trim trees in the parks?

No one other than Frederick County Parks and Recreation staff is allowed to trim trees, or mow and maintain fields on parkland without permission (Civil Code 1-12-35(A)).

9. Is it okay to leave my car in a park overnight?

No vehicles will be left on parkland after official closing time of the park except by permit (Civil Code 1-12-41(I)). Any vehicle parked within the park after official closing time is subject to citation and being towed at the owner’s expense and risk.

10. Am I allowed to have a campfire in the parks?

Ground fires for cooking, recreation, or any use are not allowed on parkland (Civil Code 1-12-38(A)). Grills or fire rings located at designated areas may be used by permit only.

11. Can I feed or release wildlife in the parks?

No member of the public or commercial company may introduce any plant or animal onto parkland, regardless of whether that plant or animal is commonly found in the region. Introducing a plant or animal could spread disease or negatively impact the local ecosystem. (Civil Code 1-12-35(C))