Beltsville Park

Rate this place

Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Little Paint Branch Stream Valley Calverton Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beltsville Park is a recreational area located in the heart of Maryland.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, making it a great destination for families and individuals alike. Some of the best reasons to visit Beltsville Park include its numerous hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas.

One of the main points of interest in Beltsville Park is the lake, which is stocked with a variety of fish species. Visitors can fish for bass, catfish, and bluegill, among others. The park also has several hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, that offer scenic views of the surrounding area.

Beltsville Park is also home to several historical sites, including the National Agricultural Library and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. The park's proximity to Washington D.C. makes it a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the area's rich history and cultural offerings.

Interesting facts about Beltsville Park include its designation as a National Historic Landmark, as well as its role in the development of agricultural practices in the United States. The park's location on the site of the former Beltsville Agricultural Research Center has contributed to its significance in the field of agriculture.

The best time of year to visit Beltsville Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park's foliage is at its most colorful. Visitors should be sure to check the park's website for information on seasonal events and activities.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References