Natural Resources Division Rules and Regulations

Calvert County Natural Resources Division is responsible for the preservation, management and operation of natural areas for the purpose of providing compatible outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for the public.

Parks & Recreation Ordinance (Chapter 82 of the Calvert County Code)


Additional information can be found on:

Regulations for General Public Use

  • Dogs on leash are permitted in all Natural Resources Parks EXCEPT Battle Creek Cypress Swamp. No Pets allowed at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, even on the trails.

The following activities are prohibited in the parks:

  • Launching or operating model airplanes and drones (UAV)
  • Possession and use of firearms of any type
  • Golf practice
  • Fire of any kind, except in designated fire rings or grills
  • Car washing and waxing
  • Ice Skating
  • Use of any motor propelled vehicle, including minibikes, trail bikes, snow sleds off a road

Users of the parks may not engage in profit-making activities and selling of merchandise, including but not limited to:

  • A person may not utilize the park for conducting private instruction or lessons for which a fee is charged unless the program is conducted either by the County or by permit.
  • For-profit business activities are prohibited.
  • A group permitted to use a park facility may not charge a fee to enter the park or facility.
  • A person may not sell anything in a park except with permission.
  • Soliciting or asking the public or county employees for contributions is prohibited

The following activities are permitted in certain parks within 1) designated areas and 2) subject to special regulations. Contact park staff to determine if these activities are permitted.

  • Fishing -- see the Fishing page for parks that allow fishing
  • Archery
  • Horseback riding
  • Camping
  • Hunting (Flag Ponds Nature Park and Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm) 
  • Walking and riding of bikes on trails
  • Games involving thrown or other propelled objects such as balls, stones, arrows, or javelins except in areas set apart for such forms of recreation.
  • Parking cars except in designated parking areas
  • Metal detecting permitted only on the Flag Ponds beach.
  • Dogs on leash allowed, except at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and Nature Center

Group Reservations and Rentals

  • The Natural Resources Division makes facilities available for private events in two of the county’s nature parks.
  • Group reservations and rentals are subject to staff and facility availability.
  • Any group of 30 or more visiting Flag Ponds Nature Park must have a Naturalist-led program and pay the applicable fees. Any group paying a program fee will not pay Flag Ponds User Fee.
  • Any group of 10 or more visiting Battle Creek Cypress Swamp must have a Naturalist-led program and pay the applicable fees.
  • Any group of 30 or more visiting Kings Landing Park must either reserve a facility or have a Naturalist-led program and pay the applicable fees.
  • Smaller groups may visit "on their own." Availability of parking, facilities, and other park amenities is not guaranteed.
  • For fee schedule and more information. Rental facilities have specific rules and regulations. 
  • For rentals at Kings Landing Park call 410-535-2661
  • To schedule a group visit call 410-535-5327. 

Request to Place a Geocache

You must receive approval from the Calvert County Natural Resources Division prior to placing a cache. To obtain approval, submit the Cache Approval Form to the office. In most cases, you will be advised of a decision within 5 business days.

Download the Cache Request Form (PDF)

This is not a comprehensive list of rules, regulations, and policies. Some parks have specific policies regarding use and access.