Maryland to Open Holly Beach Farm Park in November
The 293-acre property will begin accepting daily visitor reservations on November 6, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Do you support the conversion of private land into public natural resource management areas in your community?
Maryland will open its new Holly Beach Farm natural resources management area to the public, with an online reservation system launching on November 6, 2026. This is the sixth public land site opened by the Maryland Park Service this year.
Why it matters
The site expansion follows a 2023 land donation from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, aiming to increase public access to protected coastal areas while preserving local natural habitats.
The 293-acre park features hiking trails, beaches, farm fields, and a 9-acre freshwater pond. Daily site access is currently restricted to 20 individuals to manage initial traffic.
The players
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
This state agency manages public lands and natural resources throughout Maryland.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
This non-profit organization is dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay.
The details
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources spent $150,000 to restore a historic two-story farmhouse that had been vacant since 2001, opting to renovate the existing structure rather than build anew. Future site development plans include installing five hunting blinds and expanding the existing fishing pier with a new 6-foot berth.
Timeline
1907: Sylvester W. Labrot Sr. began acquiring the land.
2001: The waterfront farmhouse was vacated and fell into disrepair.
2023: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation donated the property to the state.
2026: Maryland Park Service opened six new public lands.
November 6, 2026: The state begins accepting online park reservations.
Travel Outlook
Holly Beach Farm represents the latest expansion in the state's strategic effort to increase recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This site addition follows the pattern set by the 2026 expansion of Maryland Park Service public lands.
Visitors must secure a reservation through the new online portal, as daily entry is capped at 20 individuals. Prospective guests should prepare for limited capacity while the state completes ongoing infrastructure upgrades to the fishing pier.
The takeaway
Maryland is prioritizing the repurposing of existing historic structures over new construction to preserve property character while expanding outdoor access. Residents should monitor the state's reservation portal closely as the limited daily entry cap is likely to result in high initial demand.
What happens next
The state will begin accepting online reservation requests for the property on November 6, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local recreational opportunities by visiting the Maryland National Parks section.
Live Poll
Do you support the conversion of private land into public natural resource management areas in your community?
