Lake Needwood Rock Creek Regional Park
A 75-acre boating and fishing lake in Rock Creek Regional Park, offering scenic trails, picnic spots, and family-friendly activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Boat rentals available!
Lake Needwood Rock Creek Regional Park
Best Time
Boat rentals available!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 75-acre boating and fishing lake in Rock Creek Regional Park, offering scenic trails, picnic spots, and family-friendly activities.
"Beautiful scenic lake surrounded by forest and hiking trails in the midst of urban area; well maintained facilities."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful park and its amenities without any entry fee.
Bring a Trail App 📱
The wooded part of the Westside Loop can be tricky; a navigation app is helpful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Needwood Westside Loop
Derwood, Maryland
A 2.6-mile loop with diverse scenery, from lush woodlands to serene lakeside strolls. Perfect for all seasons.
Boating and Fishing
Lake Needwood
Enjoy a day on the water with boat rentals available on weekends and holidays. Fishing is also a popular activity.
Picnic Areas with Grills
Various locations throughout the park
Numerous picnic spots with benches and grills, some even offering power outlets. Ideal for family gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Picnics & Boating
Trail Navigation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful park and its amenities without any entry fee.
Bring a Trail App 📱
The wooded part of the Westside Loop can be tricky; a navigation app is helpful.
Stroller-Friendly Trails 👍
The main trails are well-maintained and suitable for strollers.
Pack for a Picnic 🧺
Plenty of picnic areas with grills, some with power. Great for a day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this beautiful park and its amenities without any entry fee.
Bring a Trail App 📱
The wooded part of the Westside Loop can be tricky; a navigation app is helpful.
Stroller-Friendly Trails 👍
The main trails are well-maintained and suitable for strollers.
Pack for a Picnic 🧺
Plenty of picnic areas with grills, some with power. Great for a day out.
Check Boat Rental Times 🚤
Last boat rental is 4:30 PM, return by 6:00 PM. Operates weekends/holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Needwood for its beautiful, scenic lake surrounded by forests and well-maintained trails, making it a peaceful escape within the urban area. The abundance of picnic areas with grills and family-friendly amenities are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some find the wooded trail sections a bit tricky to navigate without a map.
"Beautiful park with clean amenities overlooking a splendid lake. Nice easy trail including with strollers 🤗. Lots of picnic areas with grills and some with power outlets"
zoubida kherous
"Beautiful scenic lake surrounded by forest and hiking trails in the midst of urban area; well maintained facilities, lot of picnic areas with picnic benches and grills, pavilion for reservation for special events. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking."
Han Hoang
"Beautiful parka love the trail"
Meheret
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Needwood is located at 6700 Needwood Rd, Derwood, MD 20855. While the trailhead isn't accessible by public transportation, you can easily reach it via Uber or your own vehicle. Ample parking is available. +1
Yes, ample parking is available throughout the park, making it easy to access the trails and amenities.
Unfortunately, the trailhead is not directly accessible by public transportation. It's best to drive or use a ride-sharing service.
The main address for Lake Needwood is 6700 Needwood Rd, Derwood, MD 20855. Another entrance is at 15700 Needwood Lake Cir, Derwood, MD 20855. +1
Yes, Lake Needwood is a part of the larger Rock Creek Regional Park. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Lake Needwood and Rock Creek Regional Park is completely free! You can enjoy the park's natural beauty and amenities without any admission cost.
The general park hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Boat rentals have specific operating times.
While many picnic areas are first-come, first-served, pavilions are available for reservation for special events.
Boat rentals are operational on weekends and holidays from May until early September. The last rental starts at 4:30 PM and must be returned by 6:00 PM.
Yes, fishing is one of the activities available at Lake Needwood. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on scenic trails, boating, fishing, picnicking with grills, and there are also playgrounds for children. Archery practice is also mentioned. +1
Yes, the trails, particularly the Westside Loop, are described as well-maintained and suitable for strollers, making it a great option for families.
It's a 2.6-mile loop offering a mix of woodland and lakeside scenery. It's beginner-friendly but the wooded section can be tricky to navigate without a trail app.
Yes, the park offers areas with games and playgrounds for children.
Yes, pavilions are available for reservation for special events, offering a great space for gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers scenic views of the lake, surrounding forests, and opportunities for wildlife photography. Autumn colors and spring blossoms are particularly beautiful.
Absolutely! The combination of the lake, woodlands, and changing seasons provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
The natural setting of the park makes it a good location for wildlife photography, though sightings can vary.
Expect picturesque views of the 75-acre lake, dense forests, and walking trails that change beautifully with the seasons.
Yes, autumn brings beautiful fall colors to the park, making it a prime time for photography. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a boat on a weekend or holiday for some fun on the water, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake. The variety of activities ensures there's something for every member of the family.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Many groups utilize the park for their fitness activities, making it a vibrant spot for runners. The peaceful environment, especially during off-peak hours, allows for an enjoyable and invigorating exercise session.
📸 Nature Photographers
Seasonal changes, from spring blossoms to autumn foliage, offer dynamic subjects. The Westside Loop provides diverse vantage points for both landscape and detail shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Lake Needwood
While the trail is generally well-marked, some visitors note that the wooded section can be a bit disorienting. Bringing a reliable trail app on your phone is highly recommended to ensure you stay on track. The transition between the woodland and lakeside paths involves a brief crossing of a paved road, which sees light traffic.
Beyond the Westside Loop, the park offers other opportunities for exploration. Whether you're looking for a gentle walk or a more immersive nature experience, the trails here cater to various preferences. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the terrain, especially after rain.
Family Fun and Activities
For those who love the water, boating and fishing are popular pastimes. Boat rentals are available on weekends and holidays from May through early September, providing a fun way to experience the 75-acre lake.
Numerous picnic areas with grills and benches are scattered throughout the park, perfect for a relaxed family meal amidst nature. Some picnic spots even come equipped with power outlets, adding to the convenience.
Boating and Fishing at Lake Needwood
Fishing is another popular activity enjoyed by visitors. The lake provides a tranquil setting for anglers to cast their lines and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely paddle or a chance to reel in a catch, Lake Needwood offers a refreshing aquatic experience within the urban landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit