Most Marylanders say they visit state-managed parks, forests and public lands at least once a year, and more than half say they are very or extremely interested in hiking or walking, according to a new UMBC Poll conducted in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The UMBC Institute of Politics said Wednesday, April 22, 2026, that it collaborated with DNR to develop survey questions assessing resident perceptions of state-managed parks, forests and public lands.
The questions were included in a statewide poll of 804 Maryland adults (MOE +/- 3.5%) conducted Tuesday, March 17, to Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Visitation patterns in the poll show 23% of residents reported visiting state parks, forests and public lands once a month or more, while 17% said they “never” visit.
The poll found:
12% visit several times a month or more
11% visit about once a month
31% visit a few times a year
26% visit once or twice a year
17% never visit
When asked to rate interest in activities offered at some of Maryland’s parks, forests or other public lands on a 1-to-5 scale, the poll reported the share who rated themselves a 4 (very) or 5 (extremely) interested, hiking or walking led the list at 55%, followed by picnicking at 45% and wildlife and nature viewing and photography at 43%.
Other activities drawing high interest included fishing (32%), camping (31%), biking (29%), boating (29%) and paddling (28%). The poll also found 25% expressed strong interest in target shooting, 24% in off-road vehicle riding, 21% in horseback riding and 17% in hunting.
The poll also found proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities plays a role in where many Marylanders choose to live. Thirty-five percent said it is a “major” factor, 42% said it is a “minor” factor and 19% said it is “not” a factor.
Residents were also asked, “What types of amenities, services, or activities would make you more likely to visit a state park or other state lands this year?” UMBC said open-ended responses were categorized, with four top themes emerging:
Improve access or affordability: 12%
Improve or expand trails, outdoor recreation spaces, and camping sites: 11%
Expand family and group social activities and places: 11%
Improve facilities, maintenance, and safety: 10%
The release included comments from respondents, including: “More events for children using their hands for environmental and scientific purposes.”
Another respondent wrote, “Senior friendly! High benches for the hip/knees. Feeling safe.”
Others cited needs such as “Cleaner restrooms. I am specifically going to say baby changing stations, that they are easily accessible, functioning, and clean,” and “More parks that are more accessible for disabled and autistic children.”
One responder suggested, “I would love to see more activities that help people go into nature like free days,” while another wrote, “Offer free programs, like yoga, movies. Anything to get people outside and moving and gather as a community.”
The UMBC Poll surveyed 804 Maryland adults, including 731 registered voters, using live interviewers and text-to-web with a dual-frame random sample stratified by county.
The poll was conducted via text-to-web (67%), live-caller cell phone (25%) and live-caller landline (8%). Interviews were conducted from 1 to 8 p.m., with interviewers attempting to reach respondents with working phone numbers up to five times. Braun Research provided the sample of telephone numbers and the data collection.
Local Story
