To provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors and to preserve and protect park resources, the Superintendent has established the following regulations for the Antietam National Battlefield:

General Regulations
The park is closed at dark (twenty minutes after sunset).

Cropfields, pastures, reforested areas, barns and other farm areas are closed to the public.

Wooded areas near the Burnside Bridge, Sherrick Farm, and Poffenberger Farm are closed to the public.

A permit is required to conduct the following activities within Antietam National Battlefield: any organized recreational event, commercial filming or photography, the sale or distribution of written material (pamphlets or flyers), business operations and display of commercial advertisements. Click here to go to our permit application pages.

The park is a fee area: Individual ($4.00) and/or Family ($6.00) passes are valid for 3 days. National Park Pass ($50.00), Golden Age ($10.00), Golden Access (free to disabled citizens), and the Annual Park Pass ($20.00) may be obtained at the Visitor Center.

The possession of an open container of alcoholic beverage is prohibited in parking lots, the Rohrbach Group Campground, park structures, within 50 feet of the Antietam Creek shoreline, and in a vehicle.

Removal of natural products (such as wood products or wildflowers) is prohibited, except for those products provided for in the park compendium.

Recreation
Bicycling is permitted on paved park tour roads and parking lots. Riding is prohibited on all sidewalks, agricultural land, and the Snavely's Ford Trail. Maryland law requires riders under the age of 16 to wear an approved D.O.T. helmet. Cyclists are subject to Maryland Traffic Law.

Camping at the Rohrbach Group Campground requires a permit. Only organized groups (such as Boy Scouts, Church, and School Groups) are permitted to camp. Applications are available at the Visitor Center. Camping in other park areas is prohibited. Fires are prohibited in all park areas except for the Rohrbach Campground and areas approved for use by NPS living history employees and volunteers.

Horseback riding, in groups of five or less, is permitted on all paved roads and the Snavely Ford Trail. Riding on paved foot trails, parking areas, or on agricultural lands is prohibited. Groups of six horses or more must obtain a Special Use Permit. Horse trailers must park in the field south of the Dunker Church. For more information please ask for a copy of the park's Horse Riding Policy.

Fishing is allowed on the Antietam Creek with a valid Maryland Fishing License. Fishing from or within 500 feet of the Burnside Bridge is prohibited.

Hunting and/or harassing wildlife is prohibited. Firearms and other devices capable of launching a projectile are prohibited. Discharging any weapon from private land onto the park is forbidden. Possession of an edged-weapon which exceeds six inches in length is prohibited. Trained and inspected National Park Service living history volunteers may possess firearms and edged-weapons in accordance with park regulations.

Because of the historic nature of the battlefield, the following activities are prohibited: kite flying, ball games, sunbathing, model airplane or rocket flying, and frisbee. Permitted campers may conduct these activities at the Rohrbach Group Campground.

Picnicking is prohibited in the Antietam National Cemetery, Mumma Cemetery, inside the Dunker Church, inside the Observation Tower, on the Burnside Bridge, and on any monument.

Boating or tubing on the Antietam Creek is permitted. Docking, removing or putting in a boat or tube, or loading a person within 500 feet of the Burnside Bridge is prohibited.

Relic Hunting
Relic hunting and/or the use or possession of a metal detector is prohibited. Federal law prohibits the theft of artifacts. Fines can reach $250,000 and/or 5 years in jail and may include the confiscation of materials used.

First Amendment Area
Groups or individuals wishing to exercise their First Amendment rights may do so by writing the Superintendent for a Special Use Permit. No fee or cost is charged to obtain the permit. Click here to go to our permit application pages.

First Aid
First Aid is available at the Visitor Center or from any park ranger.

We hope this guide to Antietam National Battlefield will help you enjoy a safe and educational visit. This guide does not contain all of the rules or regulations pertaining to the battlefield. If you have questions about any section of this guide, please ask a park ranger or write to:

Superintendent, Antietam National Battlefield, P.O. Box 158, Sharpsburg, Maryland 21782-0158

Phone Numbers

Emergencies: 911
Law Enforcement Ranger Assistance: (301) 432-2243
24 hour Park Emergency: 866-NPS-6677
General Park Information: (301) 432-5124
Superintendent: (301) 432-7672