Antietam National Battlefield
Park Regulations & Safety
Permits
A permit is required to conduct organized recreational events, commercial filming or photography, sales or distribution of written material, business operations, and groups of horseback riding (10 Or More) within Antietam National Battlefield.
Below are links to Applications for a Special Use Permit. Applications must be received at least 2 weeks before the date of the proposed event.
Some permit applicants ask to collect a fee for admission to their event in the park. Current National Park Service policy states that "A permittee, while on park property, may not collect admission or any other money associated with a special event. All permittee monetary transactions must take place outside the park".
Other costs may be incurred by the National Park Service as a result of your event. They include the costs involved with monitoring the event, inspecting black powder weapons, and directing traffic and other associated costs. Your permit will contain an estimate of these costs and you will be billed for these services after the event. Permit holders must supply the equipment required for their event.
Thank you for your interest in Antietam National Battlefield. If you have questions please contact Rangers Wenschhof or Beers at 301-432-2243.
Visitor Use Guidelines
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:
Regulations:
The park is closed at dark. (20 minutes after sunset) Fields planted with crops, pastures, reforested areas, barns and other farm areas are closed to the public.
A permit is required to conduct the following activities within Antietam National Battlefield: Organized recreational events and/or ceremonies, commercial filming or photography, the sale or distribution of written material (pamphlets or flyers), business operations and display of commercial advertisements.
The possession of an open container of alcohol is prohibited in parking lots, the Rohrbach Campground, park structures, and in all vehicles.
The removal of natural products (such as wood products or wildflowers) is prohibited, except for those products provided for in the park compendium.
All occupants of a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt while driving in the park.
Maryland law requires that drivers turn their headlights on during inclement weather.
Maryland law requires everyone 16 years or older to have a valid Maryland fishing license while fishing. Fishing, as well as docking, removing or putting in a boat, tube, or swimming 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.
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. Other activities prohibited in the park include: Kite flying, ball games, sunbathing, model airplane or rocket flying, and frisbee playing. These activities are only allowed in the Group Camping area.
Pets Must be on a leash at all times when in the park, regardless of pet obedience OR proximity of owner.
Relic hunting and/or the use or possession of a metal detector is prohibited. Federal law prohibits the theft of artifacts, and if found guilty penalties can reach $250,000 and/or 5 years in jail as well as the confiscation of materials used.
Recreation:
Bicycling is permitted on paved park tour roads and parking lots. Riding is prohibited on all walkways, agricultural land, the Snavely's Ford Trail, and the Sherrick Farm 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 Campground requires a permit. Only organized groups are permitted to camp. Applications are available by writing or calling the Division of Natural Resources and Protection at 301-432-2243, or by website at www.nps.gov/anti/. 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 volunteers.
Horseback riding is permitted on all paved roads and the Snavely's Ford Trail. Riding on paved foot trails and on agricultural lands is prohibited. Groups of 10 or more horse riders must apply for a Special Use Permit. Horse trailers must be parked in the field South of the Dunker Church.
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.
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 any questions about any section of this guide, please ask a park ranger or write to:
Superintendent
Antietam National Battlefield
P.O. Box 158
Sharpsburg, MD 21782-0158
Phone Numbers:
Emergencies: 9-1-1
Law Enforcement Assistance: 1-866-677-6677 (Dispatch Office)
General Park Information: 1-301-432-5124
Antietam In Depth
News from the Parks
Colorado Section of Vast Bike Network is 1,000 Miles
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
Ranchers Oppose Yellowstone Bison Relocation
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
A Trip to Yosemite National Park via YARTS is a Must for Valley Residents
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
Nene Killed on the Road in Haleakala National Park
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
Life's a Beach: U.S. Virgin Islands are Calling You
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
