Fort McHenry National Monument
Baltimore, MD
The star-shaped fort that inspired the national anthem, with ramparts, barracks and views across Baltimore Harbor. Check the visitor center film first, then walk the walls for the harbor view.
Fort McHenry in Baltimore was built between 1798 and 1800 and is laid out in the shape of a five-pointed star. It is named after James McHenry, Secretary of War under George Washington and John Adams and a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The site became famous on September 13–14, 1814, when the British fleet bombarded the fort for 25 hours without driving out its defenders. Francis Scott Key saw that the flag had survived the attack and wrote the verses that became the national anthem.
Later the fort served as a prison during the Civil War, as a large Army hospital in World War I, and as a Coast Guard base in World War II. Visitors can explore rooms inside and walk along the walls; ranger programs and exhibits help put it all in context. Plan on about two hours. Weekend crowds are largest in summer, and mornings are usually quieter.
- Nearest town
- Baltimore, MD
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.2630, -76.5800
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hilton Area Family CampingCampsite9 mi from Fort McHenry National Monument · 12 pitchesTentsDrinking water
- Hollofield Area CampingCampsite11 mi from Fort McHenry National Monument · 73 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Washington DC / Capitol KOA HolidayCampsite14 mi from Fort McHenry National MonumentTentsCaravansElectricityWi-Fi
- Pine Tree AssociatesCampsite18 mi from Fort McHenry National Monument
- Bay Shore CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Fort McHenry National MonumentTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
- Bar Harbor RV Park & MarinaMotorhome stopover23 mi from Fort McHenry National MonumentMotorhomes
All campsites in Maryland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort McHenry National Monument?
Fort McHenry National Monument is in Baltimore, MD, at GPS 39.2630, -76.5800. It is about 20 mi from Annapolis.
Can you camp near Fort McHenry National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hilton Area Family Camping, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Fort McHenry National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ellicott City Historic District (12 mi), U.S. Naval Academy (20 mi), Arlington National Cemetery (37 mi) and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort McHenry National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)