Centennial Park Public Restroom
Public bathroom
5 (1)
10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Creek And Lake ContextMD
Meadowside
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Meadowside Nature Center and Lake Frank trails near Rockville, with posted Montgomery Parks water restrictions and no assumed creek swimming entry.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Lake Frank swimming is prohibited. County creek swimming and wading require an authorized area posted by Park Directive; no such historical entry confirmed here.
Water type
Creek And Lake Context
Swimming status
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Rockville, Derwood
Water body
North Branch Rock Creek And Nearby Lake Bernard Frank
Status summarizes our reviewed record, not today's opening or safety. Check current rules, swimming boundaries and notices before visiting.
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Rockville, Derwood
Access location not verified
Derwood, MD
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
A Rockville nature visit, not a confirmed creek swim
Meadowside Nature Center is at 5100 Meadowside Lane in Rockville, within Rock Creek Regional Park. This is not a Baltimore-area swimming destination. The old reference concerns North Branch Rock Creek near Lake Bernard Frank; an open trail does not establish a permitted water entry.
Know the county's water rules
Montgomery Parks allows swimming, wading and other water sports only in areas authorized by a Park Directive and posted accordingly. Its Lake Frank information prohibits swimming in that lake. No specific authorized creek bathing zone has been established for the historical approach here; do not substitute rules from another Rock Creek jurisdiction.
Enjoy the nature center and trails
The nature center reopened in September 2026 after renovation. Check its current exhibit hours before visiting; outdoor areas have separate dawn-to-dusk access. Plan for a trail or educational outing, and confirm accessibility for your chosen route rather than assuming a level creek descent.
Getting There
Use the linked current source to identify the named destination and authorized approach. Historical directions are retained as an archive, not a current bathing-entry route.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use authorized routes and current notices. A trail, launch, campground or regional source does not authorize every archived water approach.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Lake Frank swimming is prohibited. County creek swimming and wading require an authorized area posted by Park Directive; no such historical entry confirmed here. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Public toilet wc
Public bathroom
5 (2)
10006 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Restrooms
Public bathroom
9813 Old Annapolis Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Meadowbrook Loop Trail
Hiking area
5 (1)
5001 Meadowbrook Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Lot D
Parking lot
4.5 (30)
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Lot F
Parking lot
4.4 (20)
8390-8398 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Lot E
Parking lot
8312 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Trolley Line #9 Trail
Hiking area
4.9 (35)
Trolley Line #9, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Frequently Asked Questions About Meadowside
Where is Meadowside?
The nature center is at 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland. It belongs to Montgomery Parks, not a Baltimore creek park.
Can I swim in Lake Frank?
Montgomery Parks' Lake Frank information prohibits swimming in the lake.
Is wading allowed in the nearby creek?
County rules allow swimming and wading only in authorized, posted areas. A specific authorized zone for the historical creek approach has not been established here.
Is the nature center still closed for renovation?
The park announced its reopening in September 2026. Check current exhibit hours and notices rather than relying on older construction information.
Are outdoor hours the same as exhibit hours?
No. The park lists outdoor access from dawn to dusk, while exhibits have a separate schedule.
What is a good alternative plan?
Use the nature center and authorized trails for a land-based outing. Confirm the chosen route's accessibility and avoid unapproved water entries.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, underwater hazards or an exit
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No verified accessible descent or surveyed route to an informal water entry.
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
Named campground or pool services are not facilities at every riverbank.
Activities
Nature-center exhibits and authorized trails; lake swimming prohibited and historical creek bathing entry unresolved.
Phone
301-258-4030
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Book an authorized campground separately; no assumed overnight riverbank access.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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