DAVIS PAVILION REOPENS - Book Now!
Update (May 1, 2026): The Davis Pavilion repair work has been completed and is now accepting visitors/campers.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, and a special thanks to the BeeTree Committee for their diligence in seeing this repair project through!
BeeTree Preserve is 263 beautiful acres of forests, fields, streams and wetlands located 25 miles north of Towson in Parkland, MD. Named for Beetree Run, a trout stream that meanders through the property, BeeTree Preserve's natural beauty and resources have welcomed visitors and inhabitants—both animal and human—for hundreds of years.
BeeTree Preserve and Camp Promo 2025
History
European settlers began exploiting the resources of this area as early as the 1600's. By the mid-1800's an important railroad line bisected the stream valley and provided a valuable economic link between Baltimore and the northern industrial states. During the Civil War, Union troops were stationed here (Solders' Ridge) to protect the movement of men and material along the line.
By the turn of the 20th Century, trains brought an evangelist and his flock to BeeTree for bible meetings at an outdoor amphitheater on the property. Trains also brought wealthy Baltimoreans to nearby hotels to escape from city life and heat. They also enjoyed the therapeutic effects of the local fresh water springs.
In 1965, 260 acres of BeeTree were acquired and donated to Towson Presbyterian Church. In 2011, TPC entered into an agreement with Baltimore County and the State of Maryland to protect the property from development or perpetuity.
Site Description
BeeTree Preserve is a tremendous natural resource and diverse habitat with meadows, mature and new growth forest on ridge tops, slopes and bottomlands. It also has valuable floodplain and wetland habitats and trout streams. You will find many examples of indigenous wildlife species and native vegetation. Three miles of fire roads and trails exist for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and nature study. The following are descriptions of BeeTree Preserve’s facilities with specific information for site users:
A serene natural setting, reserved for members of Towson Presbyterian Church and their families. Here lie some of the early founders/ supporters of BeeTree. A scenic hiking trail links the Cemetery to the rest of the Preserve. Contact the Church office (410-823-6500) for more information.
Large covered pavilion with central fireplace, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. Easy access to restrooms, potable water, trails, and playing fields. Parking limited to the stone paved circular driveway. Six tent pads for 6- 12 tents are available. The site capacity for Davis and Kittle campgrounds combined is 50 overnight campers per weekend.
A former farm house site, it is a favorite picnic and camping site with covered pavilion, picnic tables, charcoal grills, large fire pit, electric power, and scenic overlook of field and stream. This site has many good tenting sites, ample parking on adjoining stone- paved lot, potable water and modern facilities, as well as easy access to hiking/biking trails.
Located near the Davis and Kittle Pavilions, equipped with separate modern facilities for men and women.
Mature forest of oak accessible primarily by relatively steep walking trails from Bee Tree Road and the NCR Trail. Single vehicle access is permitted for dropping off equipment. Four Adirondack style shelters with 8 to 10 bunks each, a privy, and fire pits are available. There is no potable is available on the stone paved area adjacent to the entrance gate at Bee Tree Road.
This site consisting of a new growth forest of maple, oak and poplar is accessible by walking trails only. This site is restricted to primitive camping with backpacking equipment or bicycle camping. No potable water or bathroom facilities exist.
The northernmost section, accessible by walking trails only, is approximately 100 acres of mostly undisturbed, mixed hardwood forest. It is dominated by various oak species, black gum, red maple and big tooth aspen. About ten acres is shrub scrub habitat created by gypsy moth destruction of former forest. The lack of human impact and the diversity of habitat makes this area a great place for nature study and bird watching.
Rules and Regulations
Directions
Take I-83 North from I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) to Exit 33 - Parkton MD 45. At the top of the exit ramp, turn left and proceed north for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Kaufman Road, and go another 0.7 miles west to the Five-Forks stop sign.
At the stop sign, continue straight ahead on Kaufman Rd for 0.2 miles until you see a sign at the entrance of Bee Tree Cemetery on the left. The entrances to the Davis Pavilion and Kittle Pavilion campgrounds are each 0.1 & 0.2 miles further along on the left. The access to the Soldiers’ Ridge campground is on the right about one hundred feet north of the intersection of Kaufman & Bee Tree Roads.
Contact
Towson Presbyterian Church
Call ahead to check the availability of these facilities and to acquire the necessary permit for overnight camping or use of the pavilions.
Camp BeeTree
Every summer, Towson Presbyterian Church hosts Camp BeeTree at BeeTree Preserve. This is a weeklong day program for K–5th Graders, with 6th–12th Graders invited to participate as Counselors-in-Training (CITs). For five days, Campers and CITs explore nature, surmount obstacle courses, sing and dance, and make crafts, all while learning about God's love for them.