McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

Just visited this place today 7/12/25, gorgeous peak bloom and not crowded at all. You need to check the map for parking and flower path locations on their website. Some wet and muddy spots on the entrance to the flower parh. The bloom should be good for another week, if no big rain

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville, Maryland, is a hidden gem for nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, and photographers. Spread across more than 2,000 acres, this area offers a unique combination of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, creating diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife. It's especially famous for its vibrant sunflower fields that bloom every July, attracting thousands of visitors. Walking through these fields during peak bloom is truly a magical experience—perfect for photos and peaceful moments in nature. Besides sunflowers, the area offers year-round activities. Trails wind through thick woods and marshy areas, where you might spot deer, foxes, owls, and dozens of bird species. It’s also a popular spot for regulated hunting and fishing. The terrain is mostly flat, making it suitable for all ages, though after heavy rain, parts can get muddy. Parking is available at multiple access points, but there are no restrooms or visitor facilities, so it’s best to come prepared. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light and quieter moments, especially during sunflower season. Overall, McKee-Beshers is a peaceful, beautiful place for those seeking a natural escape from city life. It’s a must-visit during sunflower season and an underrated spot for nature exploration any time of year.

This sunflower field is a total gem! 🌻 It’s a short, easy walk from the parking lot, perfect even with our 5-week-old in tow. The flowers are stunning, especially the vibrant blooms in field #4 near the Potomac River—prime photo ops! 📸 With the hot weather, 30-40 minutes is plenty, so pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. 🧢 Long sleeves and pants help too, since electric fences keep deer out. Some fields were fading, but others were bursting with color. It’s a gorgeous spot, and I’m already stoked to make it a yearly tradition! 😍

July 2025, revisited this field, unfortunately no more sunflower field- non, zero flowers, very disappointed. I don’t understand what happened. It had been always sunflowers for decades. 😩 Absolutely gorgeous. Visited 2nd weekend of July, 2024 Due to the hot weather, plan for less than an hour. Ideally 30-40 min is the best. Must have hat, sunglasses, sunblock lotion, bugoff, and preferably long pants and sleeves. There are electric fences to protect from the deer. You will love it. Enjoy

The place looks nice, but walking paths toward the sunflower gardens were a bit rough and muddy. Nonetheless, the sunflowers were gorgeous.