Burba Lake Cottage

For Maryland residents planning a special event, a community gathering, or even a serene local escape, Burba Lake Cottage at 4424 McKay St, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA offers a unique and versatile solution. Despite its humble name, "Burba Lake Cottage" is not a small, rustic dwelling, but rather a dedicated banquet hall style facility within the Burba Park Recreation Area. It's designed to accommodate larger groups, making it an excellent choice for a wide array of functions, from formal meetings and receptions to lively family reunions and birthday parties.

This facility serves as a valuable resource for the Fort Meade community and eligible local users (Active Duty, Reservists, Retired, DoD Civilians, and Registered Private Organizations). It provides a comfortable and well-equipped indoor space complemented by the natural beauty of Burba Lake and the surrounding park. Imagine hosting your next big event in a venue that offers both a functional indoor setting and the peaceful ambiance of a lakeside park. While the lake itself is noted for fishing (catch and release only) and pleasant walking trails rather than swimming or boating, the overall area provides a tranquil backdrop for your gathering. Burba Lake Cottage stands out as a practical and appealing option for those seeking a dedicated event space or a larger gathering point in the central Maryland region.

Burba Lake Cottage is situated at 4424 McKay St, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA, placing it directly within the Burba Park Recreation Area on Fort Meade. For eligible Maryland locals, this location offers a convenient and accessible spot for events and recreation. Fort Meade is centrally located within Maryland, making it a manageable drive from various parts of the state, including the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas.

The address on McKay Street places you directly at the "cottage" facility within the larger Burba Park. The park itself is a well-known recreational hub within Fort Meade, featuring not only the main cottage but also picnic pavilions, walking trails around Burba Lake, and camping areas. This integrated setting means that while you're accessing a specific event venue, you also have the benefits of a broader recreational park at your fingertips.

Accessibility to Fort Meade generally requires a valid military ID or appropriate visitor passes for non-military affiliated guests. For eligible users (Active Duty, Reservists, Retired, DoD Civilians, and Registered Private Organizations), access is typically straightforward. The location within Fort Meade means it's away from the immediate hustle and bustle of major public roads, offering a more serene environment. However, it remains easily reachable via main arteries once on the installation. The tranquil setting by Burba Lake, coupled with the ease of access for authorized personnel, makes it a suitable choice for events where a dedicated, somewhat secluded yet convenient location is desired.

Burba Lake Cottage functions primarily as a banquet hall and event facility, offering a robust set of services and amenities designed to support various gatherings, from formal events to casual family functions. It provides a comprehensive space for self-organized events, focusing on the infrastructure needed for a successful large assembly.

• Spacious Assembly Hall/Ballroom: The core of the cottage is a large, open room suitable for a variety of layouts, accommodating up to 150 people. This flexible space can be arranged for seating, dining, or presentation needs.
• Stage with Spotlights and Lectern: For presentations, entertainment, or speeches, a dedicated stage area complete with spotlights and a lectern is available, enhancing the functionality for formal events or performances.
• Full Kitchen Facilities: A significant advantage for event planning, the cottage includes a full kitchen. This typically features a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, warming oven, and an ice-making machine. It also has ample cabinets and counter space for food preparation and serving lines.
• Tables and Chairs: The cottage is well-equipped with 11 long tables (2.5'x8') and 14 round tables (60"), along with 150 chairs, providing all the necessary furniture for seating arrangements.
• Indoor Restrooms: The facility includes indoor restrooms (typically one male, one female, and one handicap accessible), ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.
• Central Air and Heating System: The cottage features a central air and heating system, providing a comfortable climate indoors regardless of the outside weather conditions.
• Fireplace: A fireplace adds to the ambiance and coziness of the space, particularly appealing for events during cooler months.
• Outside Patio with Charcoal Grill: Extending the event space outdoors, there is an outside patio complete with a large charcoal grill, perfect for barbecues or outdoor mingling when the weather permits.
• Cleaning Supplies: Basic cleaning equipment such as push brooms, brooms with dustpans, and mops/buckets are available, as users are typically responsible for post-event cleanup.
• Recreational Equipment (nearby/rental): While not within the cottage itself, being part of Burba Park, guests may have access to or can rent items like horseshoe sets (some included with the cottage rental), volleyball sets, and softball equipment from the Outdoor Recreation office (check eligibility and fees).

Burba Lake Cottage, as a dedicated event facility within the Burba Park Recreation Area, offers several key features and highlights that make it a notable choice for eligible users in Maryland.

• Versatile Banquet Hall Style Facility: Its primary highlight is its design as a large, adaptable space, perfect for a wide range of events including meetings, weddings, receptions, family reunions, office functions, birthdays, and retirement parties. It can accommodate up to 150 guests comfortably.
• Comprehensive Event Infrastructure: The cottage comes equipped with essential event amenities, including a ballroom, a stage with spotlights and a lectern, and an abundance of tables (long and round) and chairs (150 provided), making setup for any gathering straightforward.
• Full, Well-Equipped Kitchen: A major advantage for catering and self-service events, the cottage boasts a full kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, warming oven, and a crucial ice-making machine, along with ample counter space and a serving line area.
• Comfortable Climate Control & Ambiance: Featuring central air and heating, the venue ensures comfort year-round. A fireplace adds a cozy and inviting touch, especially for events during cooler seasons.
• Integrated Outdoor Space: The facility includes an outside patio with a large charcoal grill, extending the possibilities for events to include outdoor elements and barbecues, weather permitting.
• Lakeside Recreational Setting: While the "cottage" itself is the main building, its location within Burba Park means guests have access to the serene Burba Lake, which features a blacktop walking path around it, fishing piers (catch and release only, with state regulations), and benches for enjoying the peaceful environment.
• Family-Friendly Park Amenities Nearby: Burba Park offers multiple playgrounds for kids along the walking trails, making it suitable for family-oriented events where children need space to play. There are also outdoor picnic pavilions available for rent separately.
• Convenient Facilities for Campers: For those utilizing the nearby RV or tent camping grounds within Burba Park, the cottage's proximity (and the park's general amenities) means access to features like bathroom and shower areas, offering a "tame" camping experience ideal for beginners or those seeking more comfort than wilderness camping.
• Dedicated Management (MWR): As an MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facility, it benefits from professional management, with reservations made through their office, ensuring a structured booking process.

Burba Lake Cottage operates as an MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facility on Fort Meade, meaning its pricing and any "promotions" are generally structured for eligible patrons (Active Duty, Reservists, Retired, DoD Civilians, and Registered Private Organizations). Unlike commercial venues, it typically doesn't run dynamic public sales or discounts. However, its pricing structure itself can be considered a significant value for eligible users.

• Fixed Daily Rental Fee: The primary "offer" is its competitive daily rental fee. The cottage is available for $300.00 per day, plus a cleaning deposit. This is a very reasonable rate for a banquet hall facility capable of hosting up to 150 people with a full kitchen and ample amenities.
• Season-Specific Availability: The cottage is open for rental from April 1 through December 31 each year. This extended season provides flexibility for booking events across most of the calendar year, including popular holiday periods (arrangements can be made for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day).
• Inclusion of Essential Furniture: The rental fee includes the use of 11 long tables, 14 round tables, and 150 chairs, which would typically be an additional rental cost at many other venues. This bundled offering provides significant savings.
• Access to Park Amenities: While the cottage rental is separate from general park use, booking the cottage means your event guests have immediate access to the broader Burba Park Recreation Area, which includes the walking path around the lake and nearby playgrounds, offering additional value and activity options.
• Eligibility-Based Pricing: The $300 daily fee is specifically for Active Duty, Reservists, Retired, DoD Civilians, and Registered Private Organizations. This exclusive pricing offers a substantial benefit to those eligible.

Any specific inquiries about pricing, availability, or potential variations should be made directly through the Fort Meade MWR Outdoor Recreation office, as reservations must be made in person. They would have the most current information regarding any subtle changes or unique offerings for specific dates.

To inquire about reserving Burba Lake Cottage or to learn more about the facilities at Burba Park Recreation Area, please use the following contact details. Please note that reservations for the cottage (and pavilions) must typically be made in person through the MWR office.

Address: 4424 McKay St, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA (This is the address specifically for Burba Lake Cottage within Burba Park).

General MWR Outdoor Recreation Office for Reservations:

Office Address: Building 2300 Wilson Street, Fort Meade, MD 20755

Phone: (301) 677-3029

Mobile Phone: +1 301-677-3029

Secondary Phone (for inquiries/Outdoor Recreation): (301) 677-3810

Military DSN: (312) 622-3029

It is highly recommended to call ahead to the Outdoor Recreation office to confirm eligibility, availability for your desired dates, and the specific reservation process, as some details may require an in-person visit for booking. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on the cottage, other park amenities, and any specific policies for use.

For eligible Maryland locals, particularly Active Duty military, Reservists, Retired military, DoD Civilians, and Registered Private Organizations, Burba Lake Cottage presents an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous venue for a wide array of gatherings. Its unique nature as a dedicated event facility within a recreational park offers a blend of practicality and peaceful surroundings right here in central Maryland.

The primary reason Burba Lake Cottage is so well-suited for locals is its specific design as a large-capacity event space. Maryland residents often seek affordable yet comprehensive venues for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or community events. With its ability to host up to 150 people, a full, well-equipped kitchen, ample tables and chairs included in the rental, and a stage, it significantly reduces the logistical complexities and costs associated with planning larger gatherings. This "turn-key" aspect for events is a huge draw, preventing the need for extensive external rentals.

Furthermore, its location within the Burba Park Recreation Area provides added value. While the cottage serves as the main event space, guests can also enjoy the surrounding park, which includes a pleasant walking path around Burba Lake and playgrounds for children. This allows for a more dynamic event experience, where attendees can step outside for fresh air, leisurely strolls, or for kids to burn off energy. For those interested in a more "tame" camping experience, the proximity to the RV and tent camping grounds (with amenities like bathrooms and showers) makes it a versatile destination for a weekend event that could include overnight stays.

The highly competitive daily rental fee of $300.00 for eligible patrons makes it an incredibly cost-effective choice compared to many private commercial venues in the Maryland area. This affordability, combined with the comprehensive amenities and the tranquil lakeside setting (despite the lake itself having limitations for water activities), makes Burba Lake Cottage an ideal local resource. It’s a convenient, practical, and pleasant option for Marylanders looking to host their next memorable event or simply enjoy a day of recreation within the Fort Meade community.

Burba Lake Cottage

4424 McKay St, Fort Meade, MD 20755, USA