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Patuxent River Park

16000 Croom Airport Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Contact

301-627-6074
TTY: 301-699-2544

Hours

Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, Visitors Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Facilities

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Patuxent River Park

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Features

  1. Boat Ramp
  2. Camping
  3. Canoe/Kayak Launch Area
  4. Canoe/Kayak Rentals
  5. Fishing
  6. Hunting
  7. Trails

The Patuxent River

The Patuxent River is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It tells great historical stories and sustains livelihoods and hobbies held by enthusiasts of all kinds. Visit today and witness one of the most beautiful sites in Prince George's County and the State of Maryland. 

About the River 


In Prince George's County, the Commission owns more than 7,000 acres of riverside parkland that protect the natural resources and preserve the scenic character of the river. The Patuxent River was first recognized by the State of Maryland as a valuable natural resource, worthy of protection, in the Patuxent River Watershed Act of 1961. In 1968, the river was designated one of Maryland's scenic rivers. Today, the Patuxent River remains one of the most beautiful natural areas in the state.


American Indian Village

The American Indian Village at Patuxent River Park replicates an Eastern Woodland Village with various components giving visitors opportunities to explore the history of the Indigenous peoples of Prince George's County, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Enhance your visit to the Village by doing the following:
  • Download the Village's app available on Apple Store and Google Play (Search: Indian Village at Patuxent River Park); be sure to turn on your phone's Bluetooth feature for push notifications while visiting!
  • Use your phone to dial into the Audio Tour: 301-388-5839
  • Visit the Village's website

We also offer programs at the Village. Find out more by visiting our Educational Programs page.

Museums

In addition, there are the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, a collection of late 19th century and early 20th century buildings and historic structures dedicated to preserving the rural heritage of southern Prince George's County.

Boat Ramps

  • Three public boat ramps are located on the Patuxent River in Prince George's County. Restrictions apply and parking is limited.
  • A special use permit is required for all vehicles towing trailers.
  • Permits are available on an annual or daily basis.
  • Permits can be purchased at the Visitors Center (Jug Bay Natural Area) by calling 301-627-6074.
  • Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once lots are filled, access will be denied until space becomes available.
  • No overnight use permitted.
  • Fuel facilities not available.
  • Personal watercraft (PWC) are only permitted to launch at Clyde Watson Boating Area (CWBA)

Jackson's Landing

Follow park road past Visitors Center to the bottom of the hill. Parking limitation is 12 vehicles with trailers and 12 additional vehicles.

Selby's Landing

NOTICE: Selby’s Landing boat ramp and dock will be closed November 2018 through February 2019 for construction. The next closest boat ramp is Jackson’s Landing located past the Visitors Center. For more information, please call Patuxent River Park at 301-627-6074.

Follow Croom Airport Road (past park entrance road) to a dead end, turn left and follow the road to the designated area. Parking limitation is 25 vehicles including vehicles with trailers. This is a short ramp with a drop off at the end.

Clyde Watson Boating Area

Follow Croom Road about 10 miles south of Jug Bay and turn left on Magruder's Ferry Road. Entrance is on the right. Parking limitation is 15 vehicles with trailers and 25 additional vehicles. Personal watercraft are permitted to launch with limitations.
  • Access limited to 7 at any time
  • Access south of boat ramp only
  • PWCs prohibited along shoreline in posted area.

Mission

Our mission is to manage natural and historical resources along the Patuxent River in order to promote environmental awareness and stewardship through education, conservation, preservation, and recreation.


Subfacilities

  1. ► Aquasco Farm

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  2. ► Cedar Haven Fishing Area

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  3. ► Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour

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  4. ► Clyde Watson Boating Area

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  5. ► Columbia Air Center

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  6. ► Fran Uhler Natural Area

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  7. ► Governor Bridge Natural Area and Canoe Launch

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  8. ► Jug Bay Natural Area

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  9. ► Patuxent River 4-H Center

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  10. ► Patuxent Water Trail

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  11. ► Queen Anne Canoe Launch

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  12. ► Queen Anne Fishing Area

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  13. ► Queen Anne Natural Area

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