Daily, 8 am-dusk (Call the park office for seasonal closing time.) Visitors Center 8 am-4 pm
The Patuxent 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. This legislation declared that "flood prevention, land conservation, erosion control and protection from urban development within the watershed is a public benefit and conducive to the public health, safety and welfare." In 1968, the river was designated one of Maryland's scenic rivers.
In response to the legislation, M-NCPPC developed a master plan "to preserve and protect the very unique natural and historical resources... while providing compatible recreational activities for the public." The Commission embarked on a land acquisition program with funding principally from Program Open Space, Maryland's nationally-acclaimed land preservation program. In Prince George's County, the Commission owns more than 7,000 acres of parkland that protect the natural resources and preserve the scenic character of the river.
Several properties are open for public use including:
The park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, boating, kayaking, canoeing, archaeology and nature study. In addition, there is 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. The park provides canoe and kayak rentals , facilities for camping and picnics , guided educational programs , and special programs and events for people of all ages. Reservations are required for most activities.
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). Call 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 - 12 vehicles with trailers; 12 additional vehicles.
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 - 15 vehicles with trailers and 25 additional vehicles. Personal watercraft are permitted to launch with limitations.
Access limited to seven (7) at any time.
Access south of boat ramp only
PWC's prohibited along shoreline in posted area.
Upcoming Events
2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of Patuxent River Park! In honor of this special year, the Park will host a number of special events. Save the dates this summer for two fun events:
June 23-24 The Great American Backyard Campout. Connect with nature on this family-fun event. Click here to register.
August 4 The Jug Bay Raft Regatta. Have some fun this summer on this homemade raft race. Click here to register.
Patuxent River Park Club Opportunities
The Basket Bunch meets once a month to share ideas and learn how to collect natural materials and fashion them into beautiful and functional baskets. Members receive a monthly newsletter with details for the coming month's project. Membership fees: Residents of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties - $25/year; Non-Residents - $30/year.
2012 Basket Bunch Schedule
March 15: Raffia Part 2: Coiling, Patuxent River Park April 19: Vines, Patuxent River Park
May 17: Bark Basket, Patuxent River Park June 21: English Ivy, Upper Marlboro July 19: Driftwood, Patuxent River Park August 16: Bamboo, Bowie September 20: Cedar & Waxed Linen Over a Small Bottle, Easton
October 18: Field Trip November 15: Antler Basket, Patuxent River Park December 13: Holiday Lunch & Basket Swap, Patuxent River Park
Live Osprey Cam
Ospreys are fish eating migratory birds that return every year from South America to nest along the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River. The park has erected artificial nest platforms along the river and monitors their activity throughout the season.
The male returns first and begins nest building using twigs and branches. When the female returns, the mating ritual begins. The young are born in May. By August, they are ready to leave the nest, separate from their parents and begin the annual migration back to South America.
Our Osprey Cam is located at Jug Bay Natural Area near the boat ramp at Jackson's Landing. The best time for viewing is early morning or late afternoon when the osprey bring fish back to the nest.
Osprey Camera on Ustream
The Patuxent River