The Patuxent River Park is comprised of more than 6,000 acres of natural area parklands along the eastern boundary of Prince George's County. Much of the land contains valuable natural and historical resources. To preserve and protect these very unique resources the park is governed by a "limited-use" policy. Only those activities that are compatible with the natural environment and preserve the scenic character of the river are permitted. A special use permit or reservation is required for all activities.

Several properties are open for public use including:

• Aquasco Farm
• Billingsley Point
• Cedar Haven Fishing Area
• Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour
• Columbia Air Center
• Clyde Watson Boating Area
• Fran Uhler Natural Area
• Governor Bridge Natural Area & Canoe Launch
• Jug Bay Natural Area - park headquarters
• Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park
• Nottingham School
• Patuxent River 4-H Center
• Patuxent River Scenic Trail at Queen Anne
• Queen Anne Fishing Area
• Queen Anne Canoe Launch

• Programs & Events
• School Programs
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Club Opportunities
• The Patuxent River
• Park Regulations
• Permit Guidelines
• Boat Ramps

Programs & Events

SMARTlink reservations are required for all programs unless otherwise noted. Program barcodes for reservations are provided next to each listing. Please use SMARTlink OR call the park office for more information.

Fees: Residents of Prince George's and Montgomery County are listed first and Non-Residents are listed in parentheses.

Saturday, June 28, 10 am-3 pm
Quilter's Attic Basket: Large enough to hold project materials…this basket features two White Oak Swing Handles.
Basket Weaving
Learn how to weave a basket using reed and other natural materials. For students of all skill levels-beginner to advanced. Materials supplied by instructor. Students will need to bring a few tools. Contact the facility for a tools list. Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 12 to Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #121271

Saturday, August 23, 10 am-3 pm
Pine Needle Teneriffe Basket
Basket Weaving
Learn how to weave a basket using reed and other natural materials. For students of all skill levels-beginner to advanced. Materials supplied by instructor. Students will need to bring a few tools. Contact the facility for a tools list.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 12 to Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #121272

Saturday, May 10, 7-10 am
Wandering Warblers
Avid birders will enjoy this boat tour to observe warblers and other neotropical migrants. The May Bird Count will be conducted on this trip.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adults
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #114688

Saturday, June 7, 9-11 am
Hey! Let's Go Fishing!
This program, held at an eight-acre catch-and-release bass pond, is for beginners. Equipment is provided. Parking Lot, Governor Bridge Natural Area
Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink # 121278

Saturday, June 28, 8:30 pm
Frogwatch: Frog Calling Survey
Come learn about the environment while collecting valuable information about our local frogs and toads.
All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE

Saturday, July 5, 9-11 am
Hey! Let's Go Fishing!
This program, held at an eight-acre catch-and-release bass pond, is for beginners. Equipment is provided.
Parking Lot, Governor Bridge Natural Area
Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink # 121279

Saturday, July 12, 9-11 am
Butterfly Search Search through various habitats for butterflies to count.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #121273

Wednesday, July 23, 8:30 pm
Frogwatch: Frog Calling Survey Come learn about the environment while collecting valuable information about our local frogs and toads.
All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE

Friday, July 25, 9-11 am
Butterfly Search
Search through various habitats for butterflies to count.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #121274

Friday, August 8, 9-11 am
Butterfly Search
Search through various habitats for butterflies to count.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #121275

Friday, August 15, 9-11 am
Butterfly Search
Search through various habitats for butterflies to count.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #121276

Wednesday, August 20, 8 pm
Frogwatch: Frog Calling Survey
Come learn about the environment while collecting valuable information about our local frogs and toads.
All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE

Friday, August 22, 9-11 am
Butterfly Search
Search through various habitats for butterflies to count.
All ages welcome.
Fee: Resident $1; Non-Resident $2
SMARTlink #121277

June-October
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
The Park offers daily canoe and kayak rentals in Jug Bay and downriver trips April through October. Reservations are required. The Park also offers hourly rentals on weekends and holidays depending on availability. Call the Park Office for details.
Fee: Daily - Resident $12; Non-Resident $15
Fee: Hourly - Resident $5; Non-Resident $6

Sunday, June 8, 9 am-12 noon
Kayak Kaper Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Learn about the ecology of the river and history of the area. No experience necessary. Bring sun block, a hat, and drinking water. Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park Ages 18-Adult Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18 SMARTlink #121282

Saturday, June 14, 6-7:30 pm, SMARTlink.pgparks.com/SMARTlink" target="_blank">SMARTlink.pgparks.com/SMARTlink.pgparks.com/SMARTlink" target="_blank">SMARTlink">SMARTlink.pgparks.com/SMARTlink" target="_blank">SMARTlink #121289
Saturday, June 21, 6-7:30 pm, SMARTlink.pgparks.com/SMARTlink" target="_blank">SMARTlink #121290
Sunset Boat Tour Enjoy a scenic Sunday evening sunset cruise aboard a pontoon boat along the picturesque Patuxent River. See Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, ducks, turtles, and the magnificent river views of the historic homes. Jackson's Landing Boat Ramp, Patuxent River Park Ages 6-Adult Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4

Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, 10 am-3 pm
Boating Safety
The Maryland Boating Safety Course is required of powerboat operators. The two-day course requires eight hours of classroom work and a final exam.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 12-Adult
Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
SMARTlink #121287

Sunday, June 29, 9 am-12 noon
Kayak Kaper
Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Learn about the ecology of the river and history of the area. No experience necessary. Bring sun block, a hat, and drinking water.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #121283

Saturday, July 12, 10 am-12 noon
Journey Into Jug Bay's Past
Come aboard our pontoon boat for a tour on the scenic Patuxent River at Jug Bay. Park archeologist will discuss the history and archaeology of the area.
A tour of the Mount Calvert plantation house is included.
Jackson's Landing Boat Ramp, Patuxent River Park
Ages 8-Adult
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #121280

Saturday, July 19, 6-9 pm
Kayak Kaper
Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Learn about the ecology of the river and history of the area. No experience necessary. Bring sun block, a hat, and drinking water.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #121284

Sunday, July 27, 9 am-12 noon
Kayak Kaper
Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Learn about the ecology of the river and history of the area. No experience necessary. Bring sun block, a hat, and drinking water.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #121285

Saturday, August 16, 10 am-12 noon
Journey Into Jug Bay's Past
Come aboard our pontoon boat for a tour on the scenic Patuxent River at Jug Bay. Park archeologist will discuss the history and archaeology of the area.
A tour of the Mount Calvert plantation house is included.
Jackson's Landing Boat Ramp, Patuxent River Park
Ages 8-Adult
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #121281

Sunday, August 17, 6-9 pm
Kayak Kaper
Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Learn about the ecology of the river and history of the area. No experience necessary. Bring sun block, a hat, and drinking water.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #121286

School Programs

Basket Weaving (Grade 5 to Adult)
Learn how to weave a basket using natural materials. One-day classes range from 3 to 6 hours long. Limited to 10 participants. Fee: $15 ($18)

Birding Trips (Grade 9 to Adult)
The Jug Bay area of the park provides for some of the most outstanding birding found anywhere in Maryland. Guided birding trips are available year round. Examples of specific trips include: Blue Heron Tour, Birding Jug Bay, Birding the Patuxent, Wandering Warblers, and The Bluebirds are Back. Limited to 14 participants. Fee: $5 ($6)

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour (Grade 9 to Adult)
This four-mile driving tour connects the park with the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. It features educational displays about the history and wildlife of the area, observation towers, and a 1,000-foot-long wooden bridge. Fee: $2 ($3)

Conservation Activities (Grade 5 to Adult)
The Park offers several activities that help preserve the resources of the park. Invasive and non-native plants that have invaded the park need to be destroyed or removed. The park has over 8 miles of trails that need continual maintenance and repair. FREE.

Gears from Yesteryear (Grades 2 to 5)
This program tells the story of rural life in southern Maryland 100 years ago. Students learn through observation and hands-on activities. A tour of the Duvall Tool Museum, blacksmith shop, the Duckett log cabin, the Sears House and the Tobacco Farming Museum are included. Fee: $3 ($4)

Geocaching (Grade 5 to Adult)
Try high-tech orienteering and scavenger hunting. Learn how to use a GPS unit and find the treasure in the park. Limited to 20 participants. Fee: $3 ($4)

Guided Nature Hikes (Grades 1 to Adult)
The Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area provides a unique opportunity to observe the tidal and nontidal wetlands of the river. Boardwalks provide easy access to these valuable habitats. Fee: $1 ($2)

Hey! Let's Go Fishing (Grades 1 to 4)
Don't let the big one get away on this fishing program for beginners. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $5 ($6)

Journey Into Jug Bay's Past (Grade 3 to Adult)
There is 10,000 years of human history on the Patuxent River. Historians tell the story aboard the park's pontoon boat with a stop at Mt. Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park. April-October. Fee: $5 ($6)

Guided Canoe/Kayak Trips (Grade 5 to Adult)
Explore the natural beauty of the river on this 3-hour guided kayak trip. Certified instructor. May-October. Limited to 8 participants. Also available with canoes, limited to 16 participants. Fee $15 ($18)

On the Water (Grades 5 to Adult)
This series of three environmental programs offer students an extensive look at the ecology of wetlands and its wildlife. The Marsh program teaches the functions of wetlands and their importance to the environment. Five-hour program. April-October. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $5 ($6). The Osprey program teaches how wildlife management practices have helped this bird of prey recover. Visit to Osprey nest included. Five-hour program. June. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $5 ($6). The Goose Music program teaches about the biology, management, and conservation of the Canada Goose in Maryland and includes a live dissection. Five-hour program. November-March. Fee: $5 ($6)

Wetland Ecology Study
Plants, Animals & Values (Grades 5 to Adult) This program focuses on the ecology of freshwater wetlands of the Patuxent River. Students learn about water quality, microscopic plants and animals, food chains through hands-on activities and outdoor study. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $3 ($4)

River Ecology Boat Tour (Grades 2 to Adult)
A guided boat tour will give students the opportunity to learn about the river's wetlands, wildlife, and history from the water. Students will learn the identification of common plants and animals, the current research being conducted by the park staff and the management issues needed to protect the ecosystem. April-October. FREE

Volunteer Opportunities

None at this time.

April 22-June 20
Tuesdays, 3-5 pm
Fridays, 12-2 pm
Gardening
All of our gardens need attention in the spring. You may choose a garden of your interest to help plant and maintain. The gardens include: Butterfly Garden, Native Plant Garden, Rain Garden, Heirloom Kitchen Garden and Decorative Gardens. The project will include bed preparation, planting, mulching and weeding.
Ages 6-Adult
Call Stephanie to register at 301-627-6074

Wednesday, May 14 at 8:30 pm
Saturday, June 28 at 8:30 pm
Wednesday, July 23 at 8:30 pm
Wednesday, August 20 at 8:00 pm
Frogwatch: Frog Calling Surveys
The park will participate in the Frogwatch USA program this spring and summer. Frogwatch USA is a US Geological Survey educational program that provides children and adults with an opportunity to learn about the environment while collecting valuable information about their local frogs and toads.
All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
To register, contact Stephanie at 301-627-6074.

Year Round
Trail Restoration
The park has over 8 miles of natural surface trails, which need work periodically. If you would like to "adopt a trail" call the park for details.
Ages 13-Adult

Patuxent River Park Club Opportunities

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. 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, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (the Commission) 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 6,000 acres of parkland that protect the natural resources and preserve the scenic character of the river.

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.

Park Regulations

• Park Hours: Open daily from 8 am until dusk with seasonal adjustments; times are posted.
• All programs require advanced reservation.
• Overnight use is prohibited, except by permit or reservation.
• Ground fires and grills are permitted in designated areas only.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, except by special permit.
• Swimming is prohibited.
• No jumping or diving from piers.
• No fishing or crabbing from boat ramp piers on weekends and holidays.
• No water skiing within posted areas - no pickup or discharge from shore.
• A 6 kph speed limit zone is enforced at Clyde Watson Boating Area.
• Off-road vehicles, ATV's, motorcycles and snow mobiles are prohibited.
• All vehicles must park in designated areas and leave by posted closing time.
• All other M-NCPPC regulations in effect.
• For emergency, call Park Police at 301-459-3232.

Permit Guidelines

• A special use permit is required for all vehicles towing trailers to use the boat ramps.
• All vehicles are required to have a Patuxent River Park "special-use" parking permit.
• Permits are available on an annual or daily basis.
• Annual or daily permits are valid for all Patuxent River Park properties.
• Annual permits must be affixed to driver's side of the front bumper of the vehicle.
• Permits can be purchased at the Visitors Center (Jug Bay Natural Area). Call 301-627-6074.

Boat Ramps

• A special use permit is required for all vehicles towing trailers.
• A park permit is required for all activities.
• 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) with the following limitations:
  1. Access limited to seven (7) at any time.
  2. Access south of the boat ramp only.
  3. PWC's are prohibited along shore in posted area.
• Jackson's Landing: Follow park road past Visitors Center to the bottom of the hill. Parking limitations - 12 vehicles with trailers; 12 additional vehicles.
• Selby's Landing: Follow Croom Airport Road (past park entrance road) to dead end, turn left and follow road to designated area. Parking limitation - 25 vehicles including vehicles with trailers.
• Clyde Watson Boating Area: Follow Croom Road, turn on Magruder's Ferry Road, go 1.2 miles to park entrance on the right. Parking limitations - 15 vehicles with trailers and 25 additional vehicles.