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.

Several properties are open for public use including:

• Aquasco Farm
• 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
• Boat Ramps
• Canoe & Kayak Rentals
• Pontoon Boat Tours

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, March 28, 10 am—3 pm
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 #135068

Monday-Friday, April 6-10, 9 am-4:30 pm
Spring Break Camp: Ecology Discover the ecological and historical resources on the Patuxent River in this adventurous day camp. Activities include canoeing, bicycling, geo-caching, nature study, boat tour, high ropes course and more.
Sports and Learning Center (301) 583-2400
Ages 12 to 15
Fee: Resident $160; Non-Resident $190
SMARTlink #137439

Saturday, April 18, 10 am—3 pm
Basket Weaving Learn how to weave a basket using gourds 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 #137993

Saturday, May 9, 8-11 am
Big Bubba’s Fishing Rodeo Looking for a way to connect with your kids? Fishing is a great way to get kids outdoors, learn about nature and just have fun. Let Big Bubba and his friends teach your little anglers how to hook the “big one” at Lake Artemesia. A FREE fishing rod will be given to all registered participants. An adult must accompany children.
Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, Berwyn Heights
Ages 5-10
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink #141107

Saturday, May 23, 10:00 am—3:00 pm
Basket Weaving Learn how to weave a basket using Bark 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 #137994

Saturday, April 4, 9-11 am
Hey! Let's go Fishing
This program, held at an eight-acre, catch-and-release bass pond, is for beginners. Equipment provided. An adult must accompany children.
Governor Bridge Natural Area
Ages 5-10
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink #135056

Saturday, May 2, 9-11 am
Hey! Let's go Fishing
This program, held at an eight-acre, catch-and-release bass pond, is for beginners. Equipment provided. An adult must accompany children.
Governor Bridge Natural Area
Ages 5-10
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
SMARTlink #135057

Saturday, May 2, 1-3 pm
Blue Heron Tour
The blue heron nests in large colonies on the river. Visit an active heron rookery. Note: some rugged climbing involved.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 12-Adult
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #135055

Saturday, May 9, 7-10 am
Wandering Warblers
Avid birders will enjoy this boat tour to observe warblers and other neotropical migrants. May Bird Count will be conducted on this trip.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #135058

April-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.

Saturday & Sunday, March 21-22, 10:00 am-3:00 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 #135060

Saturday & Sunday, April 25-26, 10:00 am-3:00 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 #135061

Sunday, April 26, 9:00 am-12 noon
Kayak Kaper Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #135064

Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17, 10:00 am-3:00 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 #135062

Sunday, May 17, 9:00 am-12 noon
Kayak Kaper Explore the natural beauty and cultural history of the river on a guided kayak trip. Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 18-Adult
Fee: Resident $15; Non-Resident $18
SMARTlink #135065

Sunday, May 23, 6:00-7:00 pm
Sunset Boat Tour Board a pontoon boat for a quiet, sunset cruise on the picturesque Patuxent River. Refreshments will be served.
Visitors Center, Patuxent River Park
Ages 6-Adult
Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident $4
SMARTlink #135066

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/canoe trip. Certified instructor. May-October. Limited to 8 participants for kayaks, 16 participants for canoes. Fee $15 ($18) per boat.

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)

Eyes on Jug Bay (Grade 5 to adult)
This program focuses on the ecology of the freshwater wetlands of the Patuxent River. Students learn about water quality, microscopic plants and animals, and food chains through hands on activities. Five-hour program. Fee: $5 ($6)

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

Saturday, February 28, 10 am-12 noon
Invasive Plant Removal
This project involves pulling invasive plants from the trees and out by the roots. The park will provide gloves, clippers and trash bags for this project.
Ages 13 & up.
Contact Stephanie at 301-627-6074 to register.

Saturday, February 28, 10 am-12 noon
Invasive Plant Removal
This project involves pulling invasive plants from the trees and out by the roots. The park will provide gloves, clippers and trash bags for this project.
Call Stephanie to register at 301-627-6074
Ages 13-Adult

Mandatory Training: Saturday, March 14 at 6:30 pm
Frogwatch
The park will be participating in the 2nd year of the Frogwatch USA program this spring. Frogwatch USA is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums 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. An adult must accompany children. During the Training session you will learn to identify the common frogs and toads of the park by their calls and physical characteristics and the methods of data collection. Then, you may attend one or all of the survey dates listed below.
Ages 6-Adult
Saturdays
March 14 at 6:30 pm
April 18 at 8:00 pm
May 9 at 8:30 pm
June 13 at 8:30 pm
July 11 at 8:30 pm
August 8 at 8:00 pm
Call Stephanie to register 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 & up.

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.

Boat Ramps

• 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.
• 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.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

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

Pontoon Boat Tours