Patuxent River Park

16000 Croom Airport Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Amenities

Printable Location Map

16000 Croom Airport Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Tel: 301-627-6074

Email: patuxentriverpark@pgparks.com

Hours:
· Park Hours : Open daily 8 am-dusk with seasonal adjustments
· Visitors Center : Open daily 9 am-4 pm

Size: 7800 Acres

A bench sits under a tree on a grass lawn overlooking a large body of water. A brick path leads to a covered seating area with views over the water.

Exterior view of a two-story building with weathered wooden siding and a green peaked roof.

A vivid green marsh under a blue sky. Brown water is visible in the foreground.

An asphalt road leads to a concrete boat ramp next to an L-shaped wooden pier. A small white boat with an outboard motor is tied to the pier. Trees on the far shore are visible across the water.

Close-up view of logs burning in an outdoor metal fire ring. Behind the fire ring is a green and gray camping tent with the door unzipped and open. Behind the tent are woods.

A view across a large body of water with marsh grass along the far shore. Up from the shore, a two-story brick building is visible among the trees.

An entrance arch over a sidewalk next to a white sign that reads PATUXENT RIVER PARK with arrows indicating which direction to boat ramps, campsites, and picnic area.

A guide driving a pontoon boat gestures broadly with one arm while giving a boat tour. Behind him are several rows of passengers in low seats, looking off in the direction he is gesturing. They are all wearing inflatable PFDs around their necks. Outside the boat are green trees above brown water.

Patuxent River Photographed: 2019 By: Cassi Hayden

Amenities

Rentals

Boat Permits

Trail Maps

Events & Programs
Visit
School Programs
Boat Ramps & Launches
Rentals
Resources

Events & Programs

Upcoming Programs

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How To Register

Signature Programs

Visit

School Programs

Patuxent River Park offers a variety of nature and historical interpretive programs and outdoor recreation activities for school children and the public. Our programs align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Some programs are offered year-round while others are seasonal. A reservation is required for all activities.

How To Schedule

Programs for All Grades

Programs for Preschool & Kindergarten

Programs for 6th – 12th Grade

School Resources

Boat Ramps & Launches

Jacksons Landing is closed June-December 2025. Due to construction at Jackson’s Landing, there will be no boat rentals in 2025

Patuxent River Park manages three boat ramps and seven canoe/kayak launch sites along the Patuxent River. View the Patuxent Water Trail map for details. Refer to the 2025 Tide Table Chart to better prepare for your time on the water.

A special use permit is required for all vehicles towing boat trailers.
Permits are available on an annual or daily basis.
2025 permits are now available. Boat trailer permits may be purchased online or in-person at the Visitor Center.
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 are only permitted to launch at Clyde Watson Boating Area.
Rentals are closed for the remainder of 2025 due to construction at Jackson’s Landing. For other canoe/kayak rental opportunities, please visit Bladensburg Waterfront Park or Lake Artemesia (self-service kayak rentals).

Boat Launch Locations

Jackson’s Landing – Closed June-December 2025.
16000 Croom Airport Rd, Upper Marlboro MD 20772
Located at Jug Bay Natural Area. Follow park road past Visitors’ Center to the bottom of the hill. Parking limitation: ten vehicles with trailers; eight additional vehicles. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are not permitted. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 8 am until close (seasonal).

Selby’s Landing
17272 Croom Airport Rd, Upper Marlboro MD 20772
Located at Jug Bay Natural Area. Follow Croom Airport Road (past park entrance road) to a dead end, turn left and follow the road to the designated area. Parking limitation: 25 vehicles with trailers. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are not permitted. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 8 am until close (seasonal).

Clyde Watson Boating Area
17901 Magruder’s Ferry Road, Brandywine, MD 20613
Follow Croom Road about ten miles south of Jug Bay and turn left on Magruder’s Ferry Road. Entrance is on the right. Parking limitation: vehicles with trailers and 25 additional vehicles. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 7 am until close (seasonal).

Personal watercraft (jet skis) are permitted to launch with limitations
1. Access limited to seven (7) at any time
2. Access south of boat ramp only
3. PWC’s prohibited along the shoreline in the posted area

Canoe & Kayak Launches

Jacksons Landing is closed June-December 2025. Due to construction at Jackson’s Landing, there will be no boat rentals in 2025

Patuxent River Park offers seven access points along the river for canoe and kayaking launching. Access and launch type varies. View the Patuxent Water Trail map for details and see site descriptions below:

Cedar Haven Fishing Area
18400 Phyllis Wheatley Boulevard, Eagle Harbor, MD 20608
This site has a soft boat launch and designated parking area. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 8 am until one half hour before sunset.

Clyde Watson Boating Area
17901 Magruder’s Ferry Road, Brandywine, MD 20613
This site has a soft boat launch and designated parking area. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 7 am until close (seasonal).

Governor Bridge Natural Area and Canoe Launch
7600 Governor Bridge Road, Bowie, MD 20716
This site has a soft launch and designated parking area. The river is susceptible to seasonal flooding. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is restricted by gate. Call the park at 301-627-6074 to obtain a free soft launch permit and gate combination.

Jackson’s Landing at Jug Bay Natural Area
16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
This site has a floating launch pad and designated parking area. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 8 am until close (seasonal).

Patuxent Riverkeeper Center in Nottingham
17412 Nottingham Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
This site is leased by the Patuxent River Keeper and has a floating launch pad and designated parking area. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 8 am until one half hour before sunset. There is a launch fee. Call 301-276-7913 for details.

Queen Anne Natural Area and Canoe Launch
18405 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
This site has a floating launch pad and designated parking area. The river is susceptible to seasonal flooding. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is restricted by gate. Call the park at 301-627-6074 to obtain a free soft launch permit and gate combination.

Selby’s Landing at Jug Bay Natural Area
16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
This site has a soft boat launch and designated parking area. Visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access to the launch is available during normal park hours, 8 am until one half hour before sunset.

Rentals

Campsites

Campsites A-D and Canoe Camp

The Jug Bay Natural Area offers primitive tent camping; no RVs or tent trailers. There are four small group sites (A-D) that accommodate up to 15 people each, and one site near the river (Canoe Camp), that can accommodate up to 25 people. These sites are open year-round. Each campsite offers picnic tables, a fire pit with a cooking grate, and a limited amount of firewood. These campsites are located near several hiking trails and within walking distance of the river.

The small group camp area (A-D) features accessible solar-powered indoor composting restroom facilities onsite. Canoe Camp has a portable toilet available. Running water is not available at these campsites. Campers are encouraged to bring their own drinking water.

To reserve one of these sites, please call the park office at 301-627-6074 or send an email to patuxentriverpark@pgparks.com for more information. You can also reserve a campsite and view a PARKS DIRECT map online.

Reservations made within 24 hours of the rental date must be made by phone (301-627-6074) or in person. At the time of reservation, staff will provide guests a combination to gain entrance through the campsite gates. Please close and lock the gate behind you.

MAKE A CAMPING RESERVATION

Patuxent Water Trail Campsites

The Patuxent Water Trail is closed November 1 through March 31

Groups can enjoy our water-access only campsites located at various points along the river and are a part of the Patuxent Water Trail. These sites include #44A Iron Pot Landing, #40A White Oak Landing, # 35A Spice Creek, or #30 Milltown Landing and are available for rent April-October.

Each site includes a portable toilet, picnic table, and a fire ring. These sites do not include running water or firewood. Guests may only access these sites via canoe or kayak. You may bring your own canoe/kayak. Overnight parking is available at several park locations.

Please complete the rental application below or call the park office for reservations at 301-627-6074.

Please note: Completing the application below does NOT guarantee a rental. Staff will contact applicants to collect further information and make payment to complete the reservation.

View and download the Patuxent Water Trail-Mid River Map (PDF) and the 2025 Tide Table Chart to plan your trip.

Make a Water Trail Campsite Reservation

Water Trail Campsite Application Form

Fees

Site	Price per night	Number of campers
Canoe Camp	$25R/ $33NR	Up to 25 People
Selby’s Camp	Closed	Closed
Campsite A	$15R/ $20NR	Up to 15 People
Campsite B	$15R/ $20NR	Up to 15 People
Campsite C	$15R/ $20NR	Up to 15 People
Campsite D	$15R/ $20NR	Up to 15 People
Iron Pot Landing*	$20R/ $26NR	Up to 10 People
White Oak Landing*	$20R/ $26NR	Up to 25 People
Spice Creek Landing*	$20R/ $26NR	Up to 25 People
Milltown Landing*	$20R/ $26NR	Up to 25 People

R: Resident; NR: Non-resident
*Residents are those who reside in Prince George’s or Montgomery County. Proof of residency is required.

Pavilion Rentals

A long, wooden picnic shelter with a peaked roof covering about 20 picnic tables on a paved surface, with two grills nearby. Behind is a wooden two-story barn, grass, and trees. — Patuxent River Park Pavilion with Rustic Barn in the background

The park offers a premier location for group picnics all year. The site includes a large pavilion with electrical outlets, 25 picnic tables, and a two-story barn with tables and benches.

The pavilion area features indoor, accessible restroom facilities. The onsite well house provides drinking water seasonally as well as a locked storage room containing sports equipment and lawn games. The pavilion is located near several park trails and is within walking distance of the river.

Make a Reservation

Pavilion rentals are by reservation only and full payment is due at that time. A $100 security deposit is also required. Permit holders will be issued the gate combination code at the completion of the reservation. To reserve the pavilion for overnight use, a day-use rental for the day of and following day are both required. Reservations can be made for the current year and the following year.

To begin the reservation process, please complete the online application form. For questions and additional information, please call the park office at 301-627-6074. Submitting an application does not guarantee a reservation.

View and download the Patuxent River Park Pavilion & Campsite Area (PDF) map.

Pavilion Rental Application

Patuxent River Park’s pavilion is available for day use and overnight rentals for private groups up to 500 people. Reservations can be made for the current year and following year. Rates varies based off group size. Overnight rentals require the reservation of the pavilion for the day of and next day for each night. For example, a Saturday overnight use would require reserving Saturday day use and Sunday day use. Submitting this application does not guarantee a reservation

Pavilion Rental Application

For additional information please contact PatuxentRiverPark@pgparks.com or call 301-627-6074.

Purpose	Fee	Group size	Timeframe
Day Use	$400 Residents; $520 Non-Residents	Up to 200	10 am-7 pm
Day Use	$600 Residents; $780 Non-Residents	200-500	10 am – 7 pm
Off-Season (Nov-Mar) Use	$100 Residents; $130 Non-Residents		10 am-7 pm
Overnight*	$100 Residents; $130 Non-Residents	Up to 200
Overnight*	$200 Residents; $260 Non-Residents	200-500
Off-Season (Nov-Mar) Overnight*	$50 Residents; $65 Non-Residents

* In order to reserve the pavilion for overnight use, a day-use rental for the day of and following day are both required*
Group size restrictions subject to change
$100 security deposit required
Full payment is due at time of reservation
Residents are those who reside in Prince George’s or Montgomery County. Proof of residency is required.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Resources

Related Locations, Events and Projects

A lovely sunset viewed from the perspective of someone sitting in an aluminum canoe on a calm body of water. The bow of the canoe points toward the pink sun as it sets behind blue-gray clouds. The sunset is reflected in the still water, and trees are visible on the far shore.

Jug Bay Natural Area

Sun streams through light green leaves in a stand of tall, thin trees.

Governor Bridge Natural Area

Exterior view of a two-story, colonial-style brick building with a darker-red brick addition on one side.

Mount Calvert Museum and Historic Site

Clyde Watson Boating Area

The curved shoreline along a large body of water, beneath a cloudless sky. Tufts of grasses grow along the water's edge.

Cedar Haven Natural Area

A body of water, a wooden dock, and the far shore beneath a lovely, pink and gold sunset. The water is perfectly calm and reflects the sunset like a mirror.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Come enjoy Bladensburg Waterfront Park, located on the scenic Anacostia…

Rental Options	Resident	Non-Resident
Jug Bay, Kayak	$25/ Boat	$33/ Boat
Jug Bay, Canoe/ Tandem	$30/ Boat	$39/ Boat
Overnight, Kayak (currently unavailable)	–	–
Overnight, Canoe/ Tandem (currently unavailable)	–	–
Guided River Trip, Kayak	$30/ Boat	$39/ Boat
Guided River Trip, Canoe/ Tandem	$35/ Boat	$46/ Boat

Patuxent River Park

Patuxent River Park

Amenities

16000 Croom Airport Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Tel: 301-627-6074

Email: patuxentriverpark@pgparks.com

Hours: · Park Hours : Open daily 8 am-dusk with seasonal adjustments · Visitors Center : Open daily 9 am-4 pm

Size: 7800 Acres

Amenities

Class List

Rentals

Upcoming Programs

List of events in Photo View

How To Register

Signature Programs

About/Features

Accessibility

Volunteer with us!

Stay in touch

How To Schedule

Programs for All Grades

Programs for Preschool & Kindergarten

Programs for 6th – 12th Grade

School Resources

Boat Ramps & Launches

Canoe & Kayak Launches

Campsites

Pavilion Rentals

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Brochures

Boating Resources

Trail Maps

Patuxent Water Trail

Bird Checklist

Duck Blind Bid Packet

Related Locations, Events and Projects

Jug Bay Natural Area

Governor Bridge Natural Area

Mount Calvert Museum and Historic Site

Clyde Watson Boating Area

Cedar Haven Natural Area

Bladensburg Waterfront Park

16000 Croom Airport Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Hours:
· Park Hours : Open daily 8 am-dusk with seasonal adjustments
· Visitors Center : Open daily 9 am-4 pm