Patuxent River Park

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.

Patuxent Water Trail Campsites

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

Fees

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

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

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

• * 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.

Patuxent River Park offers weekend (Saturday-Sunday) and holiday (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day) canoe and kayak rentals April through October at Jug Bay Natural Area. Rentals begin at 9:00 am and all boats must be returned by 3:00 pm. Most kayaks are sit-on-top kayaks. Renters should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Online reservations cannot be made within 24 hours of the rental date. Walk-up rentals are available if boats are available. Renters must check in at the Visitors Center upon arrival.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Rental Requirements & Details

• You must be at least 18 years of age to reserve a canoe or kayak
• Persons 17 and under must have an adult (18 or older) on the water with them at all times
• Kayakers must be 12 or older
• A Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) is provided to all boaters and must be worn at all times while on the water
• Renters are encouraged to create a float plan (PDF) and share with an emergency contact who is not a part of the trip.
• Additional fees will apply to the following: late returns, lost and/or damaged equipment, or rental agreement violations

The Patuxent Water Trail offers paddlers access to much of the river to camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries, and wildlife areas. Upriver paddle access begins at Governor Bridge Natural Area (#58).