By:
Submission
**The campground will be closed for the 2023 season due to water and sewer replacement.**
This park's peaceful surroundings on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County belie its history as the location of a camp which imprisoned as many as 52,264 Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. A museum on site recounts this vivid history. A park map is available at park headquarters, the camp office, camp store and the Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center. The Point Lookout Lighthouse is currently closed for renovations.
Directions from Baltimore: From Rt. 695 Follow to Rt. 97 south to Rt. 3 south (Rt. 3 will turn into Rt. 301. Follow Rt. 301 south. From Rt. 301 south continue to Rt. 4 south in Upper Marlboro. Follow Rt. 4 south all the way across the Solomons Island Bridge. After the Solomons Island Bridge the first traffic light you come to will be Rt. 235. Turn left onto Rt. 235 south. Follow Rt. 235 south into a town called Ridge (there will be a blinking red light). Turn left onto Rt. 5 south. Follow Rt. 5 south as far as it will go (approximately 7 miles) and you will be in Point Lookout. After the entrance sign, the second road on the right will be the campground. When you arrive in the campground, park at the left and register at the Ranger Station.
Park Alert: To facilitate scheduling significant repairs of critical infrastructure, reservations for the Point Lookout State Park campground are currently suspended for the 2023 and into the 2024 camping seasons. Repairs also require the closure of the Nature Center and Civil War Museum. Dates may change as construction plans are finalized and the work progresses.
Paid $3 to enter the park. The museum and lighthouse were closed. There was a beach area that people were fishing off of and a souvenir shop that rents kayaks and canoes ($10/hr) that was open, though. Got some pics of wildflowers just finishing blooming. I would go again, but just be sure to check the website to see when all the attractions are open and/or plan to fish/get out on the water.
This is my favorite place on Earth to visit. I try to visit at least 1 time every year. It's a great place to learn about history of or nation, the horrible treatment received by the confederate prisoners, and the eco system. It's quiet, and peaceful and you can either enjoy the swimming, the fishing or the trails. So take a few hours and enjoy yourself!
Very peaceful place, with gorgeous views especially at sunset/sunrise. The lighthouse was closed for renovations, so it might be worth checking in advance, if that is your primary objective. Great place for fishing too!
Our neighbor told us about Point Lookout State Park. Two days later, we got there and was blown away by its beauty. It's only $7 per person and $5 if you're a resident of that state. They are dog friendly, but all dogs must be in their leash. They welcome your dog with a little treat and will let you know of the areas dogs are not allowed. They have a pier for fishing, a doggie beach, a regular beach, and a light house. No one is allowed in the light house. They have camp grounds and lots of areas for you to take lots of amazing photographs. Lots of free parking and restroom in ever area. If you are an out door or at one with nature kind of person, then this place is for you. If you are someone who just wants to relax on the beach and watch your fur baby play in the sand or the water, this is also for you. If you're just someone who just loves to fish, this is also a place for you. Campers and hikers, this is definitely a place for you as well. I recommend Point Look Out State Park 1000%.
I would add that they have a perfect area to rent out for events, but they're not doing so at the moment. I think if they get more requests for it, they might consider. I'm just putting it out there. Because that would have been a beautiful place for my daughter's wedding. Just saying.
