 St. Mary's River State Park |
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St. Mary's River State Park |
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Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, the park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. With such a diversity, you can also find many different types of plant and animal species. Check out a map of the area.St. Mary's River State Park is separated into two areas, Sites 1 and 2. The Site 1 area holds the 250 acre St. Mary's Lake. Located along Maryland Route 5, between Leonardtown and Great Mills, at the end of Camp Cosoma Road, the area has become a popular freshwater fishing spot. Several species of fish are common to the lake including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, bluegill and sunfish. The lake has been designated a trophy bass lake and as such, special fishing regulations may be in effect. Fishermen should check bulletin boards or contact park personnel for details.
A 7.5 mile trail circles the lake, allowing the area to be fished from shore or by boat. The trail is regularly used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There is waterfowl hunting at designated sites only (access by boat - no gas motors). Permit (free) and reservation are required. You can make reservations by calling 301-743-5161 between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. The Site 1 area has been improved by a modern comfort station, picnic tables, playground, boat launch ramps and a large, gravel parking lot. Picnicking is permitted but tables are limited.
Site 2 covers approximately 2,200 acres and is primarily undeveloped. It is a wildlands area and a managed hunting area. Small game such as rabbit and squirrel, as well as white-tailed deer are found here. Hunting with a firearm is permitted. You may hunt with bow and arrow during the regular archery season for deer. For specific regulations and seasons, check the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland. Parking is permitted in designated areas only.
The day use service charge is $3/vehicle year-round. Out-of-state residents add $1.
History:
From as far back as 3000 B.C., evidence indicates that Indians lived in the Southern Maryland area. Several different tribes occupied the area at different times, some of which include the Piscataway-Conoy, Algonquins, and the war-like Susquehannocks. Many of the names they used for their villages and rivers are still used today. Items left by these people such as arrowheads, axe heads and pottery can still be found in the fields along the stream banks of the St. Mary's River.Features:
Boat launch, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking, horseback, and mountain biking trails hunting, picnicking, boating--electric motor only.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer opportunities abound at St. Mary's River State Park. Volunteers can help with special projects, site maintenance, and trail maintenance. Trail maintenance projects require individuals who are skilled, and comfortable working independently. Staff led large trail projects welcome the unskilled volunteer. For more information on becoming a volunteer at St. Mary's River, call Point Lookout State Park at 301-872-5389 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.Self-Guided Recreational Activities:
St. Mary's River State Park offers an accessible bathroom, and seasonal boat launching facility. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
Directions: Three miles north of Great Mills, 24 miles north of Point Lookout State Park, off MD Route 5 on Camp Cosoma Road
St. Marys River State Park
c/o
Point Lookout State Park
11175 Point Lookout Road
Scotland, MD 20687
(301) 872-5688
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Last Updated on November 1, 2007
