Smallwood State Park

Park Status Information

​​​​​Boat Ramp Notice:​ The Smallwood State Park boat ramps will be closed for Triathlons on April 25, 2026 and June 14, 2026​. Boat traffic entering the park that day will be turned around at the park entrance and directed to other nearby boat ramps. If you have any questions prior to the date of the closure, please call the Smallwood State Park office at the contact phone number below.

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Highlights

​​​​​​​​​​​Marina at Smallwood State Park

Park Rese​rvations
1-888-432-2267 (Toll Free)
En español

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Smallwood State Park

​Smallwood State Park​
2750 Sweden Point Road
Marbury, MD 20658​​​

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​​Bridge overlook

​​Information: ​301-743-7613​ (Office)
E-mail Smallwood State Park
Hours: ​5 a.m. to sunset, April to October
7 a.m. to sunset, November to March


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Welcome to Smallwood State Park!

 

Smallwood State Park, named after General William Smallwood, a native of Charles County and the highest-ranked Marylander in the American Revolutionary War, is a 628-acre park offering a variety of outdoor activities. The park features a marina, boat ramps, picnic areas, camping sites, pavilions, playgrounds, and nature trails, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore Smallwood’s Retreat, the historic house of General Smallwood, which has been restored and is open seasonally. The park hosts occasional craft demonstrations, military exhibitions, and other special events. With its mix of history, recreation, and natural beauty, Smallwood State Park is a great destination for both relaxation and learning.

Points of Interest

  • Smallwood is within 40 minutes of Washington, D.C. via the Route 210 corridor.
  • Historical points of interest nearby include Thomas Stone National Historic Site, Fort Washington National Historic Site, Dr. Samuel Mudd House, Historic St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Port Tobacco Court House, and One-Room School House.
  • There are several scenic flat water canoe routes in Southern Charles County -- contact the Southern Region Nature Tourism Coordinator at 301-743-5928 for additional information.
  • Smallwood State Park is the starting point for a 26.5-mile bike tour of Southern Charles County. The entire tour is featured in Anne H. Oman's book, 25 Bicycle Tours in Maryland -- General Smallwood Country Tour.

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Details about the Park


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The Osprey Cam at Smallwood

Welcome to the Osprey Cam at Smallwood State Park in Marbury, Maryland! Thanks to the Southern Maryland Audubon Society, we’re excited to share a live feed of an Osprey nest here. Ospreys are most active on the nest from mid-March to early July, though other birds, like Bald Eagles, may visit at times.

Please note, this is a wild nest, and while we hope for a successful nesting season, we do not interfere with their natural cycle, which can include encounters with predators or natural events. Each year, park staff work with a licensed bird bander to monitor the chicks and place a federal ID band on their legs. These bands help track the Ospreys’ travels. For example, a female Osprey with the band Z07 was tracked back to her birthplace in Northern Ohio. We hope to continue this important monitoring for future ​generations of Ospreys!


Have you spotted an osprey bringing a tasty fish back to the nest? Help us catalog their catches below​!
I Spy with the Osprey!

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Amped to Camp!

Smallwood State Park’s campground offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, perfect for both seasoned campers and first-timers. The campground features 18 campsites for tents or RVs, and six cozy cabins. Campers have access to a bathhouse with hot showers, a dump station, and 50-amp electric and potable water hook-ups at each site. Located near the scenic Mattawoman Creek, the campground is just steps away from hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing.

Ready to Pack?
Get all the Deets Here!


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Bass Tournaments

Smallwood State Park is a popular destination for bass fishing and tournament events on the Potomac River. With direct access to Mattawoman Creek, the park regularly hosts local and regional tournaments throughout the season. Our 6 boat ramps, ample trailer parking, and convenient General’s Store make us a favorite launch site for anglers of all levels. All tournaments must be registered with both the Smallwood State Park office and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries. For tournament availability, tournament rules, weigh station guidelines, or to book a tournament, please contact the park office at 301-743-7613 or [email protected].


Other Parks to Visit Nearby