Point Lookout State Park

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.

Hiking and Bicycling

Fort Lincoln
Open year round sunrise to sunset (self-guided). Re-enactments and special events are held at Fort Lincoln throughout the year. Contact the park at 301-872-5688 for more details.

Periwinkle Point Trail
A self-guided nature trail located at the back entrance of the Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center.

Camping

Campground
There are 143 wooded campsites available; 26 of these have full hook-ups, 33 of these have electric. A full hook-up loop (Tulip) remains open year round for self-contained campers (no restrooms available). A total of 6 people (children + adults) are permitted on each campsite (excluding Youth Group Site, and Sites 107 or 128).

Boating

A boat launch facility and fish-cleaning station are available for boaters. Boat launch service charge is $10 for Maryland residents and $12 for non-Maryland residents per launch, valid 24 hours a day year round. Maryland Passport is the only pass accepted for service charge at launch.

Canoe rentals and supplies are also available at the camp store.

Reduced services beginning December between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Launching is permitted 24 hours a day, however, launchers should be aware that there is no lighting in the area.

Fishing

The park features various fishing areas, including the 710 foot Fishing Pier, which is in operation mid-April until the third week in December. A valid Coastal Sport Fishing license and appropriate stamps are required. Active fishing is allowed 24 hours a day.

Night Fishing - Night fishing passes are valid from sunset to 6 a.m. All passes are valid during this time period. Fishermen wishing to stay past sunset will be required to pay an additional night-use service charge of $3 per vehicle for Maryland residents; $5 per vehicle for non-Maryland residents. All members of your party must have a valid fishing license and be actively fishing to remain in the park after sunset.

Causeway - All service charges will also apply to the Causeway area. Those wishing to stay on the Causeway will be obligated to pay both the day use and night fishing pass service charges. To remain on the Causeway after sunset you will be required to have a night fishing pass displayed.

Hunting

Archery-only hunting for deer permitted during the early muzzleloader season in 240 acre Jacobs tract designated hunting area with daily sign-in required.
Waterfowl hunting at designated blind sites
A valid hunting license and appropriate stamps are required
Hunters may enter/remain on park property outside of the regular posted hours provided that they are engaged in legitimate, authorized hunting activity.