Kings Landing Park
Kings Landing Park - 260 acres of hardwood bottom forest, river shoreline and wetlands - sits along the Patuxent River and Cocktown Creek. Once a YMCA camp, the site was converted to a park to preserve its many natural resources. The Marsh Trail to Cocktown Creek is adorned with wildflowers in spring and summer. A 200-foot fishing pier and canoe and kayak launch provide access to the bounty and beauty of the Patuxent, one of the Bay's major western shore tributaries. Don't be surprised if you see a Bald Eagle or a flock of Turkey Vultures soaring overhead.
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Hours
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day :
Open daily, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Labor Day through Memorial Day Weekend :
Open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
Admission is free. Groups are required to make advance reservations, and user fees may apply.
Activities
Nature trails meander through both forest and meadow, and a boardwalk provides a stunning view of the marshes along Cocktown Creek. With the abundance of wildlife and wildflowers, hikers and bird watchers always find their favorite sports. As the home base for the Calvert County's environmental education program, the park is a perfect setting for school groups to integrate the world of nature into classroom curriculum. Ask the Park staff how your school class or group can be a part of the beauty of King's Landing Park.
For scout troops and similar youth groups, Kings Landing Park offers acres of open fields to pitch camp and gather around the campfire. If your group is looking for that perfect spot for your next picnic, Kings Landing has picnic shelters as well as the newly renovated Patuxent Hall for your use.
History
During the summer of 1814, British and American naval forces moved up and down the Patuxent River, passing the land that is now Kings Landing Park. The two fleets frequently engaged each other near here during the War of 1812.
Southern Maryland experienced more raids and skirmishes than any other Chesapeake Bay region.
Its proximity to Washington, DC, its deep natural waters, and its numerous farms and tobacco plantations made it an attractive target for British raiding parties.
In addition to being injured or killed, residents of Southern Maryland lost property and income. The war devastated the region’s economy.
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