Located in Howard and Montgomery counties, along the upper 12 miles of the Patuxent River, the park is comprised of 6,700 acres of natural areas and farmlands. Recreational use is primarily hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Paths are unmarked. Paths lead from parking areas at Long Corner, Mullinix Mill, Route 94, Hipsley Mill, Howard Chapel and Route 97 road crossings over the river. Hunting is permitted only in designated areas. A portion of the park is a state wildlands area.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Hunters are allowed in the woods 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset during deer season.
Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.
(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.)
Patuxent River State Park offers an accessible hunting area located off Howard Chapel Road that provides for hunting from a vehicle by special permit available from the Wildlife Division of DNR. There are also unmarked hiking and equestrian trails
Pets are allowed in Patuxent River State Park.