St. Mary’s River State Park
Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary's River watershed, St. Mary's River State Park shows a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams.
The park is separated into two areas, Sites 1 and 2. The Site 1 area holds the 250 acre St. Mary's Lake that has become a popular freshwater fishing site. Several species of fish that are commonly caught in the lake include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, bluegill and sunfish. Before casting a line, 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 that are only accessible by boat*. Permits and reservation are required that you can make through their website. The Site 1 area has been improved by a modern comfort station, picnic tables, playground, boat launch ramps and a large, gravel parking lot.
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.
*Please note that electric motors only are allowed on the lake.
Enter Your Location
Related Trip Ideas
Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
Main Park:
- Sunrise to Sunset
*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.)
Fees
Day use service charge:
- $3 per in-state vehicle
- $5 per out-of-state vehicle
Activities
- Boat launch -- electric motor only
- Fishing
- Flat water canoeing/kayaking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain biking trails
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Volunteer opportunities
History
From as far back as 3000 B.C., evidence indicates that Native Americans 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.
Weather
