Point Lookout State Park sits at the southern tip of St. Mary’s County, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Spread across 1,083 acres of peninsula, this park offers something rare in Maryland — water views in nearly every direction and a landscape shaped by centuries of history.

The park’s location at the confluence of two major waterways makes it a standout destination for fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. Anglers cast from the pier or shoreline for striped bass, bluefish, and croaker, while crabbers work the shallows with chicken necks and dip nets throughout summer. Swimming beaches face the calmer bay side, and a boat launch provides access to deeper waters.

History runs deep here. Point Lookout served as a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War, and the remains of that era are preserved through interpretive trails and a small museum. The park is also known among paranormal enthusiasts as one of Maryland’s most haunted locations — guided ghost tours run seasonally.

Camping options include sites near the water, giving you the chance to fall asleep to lapping waves. Reservations fill quickly during peak season, so book early for summer weekends.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when fishing is productive, the beaches are warm, and the evening light over the bay is worth the drive alone. Spring and fall migrations also bring excellent birding along the shoreline and marshes.

Explore Nearby

• Point Lookout Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Mathias Point Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Colonial Parkway — Scenic Byway in Virginia
• Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area — Public Land in Maryland