Point Lookout State Park
🏖️ Trusted Guide to Maryland’s Southern Tip – Updated 2025
Where the Chesapeake Meets the Potomac
At the southernmost tip of Maryland’s Western Shore, Point Lookout State Park occupies a dramatic peninsula where the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River converge in a vast sweep of water. This 1,083-acre park in St. Mary’s County weaves together sandy beaches, extensive marshlands, a haunting Civil War history, and some of Maryland’s finest fishing — all beneath the watchful gaze of the historic Point Lookout Lighthouse, built in 1830. Few parks anywhere combine coastal recreation with such powerful historical resonance.
A Civil War Story That Demands Remembrance
Point Lookout’s most sobering chapter unfolded during the Civil War when the U.S. government established Camp Hoffman, a massive prisoner-of-war camp that held over 52,000 Confederate soldiers between 1863 and 1865. Crowded conditions on this exposed, wind-swept point led to nearly 4,000 prisoner deaths — more than at the infamous Andersonville prison during the same period. Before serving as a prison, the site functioned as a hospital for wounded Union soldiers transported from Virginia battlefields.
The park’s Civil War Museum (sharing space with the Marshland Nature Center) documents this history through artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts. A Confederate memorial and cemetery mark the scale of suffering that occurred here. Guided tours and ranger programs bring the era to life during the warmer months.
Beach, Fishing & Water Recreation
Swimming Beach
Point Lookout’s swimming beach stretches along the Chesapeake Bay shore with calm, warm waters ideal for families. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the beach area includes grills, picnic tables, a playground, outdoor showers, and restrooms. The gentle slope and protected waters make it one of Southern Maryland’s best family swimming destinations.
Fishing Paradise
The convergence of Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River creates one of Maryland’s premier fishing destinations. A 710-foot fishing pier extends into the bay, providing access to deeper water without a boat. Designated surf fishing areas along the shoreline offer additional opportunities. Rockfish (striped bass) are the star catch during spring and fall migrations, with croaker, spot, bluefish, and flounder rounding out the seasonal offerings. A valid Maryland fishing license with appropriate stamps is required.
Boating & Paddling
The park’s boat ramp provides access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Lake Conoy, a tidal pond perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The surrounding marshlands offer peaceful paddling through habitat rich with herons, osprey, and bald eagles. Point Lookout’s protected waters on the Potomac side are particularly good for beginner paddlers.
Camping Along the Chesapeake
Point Lookout offers 143 wooded campsites ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with electric and water connections. The campground is sheltered by mature trees and close enough to the water to catch bay breezes that help with summer humidity. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder.
Historic Point Lookout Lighthouse
The Point Lookout Lighthouse, built in 1830, is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay. After extensive renovations, the lighthouse reopened for seasonal public tours in spring 2025. The lighthouse has long been reputed as one of Maryland’s most haunted locations — Civil War-era manifestations have been reported by visitors and staff for decades, making it a fascinating stop whether you believe in the supernatural or simply love maritime history.
Nature & Wildlife
Beyond the beach and history, Point Lookout protects significant wetland and marshland habitats. The Marshland Nature Trail loops through tidal wetlands teeming with birdlife — Point Lookout sits along the Atlantic Flyway, making it an excellent birding destination during spring and fall migrations. Watch for osprey nesting platforms, great blue herons stalking the shallows, and bald eagles soaring overhead. The park’s diverse habitats support white-tailed deer, red fox, river otters, and seasonal populations of diamondback terrapins.
Getting Here & Practical Tips
- From Baltimore (90 miles): Take I-97 South to US-301 South, then MD-5 South to its terminus at the park
- From Washington D.C. (75 miles): Take MD-5 South through St. Mary’s County to the park entrance
- Day-use fees: $5/vehicle (in-state), $7/vehicle (out-of-state) — honor system during off-season
- Bring insect repellent — the marshlands produce serious mosquito populations in summer
- Sunset views over the Potomac from the lighthouse area are spectacular — arrive 30 minutes early for the best position
- Pack a cooler and fishing gear together — the pier area has bench seating perfect for combining both activities
