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State
and County Parks
Charles
County invites visitors to explore the many state and county parks located
within its boundries. The parks offer such amenities as tennis courts,
athletic fields, hiking trails, a golf course, fishing and boating facilities,
picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Unless otherwise noted,
contact Charles County Government, Department
of Public Facilities, 301-932-3470.
Cedarville
State Park,
Brandywine,
301-888-1410
LOCATION: Cedarville Road
off US Route 301, just before Waldorf at 10201 Bee Oak Road
Located in Prince George's and Charles Counties, Cedarville State Forest
offers visitors 3,697 acres of woodland with freshwater fishing and
hiking. A visitors' center at the state's only warm-water fish hatchery
is open during the summer.
Chapel
Point State Park,
Port Tobacco,
301-743-7613
LOCATION: Chapel Point
Road off Route 6 in Port Tobacco
Located on the historic Port Tobacco River, a tributary of the Potomac
River, this scenic setting has a ramp for car toppers, canoes and kayaks.
Hunting is permitted in the 600 acre state park. The area provides suitable
habitat for quail, squirrels, doves, rabbits, white-tailed deer, wild
turkey and waterfowl.
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Chicamuxen
Watchable Wildlife Center,
Marbury,
301-743-4705
LOCATION: Stump Neck Road
off Route 224 south of Mason Springs
A visit to the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Watchable Wildlife Center
is a trip specially designed to soothe the soul. The 30-acre facility
is tucked away on a peninsula surrounded by the Potomac River and Chicamuxen
and Mattawoman Creeks, and contains about 20 acres of wetlands.
Doncaster
Forest,
Nanjemoy
LOCATION: Route 6, 13
miles west of La Plata
This site offers 1,445 acres of hiking or horseback riding. It is a
perfect location for a picnic get-away.
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Friendship
Farm Park and Boat Launch,
Nanjemoy
LOCATION:
Route 6 West, left on Route 425, left on Friendship Landing Road
For the canoeist, kayaker, or small boater, this creek offers miles
of scenic marshes that abound with wildlife. The winding creek, with
many banks, offers protection from strong winds and is home to many
nesting sites for Bald Eagles. The county-owned boat ramp on Nanjemoy
Creek offers easy access to the Potomac River. Fishing from the pier
and shoreline is permitted without a license. Open year round from dawn
to dusk.
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Gilbert Run Park, La Plata, 301-932-1083
LOCATION: Route 6, 7 miles east of La Plata ADMISSION: $4 parking fee
Within this scenic 180-acre wooded parkland are hiking and nature trails, picnic areas (grills and tables), picnic pavilions, playground areas, and fishing piers. The main attraction is a 60-acre fresh water lake. Row and paddle boats, canoes, and aqua bikes are available for rent. Open March-November.
Laurel Springs Regional Park, La Plata
LOCATION: Radio Station Road
A tot lot and playground, jogging trail, two small picnic pavilions, 16 athletic fields, and several informal areas with picnic tables make this a great getaway for an afternoon with the kids. Open 9AM until dusk.
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Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area, 301-743-5161
LOCATION: Route 225, 7 miles west of La Plata
834 acres for fishing, hiking, hunting and gun range. Includes a 23 acre lake and three greentree reservoirs for fishing. Considered a prime location for birdwatching and nature photography.
Oak Ridge Park, Hughesville
LOCATION: Oaks Road
The park offers equestrian trails and show rings on a first-come, first-serve basis, unless there are special events scheduled. A playground and picnic pavilion area are included at this facility.
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Purse State Park, Nanjemoy, 301-743-7613
LOCATION: Off Route 224 near Liverpool Point Road
A 90-acre reserve that remains virtually unimproved, Purse is the perfect site for fossil hunters. The park lies in a remote area which includes gently rolling hills, wooded countryside, marshlands and pools surrounded by moss-covered rock walls and stunted trees
Ruth B. Swann Memorial Park, Bryans Road
LOCATION: Off of Route 210
This park borders the historic Pomonkey Creek and the Potomac River. Hikers can take advantage of the one-mile foot trial that passes through mature woodland on its way to the shoreline. A birdwatcher's haven, the facilities also include picnic areas and large open areas for soccer and baseball.
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Smallwood State Park, Marbury, 301-743–7613
LOCATION: Route 224
This park offers 630-acres of recreational area and includes the restored home of Revolutionary War hero General William Smallwood (open to visitors on weekends and holidays). Sweden Point Marina has boat launching facilities. The Mattawoman Natural Area is a great place for hiking and picnicking. The Mattawoman Creek Art Center is adjacent to the park and offers a variety of exhibitions to celebrate the visual arts.
Southern Park, Issue
LOCATION: Off of Route 257
Enjoy a scenic view of the Potomac River from the playground picnic areas, ball fields, tennis courts, and fishing pier. Open dawn to dusk.
 Thomas Stone National Historic Site, Port Tobacco, 301.392.1776
LOCATION: 6655 Rose Hill Road
This National Park Service site offers self-guided hiking and birding trails.
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White Plains Regional Park, 301-645-1300
LOCATION: Intersection of DeMarr Road and St. Charles Parkway
Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, Bermuda fairways, a 15,000 square foot concrete-based skate park, lighted tennis courts, tot lot and playground, and several small picnic pavilions. Open 8AM (9AM in winter months) until dusk.
Biking . Birding . Canoeing/Kayaking . Fishing/Boating . Fossil Hunting . Golfing . Hunting . Parks & Recreation
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