**The campground will be closed for the 2023 season due to water and sewer replacement.**

This park's peaceful surroundings on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County belie its history as the location of a camp which imprisoned as many as 52,264 Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. A museum on site recounts this vivid history. A park map is available at park headquarters, the camp office, camp store and the Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature Center. The Point Lookout Lighthouse is currently closed for renovations.

Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed

We rescheduled to this weekend after our original reservation weekend was flooded out 2 weeks ago. They never notified us but our camping buddies got there earlier than us and called us. I thought the park could’ve emailed about being closed for flooding before people showed up. This weekend was Halloween weekend. It was quiet with a couple activities planned. We only had 2 trick or treaters. Our site 119 in Hoffman loop was long and very private. Most of the sites on the outside of the loop were private and long driveways. Inside the loop were more open. Our original loop was Greens Loop but that didn’t have availability this weekend. Those sites were out in the open but most were waterfront. Site 99 was gorgeous. Site 97 was long and narrow but there was a Fifth wheel with 2 slides in it. Tulip loop had FHU and no bathhouse. Another loop we walked was closed for the season. Nearby is the Pt. Lookout lighthouse and a Civil war museum, as well as Fort Lincoln. There were piers to fish and crab from in Green and Hoffman loops as well as a huge pier just a short drive or bike ride away. No hammocks are allowed which we found odd. Pets are allowed in many loops. Overall, a nice campground with very nice rangers. Also a small camp store and firewood for sale. No Wi-fi. Sprint service was no good anywhere near this campground. We were an hour away before getting any kind of cell service. 

Relaxing and quiet for Halloween

This is a very popular fishing area. If you look on the map the park is located at the very tip of a peninsula. Unfortunately the word is out and the fishing area does get crowded during fishing season. There is also a crabbing pier and sandy beach. The camping area is located to the right side as soon as you pass the entrance to park. The sites are ok to excellent depending which site you choose. 

Do not pick a spot near the marsh, this park also has lots of horseflies.  The sandy beach they have is nice, its still part of the bay so the waters tend to be very calm. 

If you are going to fish make sure you have a md fishing lic. and follow state rules in regards to size of fish and quantity you can catch. The park police are very very diligent!! They will ask you for fishing lic and go through your ice box!!!! I have had friends getting huge fines for catching fish that was 1/4 inch smaller then what was allowed. Be warned!!! 

FYI this is a MD state run park so no alcohol allowed on site. 

Point Lookout State Park.

Site was very level, with a nice long driveway. Right on the water, with beautiful views. Surrounded by tall marsh grass and a few pine trees, so it felt very private. Close proximity to the bathhouse. Seems like most other sites on the outside of the loop were similar (grassy setting backing to water or trees), while the sites inside of the loop were in an open, marshy field. All sites included a picnic table and fire ring with grill grate. Campground in general was very well-maintained, and saw the hosts mowing different grassy areas several times throughout our stay. Only negative was the amount of pollen that coated every surface within minutes (although I know this is a seasonal concern pretty much everywhere). We had to wipe down every single item multiple times. Bath house was very clean and well-maintained. Looks like host cleaned it several times a day. Only two shower stalls, but they were nice and roomy with fairly hot water. There was also a dishwashing nook in the bath house with nice double-sink, which is always a bonus. This park offers tons of activities and amenities, such as a huge fishing pier, camp store, canoe/kayak rental, lighthouse, historical sites, swimming beach, etc. Most of those were still closed for the season, which was fine. Still beautiful to look at, and we didn’t have to fight the summer crowds. The park used to be a prison for Confederate soldiers, so lots of cool exhibits and memorials for history buffs. Again, the setting was very beautiful, but the bugs were _killer_. Luckily, there was a nice strong breeze blowing off the water during the vast majority of our stay. However, the second it stopped, the bugs descended on us. Mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies, you name it. If they were this bad in April, I can only imagine how awful they would be in the middle of summer. Overall, we really enjoyed this park, and the being on the water was a nice change of scenery from our normal mountainy/wooded campsites. I would highly recommend to boating and fishing enthusiasts and/or history buffs. However, the bugs alone would keep me from returning, at least during peak season.

Beautiful location; great campsites; awful bugs

From Civil War prison camp to one of Maryland’s most diverse and popular natural areas, Point Lookout State Park is located at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. We chose Point Lookout State Park to spend Memorial Day Weekend, and were thrilled with everything but the weather, which flip-flopped from stormy to super hot and muggy.

## Point Lookout State Park Campground Review

This is just one of those parks where there are a million things to do. We were last minute campers on Memorial Day Weekend, so we didn’t have many sites to choose from. We also brought a dog with us, and while the park is mostly dog-friendly, there are definitely some restrictions. Dogs are not allowed in Loop C or D of the campground, and are prohibited from some of the beaches and day areas as well. While we didn’t score a waterfront site, or even one with a view of the water, we did get a nice shady site with lots of privacy (in the Tulip Loop).

All of the sites are plenty big, and the loop we were in came with water and electric hook-ups. We were originally hoping for something in the B Loop, but we ended up being really happy in our spot because while the B Loop was beautiful with waterfront campsites, the bugs were awful and there was no shade anywhere. I think it would make for pretty miserable camping, at least in the summer.

As for activities, fishing is probably the biggest draw here. There are piers for fishing, separate piers for crabbing, and a fishing beach. There is also a full-service boat launch with a fish-cleaning station and a park store with provisions, including bait.

The swimming beach was busy, but the water was clean with a sandy bottom. There is a separate beach for dogs. Other attractions include the original Point Lookout Lighthouse, which was built in 1830 (currently closed for renovations), a Civil War and nature museum, kayak and canoe rentals, and a nature trail.

**What We Loved:**

*   Clean restrooms
*   Spacious, private sites
*   Nice, sandy beach
*   Designated dog beach

**What We Didn’t Love:**

*   So many horseflies in the B Loop, on the nature trail, and near the shore
*   Not a lot of hiking opportunities
*   Plenty of poison ivy
*   The lighthouse was closed

## Ethnotek Premji Pack Review

As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I am occasionally offered products to test and review while camping. On this trip, I tested the [Ethnotek Premji Travel Daypack](https://ethnotek.com/products/travel-daypack-premji?variant=39073071630), which I used at this campground, and on a 2,000-mile road trip exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park.

**First, a bit of background info about the Premji Daypack:**

This is a 20-liter pack. It is roomy enough for all your day-hiking essentials, including extra layers, lunch, water bottles, and your 10 essentials. When I ordered my pack, I was able to choose the outer fabric from a collection of 14 different fabrics from around the world. The ethically sourced fabrics are handmade in villages across five countries (Ghana, Guatemala, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia). I fell in love with almost all of the designs, but settled on a blue and white pattern created using a batik dyeing method in Indonesia.

The pack features a very roomy main compartment, is lightly padded, and opens from the top or the side for easy access. There is a separate partition for a small laptop in the main compartment, but if you’re looking for a designated laptop bag, I would definitely go with the [Setia Laptop Backpack](https://ethnotek.com/products/waterproof-laptop-backpack-setia?variant=37014962638), which is a bit slimmer and more padded.

There are a bunch of things to love about the Premji Daypack, and I only have two small complaints. Let’s start with the awesome:

*   In addition to the main compartment, there are two strategically placed pockets. First, a large, flat pocket on the front of the bag. This is where I keep my trail maps and my journal. There is also a smaller compartment on top, which is perfect for a phone and wallet. Both pockets are easy to get to quickly. I love that this bag isn’t full of pockets and partitions that I’ll never use.
*   There are side straps on both sides of this bag so you can carry a beach towel, yoga mat, etc. I used it to carry my tripod, which was so awesome! Where the side straps cross the front of the bag, they form two loops, which are great for attaching a carabiner to. This is how I carried my sandals when hiking.
*   The molded high-density foam back panel and the contoured shoulder strap make this pack extremely comfortable. I maxed out at 7 miles while wearing it, but I’m sure I could wear it all day without a problem.
*   The main fabric of the bag is 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. The interior fabric is ripstop nylon and very easy to clean. Both fabrics are water resistant, and you can buy an optional rain cover if you want it to be totally waterproof.

**My minor complaints:**

*   There is a handle on top of the bag for carrying and/or hanging. While I love this in theory, you can’t hang the bag from a hook and keep it open for easy access. I would rather see a handle on the back of the bag above the straps so there isn’t so much pressure on the main zipper. This would allow you to hang the bag open or closed.
*   The side zipper to the main compartment is supposed to make it easy to access things at the bottom of the bag without pulling everything out, but the zipper opens from top to bottom, and a few times while hiking, it worked its way open a bit. This wasn’t actually a big deal because I had my rain jacket in the bottom, but if I had smaller items, I would worry that they would fall out while hiking.

All in all, I’m thrilled to have discovered Ethnotek. The bags are beautifully and sustainably made, the price is reasonable, and there are so many cool designs to choose from. A great product from a great company!

Ranger Review: Ethnotek Premji Pack at Point Lookout State Park

State campground where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. Our site was wooded and relatively private, with fire ring and picnic table. Area is flat for easy biking and walking and there is a nature center. Most importantly was the beach along the river and bay which was a great place to chill. Large picnic areas and pavilions, nice bathrooms and showers.

Within 5 minutes there is groceries/Redbox/Dollar General and get an **excellent** Italian sub from Ridge Market. Historic St. Mary's city nearby.

Chesapeake camping

The campground is enormous, so bring your bike! You can choose a spot on the marsh and over the water and there’s you will see your neighbors, but we choose to stay tucked into the back where there are full hookups. There, each site is surrounded by tall reeds and you have near total privacy. The spots are enormous. A quick drive to the other end of the park and there is a beach area for swimming (go early: it gets full in peak season with day use partiers, but it’s still wonderful) and a Civil War fort. Inside the campground is a great nature center which rents kayaks and canoes, and offers programs for the kids.

Surrounded by Bay Nature 

This is the campground I grew up on. We've been camping at this place since I was a child. Now I take my own children here. Its the place we frequent the most. It is chalk full of historical significance as the grounds used to host a prisoner of war camp for the Union during the Civil War. The land was initially used as a resort then made into a hospital followed by a prison due to its ideal location. It is at the tip of Southern Maryland. The location of the campground is ISOLATED. The sites offer moderate space and vegetation between the pads to allow for privacy. The facilities are well maintained. There are playgrounds throughout as well as access to docks and the bay to fish and crab from. Their is a musuem and camp store where they rent canoes. They also offer cabins, which I haven't ever used. This is by far my favorite campground, but it is probably because I am sentimentally attached.

Civil War Camping

Interesting location with lots of early American history nearby.

Lighthouse and History

This is one of the most picturesque state parks in Maryland. One big problem, though, was that the site we had was all swamp. We had to pitch our tent in the driveway, so we couldn’t stake it down. The light house and area has some neat history though. 

Gorgeous but some sites are swamps 

Sites along the Tulip Loop are full hookup with 30 &amp; 50Amp.  The sites are large and naturally isolated by a thick wall of reeds.  This creates a pleasant environment where you’re not trading air with your neighbors.

This is the southern most point on Maryland’s western shore, where the Chesapeake and Potomac converge.  Bring a fan and some bug spray and you’ll be just fine.

We stayed in site 73 with a 29’ travel trailer and had ample room for our truck.  I suspect we had one of the larger sites available.  

Full Hookup State Park 

Lots of fun, water everywhere. Nice beach, and nature center, with historical information about the civil war.

Nice weekend getaway.

Beautiful campground. We were in Tulip loop with full hookups. Very private large sites. Wooded with tall pines. The stars were amazing! Could see the Milky Way and every star in the sky no light pollution. Nice beaches and pet beach for our dogs. 




Beautiful campground 

This park has a sad history and is probably haunted, but it’s got ocean bay views, fishing, and historical recreations to visit. The campground is really nice, with water and sewer connections on the tulip loop. We used the web site to reserve our site ahead of time, and got a really sweet spot! There are a few mosquitoes, so don’t forget your spray. COVID-19 precautions have closed everything indoors, like the little museum, nature center, play ground and camp store.


Something for everyone 

This was our first trip in our first TT (33ft), we’re complete rookies! We had site 68 which had plenty of space for the TT, truck and car to park. The sites have plenty of separation and the park was very quiet. We talked to several fellow campers and all were very welcoming and helpful. We will definitely be making another trip there next year for a quick weekend getaway. 

Great campground 

Never been camping before- drove in, stayed in Hoffman’s loop. Easy walk to the bathrooms and camp store, 20-ish minute walk to the beach- beach was a huge plus for us. Not too crowded! Bathrooms were also very clean. 

Great first camp!

Very hot for an early spring trip. Not much shade in the sites here. The trail isn’t shaded either. Store &amp; museum still closed, because of covid I guess.  Staff very nice. Camp hosts are pretty much nonexistent as compared to other MD State Parks. I think we’re in a swamp. I assume mosquitos get very nasty here pretty soon! There’s standing water surrounding my site. Full hookups rock!

Hot Spring Trip

We took our 1st trip to Point Lookout the 1st week of June, glad we did. Tulip Loop has full hookups which was great, but the sites are basically in a swamp. I think we were there before the mosquitos. I'm sure with all the standing water they'd be everywhere!! We didn't have much cover from trees, so we were in the sun most of the time. The trail wasn't under any tree cover either so be prepared to bake in the sun in you walk it. The museum was till closed because of covid, I guess. No internet access at the campsite, but could get it if you were a few feet away from the Loop. It's a complete dead spot for Verizon anyway. Not good if you're working while camping. The sites were very large, lots of room, but standing water was just a few feet from the border logs. It rained the day we arrived. There wasn't a lot of rocks down, so we had mud all weekend, it never dried up. You can see the mud in the picture.

Tulip Loop, full hookups!

Our first camp out with our new slightly used RV was a success.  We went to Point Lookout MD.  Great place.  Highly recommend it.  Lots to do and see.   Very historic place, from St. Mary's city, a colonial settlement, to Point Lookout with it's civil war history.  It is remote...1/2 hour back to town, but it is a jewel of a place.  It would be a good place to take the family for fun in the sun, or leisure getaway for a couple.  The sites were a 10.  The beaches are sweet.  There is a historic light house, an old fort, hiking trails through the marsh, kayaking, canoeing, and dogs are very welcome.

Loved this simple historic place

The campground is a marshy area with not a lot of tree coverage so during the summertime it is HOT. I would try to avoid the summer months so you can really enjoy what the campground has to offer. With very little tree coverage the view of the sky on a clear night is unbelievable. One of the best spots for star gazing. There's a civil war museum and nature center nearby. While at the nature center/museum take their small walking trail around or rent a canoe and try out three of their water trails (Or bring your own canoe or kayak). If you're interested in fishing, there are a few piers and a boat launch. Our campsite was right across from a pier in Loop A. If you do decide to go during the summer the parking lot at the swimming beach quickly fills up so get there as early as you can. As of May 2022 Point Lookout Lighthouse is closed inside but is anticipated to open late 2022.

\*Playground in Loop A diagonal from our site.