
St. Mary's County, Maryland
Point Lookout State Park
State park
The park occupies the southern tip of the peninsula, with bay and river beaches, a fishing pier, a campground and the Point Lookout Lighthouse. A Civil War prison camp once held thousands of Confederate soldiers here.
Why Visit
It is the southernmost point in Maryland, with calm bay swimming on one side, river fishing on the other and dark skies for stargazing.
Amenities & Facilities
- Bay and river beaches
- Fishing pier
- Campground and cabins
- Lighthouse
- Civil War sites
Things to Do
- Swim at the bay beach
- Fish from the pier
- Visit the lighthouse
- Camp under the pines
Best For
Campers, anglers and history-minded visitors to Southern Maryland.
Parking & Visiting
Parking is available in designated lots. Fees, hours and seasonal closures change, so confirm current details with Maryland State Parks or the park's managing agency before visiting.
Nearby Communities
- Scotland
- Leonardtown
- Lexington Park
Related Attractions
- Point Lookout Lighthouse
- St. Mary's City
- Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Point Lookout?
It is the southern tip of St. Mary's County, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
Can you visit the lighthouse?
The lighthouse grounds are accessible, with limited open house hours run by volunteers.
Seasonal Note
Trail conditions, beach staffing, boat rentals and road access change with the season. Confirm current hours and closures with the managing agency before you travel, especially in winter and early spring.

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