Smallwood State Park

Star4.37
68 reviews
Smallwood State Park
Fishing

Quick Facts

89 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Maryland DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Smallwood State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Reviewer-reported day-use fee of $3 per person (other official fees not provided in source). Firewood available for purchase (reviewer note).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 68 reviews

466 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterstafffriendly

"Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the park's serene waterfront setting, boating/fishing access, historic site, roomy campsites, renovated bathhouse and friendly staff. Common positive notes include convenient proximity to D.C., a good boat launch/marina, playgrounds and cabin accommodations with AC."

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Campground Map

Smallwood State Park

Smallwood State Park

38.5514, -77.1852

Nearby places
Washington, D.C.: reviewer-reported driving time approximately 60–90 minutes
Nearby supplies
On-site General's store for basic items and cold drinks
reviewers note additional restaurants/supplies about 15 minutes away

Best Time to Camp at Smallwood State Park

Summer campers will appreciate the natural air conditioning provided by the park's mature tree canopy, which keeps campsites comfortably shaded even during the warmest months. The wooded setting creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere that makes for pleasant camping throughout the season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Shady canopy keeps campsites comfortable; boating and fishing are in full swing in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant fall conditions and foliage in wooded campsites; fewer explicit reviewer notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely good for wildlife, boardwalk views and early boating; reviewers note natural beauty in warm months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Park remains open but winter offers limited boating/fishing and fewer amenities; quieter but colder.

Planning Tips

    About Smallwood State Park

    Nestled where Mattawoman Creek meets the Potomac River, Smallwood State Park offers a peaceful riverside retreat that combines natural beauty with historical charm. Campers love the shady, wooded campsites and well-maintained grounds, complete with modern amenities like a marina, cabin rentals, and a convenient General's store—all set against the backdrop of historic grounds once home to a Revolutionary War general.
    The park supports a mix of overnight options including tent sites, RV sites, cabins and youth/group campsites; reviewers note recent renovations to cabins, bathhouse and RV site water spigots.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    3:00 PM (reviewer-reported enforcement)

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Flush toilets
    Picnic tables
    Water hookups
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Campers frequently mention boating and fishing on Mattawoman Creek/Potomac, wooded trails and a boardwalk, historic sites, picnic areas and a playground. The park is often described as serene and a short drive from the Washington, D.C. area.
    HikingSeveral trails including the General's Walk and a larger loop; reviewers call the loop a moderate hike and note a boardwalk/bridge over an inlet. Some reviewers reported trails that could be overgrown or poorly marked in places.
    FishingFishing from piers, shoreline and boats is a common activity; reviewers report good kayak/bass fishing but note boat traffic and vegetation can reduce fishing success near some piers.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsReviewer-reported hazards include heavy aquatic vegetation making swimming and some kayaking difficult, potential trail slipperiness on wet leaves, a footbridge reported as deteriorating, and busy motorboat traffic near some piers that can limit safe fishing.

    Weather at Smallwood State Park

    Reviews

    4.4
    68 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Smallwood State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the park's serene waterfront setting, boating/fishing access, historic site, roomy campsites, renovated bathhouse and friendly staff. Common positive notes include convenient proximity to D.C., a good boat launch/marina, playgrounds and cabin accommodations with AC.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 68 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Serene waterfront on Mattawoman Creek/Potomac, strong boating and fishing facilities (boat launch, multiple lanes, piers), renovated/clean bathhouse, cabins with electricity/AC, playground and picnic...
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    Based on 68 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring a boat, kayak or fishing gear to make the most of the park; bring basic supplies (though a general store/concession is on site). Expect standard campground check-in times (reviewer noted 3:00...
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    Based on 68 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “What a beautiful place... great for a picnic or camping.”; “The cabins had AC. The bathrooms must have been newly renovated- they were so nice and clean!”; “You cannot swim here.”; “Great place to...
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    Based on 68 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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