Smallwood State Park

Star4.37
68 reviews
Smallwood State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Maryland DNR site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$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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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
    Historical SignificanceThe park preserves the historic home and grounds of General Smallwood (Maryland's fourth Governor); a museum/house is on-site though reviewers note it may be closed at times.
    Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe park's crown jewel is its prime waterfront location, where Mattawoman Creek flows into the Potomac River, providing boaters and anglers with direct access to excellent fishing waters. Explore the scenic boardwalk that winds over a tranquil inlet, revealing glimpses of marshy vegetation teeming with wildlife, or wander wooded trails that lead to the historic grounds surrounding General Smallwood's colonial home. Multiple piers and a full-service marina make this an ideal base for water enthusiasts, while the forested campsites offer a shaded sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful woodland experience.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    3:00 PM (reviewer-reported enforcement)
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (state reservations site: https://parkreservations.maryland.gov)

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
    Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Cell phone service
    Flush toilets
    Water hookups

    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.
    Hiking
    Several 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.
    Fishing
    Fishing 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.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Firewood available for purchase (reviewer note); specific fire regulations not provided in source materials.

    Hazards

    General hazardsReviewer-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

    36
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 85%
    Wind: 7.2 mph
    Overcast

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    Good to know

    Common complaintsLimited on-site activities if you don't bring a boat/kayak or fishing gear, no swimming due to vegetation/shallow water, occasional maintenance issues on trails/footbridges and some reports of poor trail signage. A few reviewers mentioned check-in timing/attitude or enforcement of leash rules as negative interactions.

    Campground Map

    Smallwood State Park
    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

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    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 December 14, 2025
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