How much does camping cost at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Camping fees at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds range from $20-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds first-come first-served or reservation?

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds before I book?

Yes! Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Yes, Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Cell phone service at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds have?

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Pets are not allowed at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds offers: Showers. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Popular activities at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

3.58

22 reviews

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Fishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

66 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Season opens on Janu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on MWR Pax River Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

66 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Season opens on Janu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on MWR Pax River Official Website

Get Directions

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site: $30.00; Tent Sites Daily: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$30.00

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301.342.3573na

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Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

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Weather at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

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Fishing and Crabbing Information
MILITARY BASE ACCESS: Visitors eligible for reservations at this location are limited to Active Duty, Reservists, Retired Military, Unremarried Widow, Veterans and Department of Defense employees, and must have a valid eligibility ID card to check in for a reservation or to gain…
MWR Pax River Website
Personal or commercial drone usage within the NAS Patuxent River Fence Line is prohibited

Best Time to Camp at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best mix of mild temperatures (typically 50–70°F / 10–21°C), low humidity, and blooming coastal woodlands, making hiking, birdwatching, and freshwater/brackish fishing especially rewarding. Migratory birds pass through and wildflowers bloom along the trails, while cooler water and clearer skies improve boating and angling conditions. Crowds are generally light because the campground is restricted to DoD-affiliated visitors, so spring is ideal for a peaceful, active visit. Peak months: May, April, June, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: 50–70°F, low humidity, blooms and migratory birds—ideal conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens on January 1, 2025, and closes on December 31, 2025.

About Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds sits on Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, operated by MWR Pax River for military-affiliated campers. This small waterfront facility offers tent and primitive camping with direct water access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Reviewers praise the quiet, clean atmosphere and waterside location, though facilities are basic with portable restrooms and seasonal availability during peak months.

The Pax River Paradise Grove Campground caters to a limited audience due to military base restrictions. It primarily offers tent-only camping options, including individual and group sites. The campground does not accommodate RVs, cabin-style lodging, or glamping setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best mix of mild temperatures (typically 50–70°F / 10–21°C), low humidity, and blooming coastal woodlands, making hiking, birdwatching, and freshwater/brackish fishing especially rewarding. Migratory birds pass through and wildflowers bloom along the trails, while cooler water and clearer skies improve boating and angling conditions. Crowds are generally light because the campground is restricted to DoD-affiliated visitors, so spring is ideal for a peaceful, active visit. Peak months: May, April, June, October

Elevation66 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies elevated woodland at 66 feet above sea level, where the Patuxent River joins the Chesapeake Bay. This convergence creates a brackish ecosystem visible from certain sites. Mature oaks and maples provide overhead canopy, and the mix of freshwater and tidal environments attracts herons, eagles, and deer. Some sites offer water views, though layout and sightlines vary significantly between spots.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not detailed specifically for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

Group tent areas are nonelectric, with a nightly rate of $30. Specific details about capacity or other features are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSome sites are massive with great views, while others, like G06, are small and inadequately spaced.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary significantly between sites. Some offer good seclusion, while others, like G06, are very close to neighboring sites.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site G06 unless also reserving G05, as G06 lacks essential facilities and space. Choose larger sites for better views and water access.

Best CampsitesAvoid G06 unless you're booking it with G05 for extra space. G06 is small, poorly spaced, and sits very close to neighboring sites. Some other sites are massive with good water views and better seclusion, though reviews don't specify which ones.

Need help booking Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds offers essential amenities, primarily suited for tent-only, nonelectric camping. Highlighted amenities include portable toilets and picnic tables. "Portable toilets are in G section," according to user reviews, and "porta-potties, which aren't ideal, but they'd been serviced very recently" are available. Additionally, picnic tables are present, though some are inconveniently positioned near neighboring sites (e.g., G06). Potable water is not available at the campsite itself, but fresh water cold showers are accessible approximately three minutes away by car. Fire rings are mentioned in the authoritative source, but specific user feedback on them is absent. Cell phone service is present, with no details on specific providers or signal strength. Roads to the campsite are "not maintained well at all."

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a mix of water and land-based activities. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, and crabbing. "Water lovers will find that NAS Patuxent River stretches across approximately 12 miles of shoreline offering locations to launch kayaks, stand up paddleboards, motor and sail boats, and places for fishing and crabbing." Land-based activities include a 10-mile paved biking loop, designated trails, and access to a golf course, outdoor pool, and marina inside the installation. However, activities like swimming and beach-related activities are not explicitly detailed for this campground.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; portable toilets are provided instead. User reviews describe them as recently serviced but still considered less ideal.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.6

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, averaging 3.75 specifically for campgrounds. Positive feedback highlights the quiet, clean, and scenic environment, while criticisms focus on site-specific issues such as inadequate facilities at certain sites and poorly maintained roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

"Quiet, clean, and safe campsite," "Right on the water," "100% enjoyable," "porta-potties...serviced very recently," and "plenty of trash cans around the site."

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

"Site G06 is a totally inadequate site" (lacking a fire ring and proper picnic table placement), poor road maintenance, and "porta-potties, which aren't ideal."

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site G06: "Totally inadequate...no fire ring, picnic table was basically in the neighboring G05 site, which was ridiculously close." Site F1: "Great campsite! Porta-potties are in G section."

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to bring their own water as potable water is unavailable. Reviewers recommend avoiding site G06 unless booking with G05 for extra space. Watercraft enthusiasts are...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, but weather conditions vary. Winters may bring temperatures as low as 34°F with moderate rain and snow chances. Summers offer better conditions for kayaking and...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet, clean, and safe campsite. Right on the water...Fishing permitted with license." (Jerry Miranda) "Site G06 is a totally inadequate site...barely a spot for a tent...roads are not maintained...

Based on 22 reviews

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Go if

You have military affiliation and want quiet waterside camping with fishing and boating opportunities.

Skip if

You need permanent restroom facilities or prefer campgrounds with extensive amenities and infrastructure.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.5

(19)

Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds

46970 Bauhof Road, Patuxent River, MD, 20670

Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds sits on Naval Air Station Patuxent River, a small military installation campground near Washington D.C. offering waterfront access on the Patuxent River. Operated by NAS Patuxent River for military families and authorized users, the campground provides primitive tent sites and group options with fire rings and picnic tables. Campers fish, crab, swim, and boat from the shoreline, with a fishing bridge on-site.