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 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. 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.

Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

Q: Can I have a campfire at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds?

Fire policies at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds: Campfire rings are available at designated sites. Specific fire policies were not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.58

22 reviews

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

Peak season nightly rates for campsites are $20 for Tent Only Nonelectric sites and $30 for Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric sites. Additional fees...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

301.342.3573na

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What Campers Say

3.58

Mixed Reviews

Based on 22 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwater

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

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Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Driving directionsFrom Washington D.C: Take 295 S towards I-95/495, merge onto I-495 S, take exit 7A toward MD 5 S/ Branch Ave, turn left on to Mattawoman Beantown Road, turn left onto MD 5 S/Leonardtown Road, continue on MD 235 to NAS Patuxent River Gate 1, cedar point road.

The campground is located within the NAS Patuxent River military installation, requiring eligible visitors (Active Duty, Reservists, Retired Military, Veterans, and Department of Defense employees) to have proper credentials. Nonaffiliated guests must be sponsored and submit packages 14 days prior to arrival. Roads within the base include unmaintained sections and newly installed speed bumps.

Best Time to Camp at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

Spring delivers the best conditions, with temperatures typically between 50-70°F, low humidity, and blooming coastal woodlands. Migratory birds pass through, wildflowers appear along trails, and clearer water improves fishing and boating. The DoD-restricted access keeps crowds light even during peak season. Winter brings occasional snow and overcast days.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as 'an outdoor enthusiast's dream' in spring with clear skies and comfortable temps.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summers better for kayaking and fishing; water activities are a draw.

Planning Tips

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

About Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

Paradise Grove sits on Naval Air Station Patuxent River, restricted to Active Duty, Reservists, Retired Military, Veterans, and DoD employees. The tent-only campground has 10 primitive sites beneath mature trees, with fees ranging from $20-$30 per night. The location offers direct access to where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay.

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.

Historical Significance

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum sits near the campground, displaying vintage aircraft from the installation's aviation training history. Historic St. Mary's City, Maryland's first capital, is a short drive away.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions, with temperatures typically between 50-70°F, low humidity, and blooming coastal woodlands. Migratory birds pass through, wildflowers appear along trails, and clearer water improves fishing and boating. The DoD-restricted access keeps crowds light even during peak season. Winter brings occasional snow and overcast days.

Elevationnull

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.

Geological RegionParadise Grove sits at one of Southern Maryland's most spectacular natural crossroads, where the historic Patuxent River completes its journey by joining the legendary Chesapeake Bay. This unique geographical position creates a diverse ecosystem where freshwater meets brackish tides, supporting an incredible variety of plant and animal life. The campground's elevated woodland perch provides breathtaking vantage points for witnessing the interplay of water and sky, while the rich alluvial soils beneath your tent have nurtured forests here for countless generations, creating the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with the natural world.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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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

Site layoutSites are organized into loops, including the Paradise Grove section. Spacing varies wildly. Some sites offer good privacy, others sit uncomfortably close to neighbors. Certain sites have sloped terrain and limited parking. Roads are poorly maintained according to multiple reviews.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's recreational use fee. Changes to reservations cost $10 if switching dates entirely. Same-day modifications depend on facility rules.

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.

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

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome campsites are on slopes, making pitching tents difficult. Roads within the campground are unmaintained, and bugs can occasionally be an issue but are generally manageable.

Active Alertsnull

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

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are available at designated sites. Specific fire policies were not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely available via NAS Patuxent River facilities, but detailed proximity information is not specified.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are plentiful throughout the campground, as noted by user reviews.

Water FeaturesNAS Patuxent River stretches across approximately 12 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and beach access.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Pax River Paradise Grove Campgrounds

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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