Natural swimming hole
Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach
River · Maryland
About this swimming hole
A 192-acre St. Mary's County park on a peninsula jutting into the Patuxent River just upstream of Solomons Island, preserved as one of the most significant undeveloped tracts on the river. Sandy beaches ring the point along roughly two miles of shoreline, and the county lists swimming among the park's activities alongside fishing, crabbing, and a canoe and kayak soft launch. Woodland and marsh trails, including a 2.3-mile perimeter hike, connect several waterfront picnic spots.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Best season | June–August |
| Fees | Waterfront park pass fees apply (season passes reported at $25 for St. Mary's County residents and $100 for non-residents, bundled with the county's other waterfront parks) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 8 a.m.–8 p.m. in season; closed to vehicles December 1–March 31 (walk-in only) |
| Parking | Parking areas off Patuxent Boulevard at 24050 Patuxent Boulevard; the main beach areas require a walk from the lots |
| Amenities | Beach, Picnic areas with grills, Canoe and kayak launch, Trails, Portable restrooms |
| County | St. Mary's |
| Nearest town | California |
| Safety notes | Swimming with no lifeguard — the county states no lifeguards are on duty at any waterfront park and use is at your own risk. Archery-only deer hunting occurs in the park in season, so check hunting dates before using back trails. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach?
Yes — Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maryland. Heads-up: Swimming with no lifeguard — the county states no lifeguards are on duty at any waterfront park and use is at your own risk. Archery-only deer hunting occurs in the park in season, so check hunting dates before using back trails.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach?
Reported fee info: Waterfront park pass fees apply (season passes reported at $25 for St. Mary's County residents and $100 for non-residents, bundled with the county's other waterfront parks). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Point Park — Patuxent River Beach?
The best season is typically June–August.