Learn about the history and attractions of Point Lookout State Park, a public recreation area and historic preserve in Maryland. The park features a lighthouse, a former prisoner of war camp, and a scenic view of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. PointLookout is home to three water trails within Point Lookout Creek, Lake Conoy and travelling around the Point and into the Chesapeake Bay. These trails are not marked or patrolled on a regular basis, so please plan ahead for a safe trip on the trails. · Explore the historic site of Point Lookout State Park, where British troops, Union soldiers, and enslaved people met during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and lighthouse tours at this scenic peninsula on the Chesapeake Bay. During the Civil War Era, Point Lookout was first a hospital for wounded Union soldiers and then a Civil War prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers. The hospital staff is known to have assisted with the escape of several Maryland slaves while United States Colored Troops served as guards at the prison camp. Outside of Point Lookout stood a "...See full list on visitstmarysmd.comPoint Lookout is the Southern Maryland equivalent of Cape May. With proper weather conditions, this site is a migrant concentration point, especially in the autumn. Look for shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. With good luck, almost anything may "fall out". Great Cormorants are often in view during the winter months from late November on. Be sure t...See full list on visitstmarysmd.comUncover the poignant Civil War history of this recreational mecca. In 1862, the federal government erected Hammond Hospital at the tip of the Point. After General George B. McClellan's unsuccessful raid on Richmond, wounded and sick soldiers began pouring in for treatment. The following year, after the Battle of Gettysburg, Union authorities starte...See full list on visitstmarysmd.comBuilt In 1830 by John Donahoo, Point Lookout stands at the north entrance to the Potomac River. It is considered the oldest of its type in the United States. Called an integral lighthouse, the light is built to the keeper's quarters. It was enlarged in 1880 and never automated. It was deactivated 1965. The light is now part of Point Lookout State P...See full list on visitstmarysmd.comNov 3, 2025 · Explore the stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich history of Point Lookout State Park in Maryland. Learn how to plan your visit, what to do, and when to go to this captivating destination. Explore the history and nature of this peninsula on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Learn about the Civil War site, the National Park Service Network to Freedom, and the amenities and reviews of the park. What happened to Point Lookout State Park?Park Alert: To facilitate scheduling significant repairs of critical infrastructure, reservations for the Point Lookout State Park campground are currently suspended for the 2025 camping season. Repairs also require the closure of the Nature Center and Civil War Museum. Dates may change as construction plans are finalized and the work progresses.What is Point Lookout State Park?Point Lookout State Park is a public recreation area and historic preserve occupying Point Lookout, the southernmost tip of a peninsula formed by the confluence of Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County, Maryland.Where is John D Point Lookout State Park?John D. Point Lookout State Park is a captivating destination located in Maryland. Covering over 1,000 acres, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park is situated at the southern tip of Maryland’s St. Mary’s County, where land meets the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River.Does Point Lookout State Park still have a lighthouse?Today, Point Lookout State Park retains Point Lookout Light, the original lighthouse built in 1830, a fishing pier, boat launch facilities, public beaches and facilities, overnight camping, Civil War historical remains, and, reputedly, ghosts.PointLookout is a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. It attracted attention from the outset of English colonization in America. · Explore the stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich history of Point Lookout State Park in Maryland. Learn how to plan your visit, what to do, and when to go to this captivating destination. Explore the history and nature of this peninsula on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Learn about the Civil War site, the National Park Service Network to Freedom, and the amenities and reviews of the park. PointLookout is a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. It attracted attention from the outset of English colonization in America.
