Paradise Grove Campground

Paradise Grove Campground offers a serene and scenic outdoor experience for military members and their families within the secure perimeter of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River. Located at the breathtaking confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, this campground is a hidden gem for those who enjoy primitive camping with a waterfront view. For local Marylanders who are eligible to access the installation, it serves as an ideal "staycation" spot that feels worlds away from the daily hustle. The campground is part of the Navy’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program, ensuring that the facilities are maintained specifically for the benefit of the military community.

The vibe at Paradise Grove is distinctly rustic and quiet, focusing on the natural beauty of the Southern Maryland shoreline. Unlike larger, more commercialized RV resorts, this grove emphasizes a back-to-basics approach. It is an excellent destination for campers who prioritize sunrises over the bay, quiet evenings by a fire ring, and immediate access to water-based activities. Because it is situated on an active military base, guests also benefit from an enhanced sense of security and a community of fellow service-connected travelers.

Location and Accessibility are primary highlights for this site. Positioned along MD-235 in Patuxent River, the campground is easily reached by local residents from Lexington Park and the surrounding St. Mary's County. To reach the site, eligible patrons enter through Gate 1 (Cedar Point Road), which is open 24/7. Once on base, the campground is located on a peninsula that provides roughly 12 miles of accessible shoreline. The facility includes wheelchair-accessible entrances and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area is inclusive for all guests. It is important to note that access is strictly restricted to Active Duty, Reservists, Retired Military, Veterans, and DoD employees with valid ID cards.

Beyond the campground itself, the location offers proximity to numerous on-base amenities. Campers are just a short drive from the base Commissary and Exchange for supplies, as well as the MWR Marina, where equipment can be rented. The surrounding region of Southern Maryland is rich in history, with the Patuxent River Air Museum and Historic St. Mary’s City located just outside the base gates, providing plenty of educational and cultural excursions for those staying multiple nights.

Services Offered at Paradise Grove Campground are tailored for primitive tent camping. While the site does not feature elaborate hookups at the individual pads, it provides the essential infrastructure for a successful outdoor stay. Services include:

• RV electric, water, and sewer hookups (available at specific designated sites within the larger MWR camping system).
• Coordinated waste management with multiple trash receptacles located throughout the camping area.
• On-site parking specifically designated for campers to ensure easy unloading and loading of gear.
• Fresh water cold showers available a short drive away (approximately 3 minutes) at the nearby marina or comfort station.
• Equipment delivery services from the marina, including the drop-off of rental kayaks and paddleboards directly to your site.
• Standard on-site facilities including portable toilets (porta-potties) that are regularly serviced.

Features and Highlights make Paradise Grove a favorite for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is designed to maximize its unique geography, offering some of the best vantage points in the state for both sunrise and sunset. Key highlights include:

• Waterfront access where campers can launch personal watercraft like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards directly from the site.
• Excellent fishing and crabbing opportunities along the shoreline (Maryland fishing license required).
• Primitive tent sites equipped with essential fire rings and picnic tables for a traditional camping experience.
• A dog-friendly policy that allows pets to join the family adventure, provided they remain on a leash.
• Access to a 10-mile paved cycling loop and various walking trails within the installation.
• A safe and quiet environment, protected from the general public and heavily monitored for guest security.
• Clean, well-maintained grounds that focus on preserving the natural wooded landscape of the grove.

For those looking to book a site or inquire about specific base access requirements for guests, the contact information is as follows:

• Address: MD-235, Patuxent River, MD 20670, USA
• Phone: (301) 981-4109 (MWR Outdoor Recreation Office)
• Reservations: Typically handled through the Navy MWR Pax River website or recreation.gov for eligible patrons.

What is worth choosing about Paradise Grove Campground? For the Maryland military community, the value lies in the "unplugged" nature of the experience. It is one of the few places where you can pitch a tent right on the water’s edge for a very low nightly fee. The ability to wake up to the sound of the Chesapeake Bay and spend the afternoon fishing without ever leaving the base is a significant perk of service. It is a location that rewards preparation—while it lacks on-site running water at the specific sites, the trade-off is a peaceful, uncrowded environment that is perfect for teaching children about the outdoors.

The campground is also worth choosing for its logistical convenience. Being located on-base means you have access to high-quality fitness centers, a theater, and affordable dining options if you decide you want a break from campfire cooking. It offers a "best of both worlds" scenario: the ruggedness of primitive camping combined with the modern conveniences of a major naval installation. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend getaway or a veteran traveler passing through the Mid-Atlantic, Paradise Grove provides a clean, safe, and stunningly beautiful place to rest and recharge.

Ultimately, choosing this campground is a commitment to enjoying the Maryland outdoors in its purest form. With its tall trees providing shade and its direct link to the bay, it represents the very best of "The Land of Pleasant Living." For those who are eligible to stay here, it remains a premier destination for creating lasting family memories along the shores of the Patuxent River.