Seaside View Recreation Park

For Marylanders seeking a departure from the high-energy resort towns, Seaside View Recreation Park in Ridge offers a serene alternative that highlights the raw, natural beauty of St. Mary's County. Situated along the expansive banks of the Potomac River near its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay, this campground is a sanctuary for those who prioritize peace and quiet over commercial attractions. Residents of the Maryland region often describe it as one of the quietest spots in the state, where the morning alarm is replaced by the sound of fish jumping in the river and birds singing in the maritime forest. It is a place that invites you to slow down, cast a line from the dock, and reconnect with the waterfront heritage of the Southern Maryland peninsula.

Originally established in 1969, Seaside View Recreation Park has recently entered a new chapter under fresh ownership. The new management is dedicated to preserving the park's historic charm while systematically modernizing the facilities to meet the needs of today’s outdoor enthusiasts. While the park is smaller and more intimate than the nearby state parks, it offers a "home away from home" atmosphere that has fostered a loyal community of long-term and transient campers alike. For local users, it represents a rare opportunity to find a waterfront site that isn't overcrowded, providing a private slice of the Potomac shoreline that feels like a personal retreat.

Location and Accessibility

Seaside View Recreation Park is located at 48593 Sea Side View Rd, Ridge, MD 20680, USA. This southernmost tip of St. Mary’s County is often referred to by locals as "the land where time stands still." For travelers coming from Washington, D.C., the drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, while those coming from Baltimore can expect a journey of just over two hours. The drive itself is a scenic tour of Maryland’s rural southern counties, passing through historic farmland and coastal hamlets before reaching the quiet cul-de-sac of Sea Side View Road. The park's location is strategically close to Point Lookout State Park, making it an excellent base for exploring local history and the legendary Point Lookout Lighthouse.

The campground management has made strides to ensure the property is accessible to a wide variety of visitors. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a clearly marked wheelchair-accessible parking lot. For those arriving with large RV rigs or travel trailers, the park offers pull-through sites and wide access points to simplify the setup process. While the terrain is naturally coastal and flat, the primary common areas are maintained to support easy movement for families with strollers and individuals with mobility considerations. On-site parking is ample, allowing guests to keep their vehicles close to their campsites for convenient loading and unloading.

Services Offered

Despite its boutique size, Seaside View Recreation Park provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support both weekend campers and long-term residents. The new owners have prioritized cleanliness and functionality across all guest services:

• Full RV hookups including electric (30-amp and 50-amp options), water, and sewer connections.
• Dedicated tent camping sites, including unique spots right along the water's edge that are suitable for hammock camping.
• Clean and modernized bathhouse facilities featuring public restrooms and hot showers that are frequently praised for their cleanliness.
• A convenient camp store and general store nearby for essentials like ice, snacks, and basic camping supplies.
• On-site laundry facilities to accommodate guests staying for extended periods.
• Pier and dockage services for boaters, providing a secure spot to tie up after a day on the river.
• Flexible payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and standard camping fees.

Features and Highlights

The highlights of Seaside View are centered around its incredible proximity to the water and its commitment to a family-friendly environment. Key features include:

• A long, well-maintained fishing and boating pier that offers some of the best sunset views in St. Mary's County.
• A "good for kids" playground where younger campers can burn off energy in a safe, enclosed environment.
• Dedicated picnic areas with tables and fire pits, perfect for evening crab feasts or marshmallow roasting.
• Direct water access for launching kayaks and canoes, allowing for easy exploration of the Potomac's shoreline.
• A pet-friendly policy that welcomes dogs, ensuring that your four-legged family members can enjoy the river breeze with you.
• Exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including frequent sightings of ospreys, bald eagles, and herons.
• Proximity to local seafood icons, with renowned restaurants just a short drive away in Ridge and Scotland, MD.

Contact Information

To check current site availability, inquire about seasonal rates for 2026, or ask about group field rentals for reunions, you can contact the park office directly:

• Address: 48593 Sea Side View Rd, Ridge, MD 20680, USA
• Phone: (301) 872-4141
• Mobile Phone: +1 301-872-4141

What is Worth Choosing

If you are a Marylander who values silence and scenery above all else, Seaside View Recreation Park is worth choosing for your next escape. It is particularly recommended for "hammock campers" and those with smaller setups who want to be as close to the water as possible; the ability to find two sturdy trees right on the riverbank is a rare feature that many larger, more regulated parks cannot offer. The personal touch provided by the new owners—who are often on-site and ready to accommodate special requests—creates a welcoming vibe that is often missing from larger state-run facilities.

Furthermore, for those into fishing and boating, this park is a premier choice. Having a pier on-site means you can fish at the best times of day—dawn and dusk—without having to leave the property or fight for a spot at a public boat ramp. While the facility is undergoing continuous improvements, the combination of clean bathrooms, exceptionally friendly management, and the absolute tranquility of the Potomac River makes it a standout choice for a low-stress, high-relaxation holiday. Choosing Seaside View means choosing an authentic Southern Maryland experience where the river is the main attraction and the pace of life matches the slow drift of the tide.