Patuxent River Campgrounds

We stayed 3 nights at Goose Creek and had a pleasant experience. It helped that the weather was perfect the entire time, sunny with daytime temps in the 70's, cool nights and a pleasant breeze. I think the weather helped keep the flies and mosquitoes down to essentially nothing. Given the location along the Chesapeake and surrounded on the other sides by lagoons the fishing and kayaking opportunities abound but this wetland also means there can/will be annoying insects in warm weather. There is also a nice beach along the bay (about a mile north of the campground). NOTE: The shower/restroom building is closed and in complete disrepair. We saw no evidence that it was to undergo repairs, so do not expect showers. There were many porta-potties placed throughout the campground however. We stayed in site B-4 which was essentially pull-through and flat. All sites are tree-ed and many (not ours) have direct access to lagoon waters - as in the site borders the lagoon. It is a healthy drive from the NAS main gate to the campground, including crossing an active runway.

This wasn't bad, but while we were there, they had horseflies the size of your thumb! And they were everywhere. Went to the Exchange and bought outdoor fogger. Helped a bit. But mainly stayed in the RV and watched TV. Easy check in. No office on site. Did it all on the phone. In fact, we never saw another person in the RV area. A few RV's ... no people. They were probably all staying in away from the bugs! :o)

The good: location on river side of base beyond base traffic and noise. Now the bad: 1) MWR Staff not cordial when requesting information and location of campground. Reminder: Address on website is DEAD WRONG. You have to go to the Base Marina Bldg 1599 for campground reservations, check-in and location. Best bet to call before entering base for directions. 2) Once traveling to campground beware of ALL base stop and go signs or you may get ticketed or worse get run over by planes taking off and landing. You have to cross runways several times. 3) Pay attention to signs, Goose Creek is 1/2 mile past the golf course on right. Take the 2nd entrance. Dirt road w/gravel. The sites are poorly mark and for RVs longer than 30' and 10'in height you WILL have problems as ALL sites are back-ins, poorly mark due to pine leaves, low hanging tree branches, old tree branches and whatever else that has falllen. 3) as for FHU there are only 5 and they are in use by "HOMESTEADERS." Only left with electric and water. There are only 15 total sites for RVs. Give a rating of 3 for location only because of area and closeness to water access. Give rating of 2 for amenities only because base has great commissary, access to recreation facilities, car wash and hobby shop if needed. This campground needs MAJOR work.

Plenty of Mosquitoes left in October. We camped in A2 and it rained while we were there which left mud holes on each side of the camper. No problems with the roads. As stated before in 2009, it appears to get minimal care and upkeep. Our site had gravel on it at one time, buy very little was left. The dump station is 3 miles away near the intersection of Tate Road and Shaw Road near the round-about. The online pamphlet states it is at building 600 on Tate Road, but it is on Shaw Road. The campground is wooded and very nice, it could be great if it was cared for better. The aircraft on the runways nearby were loud at times and vibrated the camper. Hearing the Star-Spangled Banner echo through the trees in the morning was outstanding. Overall not bad for the price, but I intend to camp at the Solomons Navy Recreation Area when I return and would recommend it over this campground.

BUGS, BUGS, BUGS ! ! We were greeted with a massive attack by mosquitoes. Couldn't set up the TT without spraying ourselves with "OFF" and then pretty much had to stay in the camper. It had rained and the roads were full of mud ruts. Our site (B1) had mud holes on either side of it. Some of the other sites were a little better. Fortunately this was just a place to stay a couple of nights to visit our daughter. It has potential but from the looks of the things it gets minimal care and upkeep. It is completely wooded and surround by a lake. I wish I would have had time to go fishing. The showers were clean and were listed as "centrally located", but they were at the entrance of the CG. The CG is adjacent to the Air strip, but it was a fairly quiet weekend. Patuxant River was across from the entrance of the CG and a fishing pier was within walking distance. All in all not a great experience but for $12, you get what you pay for. The dump station 3 miles away gets a B+.

Okay this a pretty much self serve place deep in the woods that what I love about it. You set it up with base MWR and you're on your own out there no full time staff they do have a shower facility if needed. This place is an outdoors dream fishing, hunting, hiking I got spoiled while stationed at this base. If you are an RV person but still like feeling like a tent camper in the woods this is your place. No cushy wide open spots with wireless internet just you and your RV in the woods. There are electric hook ups and water but no sewer hook up. The base is very nice good exchange and comissary. Nice base pool, 5 fresh water ponds excellent fishing, 12 miles of saltwater coast line, lots of deer and wildlife.