Place

Smallwood State Park

Wooden bridge crossing a marshy pond, viewed from a grassy boardwalk with trees in the background.
Explore Smallwood State Park, where history and nature meet.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Quick Facts
Location:
2750 Sweden Point Rd, Marbury, MD 20658
Significance:
Smallwood State Park preserves the legacy of Revolutionary War General William Smallwood and protects vital Potomac River wetlands within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Designation:
Maryland State Park; Chesapeake Gateways Network Site

Boat Ramp, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Accessible, Tent Campsites

Smallwood State Park offers a unique blend of history, nature, and recreation along the Mattawoman Creek, a key tributary of the Potomac River and part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. As a Chesapeake Gateways Network Site, the park invites visitors to connect with the Bay’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Explore the restored home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War hero and early Maryland governor, and learn about 18th-century life through interpretive exhibits and seasonal programs. The park’s scenic trails wind through woodlands and wetlands that support diverse wildlife, offering a peaceful setting for hiking, birding, and photography. Anglers and boaters can access the creek from a well-equipped marina and boat ramp, with opportunities to experience the tidal waters that flow into the Chesapeake.

Smallwood State Park is part of the broader Chesapeake Gateways Network, a partnership connecting visitors with the stories, landscapes, and communities of the Chesapeake Bay region. Its location near the Potomac River also places it within the landscape explored by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, contributing to the area’s layered historical significance.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, a deeper connection to history, or a quiet retreat, Smallwood State Park offers a welcoming gateway to the Chesapeake. Learn more at the partner’s website.
 
This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Chesapeake Bay

Last updated: November 9, 2026