PADDLE-IN CAMPGROUND
The two-site Emory Landing Paddle-in Campsite at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary’s Emory Waters Nature Preserve is located along the Patuxent River, near Lothian, Maryland. Approximate GPS coordinates are 38.77091, -76.69460
Each of the two camping sites contains one 12’x12’ tent pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a flip-up cooking grate. A portable toilet is accessible from both sites. There are no trash receptacles;
users must pack out all trash.
General Information
Maximum Capacity (per site): 6 Guests
Maximum Rental: 2 Nights
Reservations Period: April to October
Cost (per site): $10 per night
Check In: Starts at 2:00 p.m.
Check Out: Before 12:00 p.m. on your last day
With the 2026 opening of Jug Bay Emory Waters Nature Preserve to the public, paddlers can now access the Paddle-In Campground by water or land.
Access by Water
If you are accessing the site by using the Patuxent River Trail map, the site is located on the downstream left side of the river at approximately mile marker 41 (Site 41A). Please look for a large brown sign with a tent symbol on it. A short, obvious trail blazed in Orange leads from the river to the campsites. Tent pad sites are numbered on their corners and correspond to your rental.
Please note: There are mud flats in the Jug Bay area of the tidal Patuxent River, immediately adjacent to the campsite. If you are paddling anytime other than high tide, you'll need to approach the campsite from the south by paddling along the eastern shore of the river. The river can be crossed more easily near the Jug Bay Pier (38.76477, -76.69355), or MNCPPC’s Canoe Camp (38.75766, -76.70060).
Canoes and kayaks are allowed to be brought up to the campsite, or left on the bank. Anne Arundel County is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Access by Land
Land access is only available from April to October to follow JBERD overnight facilities’ operational hours.
The entrance to Emory Waters Nature Preserve is located at 6034 Pindell Road, Lothian, MD 20711, and it is gated.
To access the property please….(GIVE INSTRUCTIONS OF HOW TO GET GATE ACCESS CODE)
From the main entrance gate, the parking lot is located about 0.6 miles following the gravel road. Please drive slowly (15 mph speed limit) and watch for wildlife on the road. The rental of a Paddle-in campsite includes parking for one vehicle. A parking fee of $8 will be charged for each additional day you are not registered at our campsite.A second vehicle will pay an additional parking fee of $8 per day.
To get to the Paddle-in campsite from the parking lot, follow these instructions (see map below):
- Check-in: visit the Ranger Station (located opposite the parking lot) if you need assistance with checking-in.
- Drive your vehicle (carrying your canoe or kayak) all the way to the launch by following the gravel road.
- Unload all your camping and paddle gear.
- Drive your vehicle back to the main parking lot, display your parking pass, and secure your vehicle.
- Walk back to your canoe or kayak, load gear, and launch.
- Paddle to the paddle-in campsite. Tent pad sites are numbered on their corners and correspond to your rental.
Canoes and kayaks are allowed to be brought up to the Paddle-in campsite, or left on the bank. Anne Arundel County is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
About Safety
Emergency response (Fire, EMS, etc.) can be challenging at this location. Please be prepared to give your GPS location, and be aware that you could accidentally be connected to Prince George's County 911. Make sure any emergency call taker understands you are in Anne Arundel County.
Finally, this area of the Patuxent River is very shallow. We recommend checking
this map, which provides helpful information for a safe and more enjoyable paddle experience!
Additional Information
- Private property closely adjoins County parkland; please stay in the general campsite area and do not trespass on private property.
- Due to the potential threat of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), and other invasive beetles, the importation of personal firewood is prohibited. Please do not bring firewood with you.
