About Patuxent Research Refuge
Patuxent Research Refuge was established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and is the only wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research. Today the U.S. Geological Survey’s Eastern Ecological Science Center carries on the refuge’s rich tradition in scientific investigation.Biologically, the refuge is of regional importance in that it is home to many deep-forest song birds such as the Scarlet Tanager. Patuxent’s large areas of unbroken tree cover, rare in central Maryland, allows these birds to hide from predators.Patuxent’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan provides long-term guidance for management decisions and sets forth goals, objectives, and strategies needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs. See the Conservation Plan.Currently, the refuge welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year.
How to Get There
South Tract & Visitor Center Entrance10901 Scarlet Tanager LoopLaurel, MD 20708From Washington, D.C.: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) North, Exit 22 to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville exit. Turn right (east) onto Powder Mill Road and go 2.0 miles. Turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.From Baltimore, MD: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) south to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville Exit. Turn left onto Powder Mill Road (East). Go 2.0 miles and turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Patuxent Research Refuge
Heading to Patuxent Research Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Patuxent Research Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Patuxent Research Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1560) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Patuxent Research Refuge?
South Tract & Visitor Center Entrance10901 Scarlet Tanager LoopLaurel, MD 20708From Washington, D.C.: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) North, Exit 22 to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville exit. Turn right (east) onto Powder Mill Road and go 2.0 miles. Turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.From Baltimore, MD: Take Baltimore…
How do I contact Patuxent Research Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 301-497-5761 or email: maria_vonderheid@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
