Maryland
15
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Smallwood State Park 'footbridge' © Mark V. Grim
USA Parks
Maryland
Southern Region
Smallwood State Park
SMALLWOOD STATE PARK
SMALLWOOD STATE PARK
2750 Sweden Point Road
Marbury, Maryland   20658

Phone: 301-743-7613
Reservations: 888-432-2267
Smallwood State Park
'footbridge'
© Mark V. Grim

Smallwood State Park
'Pair of Bald Eagles'
© Mark V. Grim

Smallwood State Park
'Mattawoman Art Center '
© photographs may used for noncomercial purpose

Smallwood State Park
'Mattawoman Art Center sculpture garden'
© photographs may used for noncomercial purpose

Smallwood State Park
'Mattawoman Art Center sculpture garden'
© photographs may used for noncomercial purpose

Smallwood State Park
'Footbridge to campsite'
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Smallwood State Park
'Small fish under water'
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Smallwood State Park
'Changing colours 2'
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Smallwood State Park
'The footbridge'
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Smallwood State Park
'Landing point'
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The landing area seen from the footbridge

Smallwood State Park
'Changing colours 1'
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Smallwood State Park
'Mattawoman creek'
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Smallwood State Park
'Landing'
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Smallwood State Park
'Marina'
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A brass fishing company

Smallwood State Park
'Barn'
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Smallwood State Park
'General Smallwoods house'
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Smallwood State Park
'Garden house'
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Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors. Sweden Point Marina has 50 boat slips and excellent access for fishing on the Potomac River. Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers the marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic-campng area and nature trails. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
History of the Area
Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors. Sweden Point Marina has 50 boat slips and excellent access for fishing on the Potomac River.

Smallwood's Retreat plantation house is open free to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays from May until the end of September. Tours are conducted by costumed docents. Group tours are available upon request. For information about scheduling a group tour call 301-743-7613.

Smallwood reached the rank of major general for his service as a patriot leader during the Revolutionary War. He was elected Governor of Maryland in 1785, and later served in the Maryland Senate. The plantation house reflects Smallwood's lifestyle as a gentleman planter.

Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and nature trails. On occasion, there are craft demonstrations, military exhibitions and other special events. A park map is available from the park office.

Smallwood State Park was dedicated in September 1958, as a historic park. At the time, the park consisted of 30 acres of land which included the Retreat House and the grave site of General William Smallwood. Smallwood State Park takes its name from General William Smallwood, a native born Charles Countian. He was the highest ranked Marylander who served in the American Revolutionary War. During his term as the 4th Governor of Maryland, Maryland ratified the Federal Constitution.

Sweden Point Marina was not always known as Sweden Point. At one time it was referred to as Sweetman's Landing. The area that is referred to as Grinder's Wharf (which is only a few exposed pilings today) was built on a naturally deep water channel in the Mattawoman Creek. The Grinder family was one of the areas major brick manufacturers in the Chicamuxen area. They in turn used Grinders Wharf to ship their brick out to the wholesalers. In the mid 1800's the wharf was used by the Washington Steamship Lines on the Potomac. The steamers would pick up water on their journey south to the Chesapeake Bay.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Fifteen family campsites with electric hook-ups are available under the canopy of a hardwood forest. Four camper cabins sleep four and two cabins sleep six and have heat and air conditioning. Cabins #17 and #18 overlook Mattawoman Creek. Cabins #16 and #19 are close to the creek, but do not have a water view. Cabins #20 and #21 are located as you first enter the campground area. A picnic table, lantern post and fire ring are provided on each site. Bath house facilities with hot showers are also provided. In 2005, camping is available April 29-October 31


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Picnicking
Picnic tables and grills are available at the Sweden Point Concession area and at various points in the historic area of the park. Three pavilions are available by reservation.
Trails
The trails at Smallwood meander through the hardwood forest, passing many natural and historical points of interest. The entire trail system is approximately 2 miles in length with several marked exit points if the walk becomes too strenuous.
Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 9 A place to relax by Hans Albrecht, Dachau, Germany
On the last day of our three week long stay in the US, on the fifth of october 2008, we decided to have a day to relax. So staying at Washington DC and with the help of a map, we choose the Smallwood State Park. This turned out to be a beautiful area. It was a warm and sunny day. We enjoyed the beauty of the area and the politeness of the park staff, who gave interesting informations to us. Thanks for this day.


Area Campgrounds

Travel Trailer Village
16058 Dumfries Road
Dumfries, VA


Aquia Pines Camp Resort
3071 Jefferson Davis Highway
Stafford, VA


Area Fishing Related Businesses
Dawson's Small Arms of the World
14510 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 490-3308


Galyans Sports & Outdoor
12501 Fair Lakes Cir
Fairfax, VA
(703) 803-0300


Dick's Sporting Goods
12501 Fair Lakes Cir
Fairfax, VA
(703) 803-0300


LC Country Store & More
1741 Brooke Rd
Stafford, VA
(540) 659-6006


Aquia Creek Outfitters
3306 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Stafford, VA
(540) 659-0852


Dick Clark Fishing and Hunting Service
3815 Estel Rd
Fairfax, VA
(703) 385-5436


Fairfax Rod & Gun Club
7039 Signal Hill Rd
Manassas, VA
(703) 368-6333


Area Resorts and Lodging
Great Eastern Resorts Corp
1549 Old Bridge Rd
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 494-8505


Sandals All Inclusive Resorts by Preferrd TRVL Inc
8432 Old Keene Mill Rd
Springfield, VA
(703) 644-6844


Fairfield Resorts
1757 King St
Alexandria, VA
(703) 837-3400


Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
12777 Fair Lakes Circle
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(703) 818-1234


Residence Inn by Marriott
12815 Fair Lakes Pkwy
Fairfax, VA
(703) 266-4900


Teen Winter Sports
3821 Bevan Dr
Fairfax, VA
(703) 385-8100


Courtyard Springfield
6710 Commerce St
Springfield, VA
(703) 924-7200


Animal Resorts Inc
3208 Colvin St
Alexandria, VA
(703) 823-3647


Rosen Hotels & Resorts
908 King St
Alexandria, VA
(703) 780-4009


Fairmont Hotels & Resorts The
705 Avon pl
Alexandria, VA
(703) 299-6763


Adams Mark Hotels & Resorts
12304 Macrina CT
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 492-7444


Courtyard-Alexandria
2700 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA
(703) 329-2323


Silliman Thomas Associates
425 N Lee St
Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-4100


Courtyard-Fairfax Oaks
11220 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Fairfax, VA
(703) 273-6161


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Directions
Take Route 301 south to La Plata, to west on Route 225 to Route 224. At the light at Route 224 turn left (south). Park entrance is approximately 3 miles on the right.

From Route 210 south towards Indian Head, take a left (east) on Route 225 to Route 224. At the light at Route 224 turn right (south). Park entrance is approximately 3 miles on the right.

USA Parks
Maryland
Southern Region
Smallwood State Park
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