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The Dragon Inn Clearings

This privately owned large home is tucked away on 7+ acres wooded area in scenic semi-secluded neighborhood in La Plata, Charles County. Charles County was created in 1658 by an Order in Council. There was also an earlier Charles County from 1650 to 1653, sometimes referred to in historic documents as Old Charles County.
In April 1865, John Wilkes Booth made his escape through Charles County after shooting President Abraham Lincoln. He was on his way to Virginia. John Wilkes Booth fled to southern Maryland, toward Zekiah Swamp. Booth entered the swamp after treatment by Dr. Samuel Mudd for the broken leg he suffered escaping Fords Theater. A black tobacco farmer guided Booth and his co-conspirator David Herold through the swamp to the home of a Confederate sympathizer, Samuel Cox. Cox led Booth and Herold to Thomas A. Jones who helped them the rest of the way through the Zekiah Swamp and across the Potomac River to Virginia.
In 1926, a tornado ripped through the county leaving 17 dead (including 13 schoolchildren) and on April 28, 2002, another tornado destroyed much of downtown La Plata. In its path of destruction was our location now known as THE DRAGON INN,  the house was completely torn down to its foundation and rebuild in 2003. You can see a marker stone in the brick wall near the garage. 
This county also has several properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Among them are Green Park and Pleasant Hill, home of the Green and Spalding Families.
The Dragon Inn and its all natural wooded backyard, also known as Zekiah Swamp, is part of the Potomac River basin in Charles County, Maryland. The swamp is 21 miles (34 km) of braided stream stretching the length of Charles County and is a tributary of the Potomac River. It sits at an elevation of three feet 90.91 m) and 450 acres (180 ha) of its southern end is protected as the Zekiah Swamp Natural Environment Area. 
Although the Zekiah Swamp Natural Environment Area is primarily owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, it isn't managed for recreation. As a result, there are no paved public access roads, parking areas, or scenic overlooks. Nor are there marked or developed trails, picnic areas, campsites, or visitor's centers. Nonetheless, a limited level of recreational use is still possible.
In connection with its Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail system, the U.S. National Park Service notes that access is possible by way of the intersection of U.S. Highway 301 and SR 234 (Budds Creek Road). Traveling east from that point on SR 234, one comes to Penn's Hill Road/Allen’s Fresh Road. Following Allen's Fresh Road south at mile 23.2, there is a dirt road on the west side that leads through the swamp and woods to Allen's Fresh Run of the Wicomico River. This is suitable for driving or walking. Other sight-seeing or photo opportunities are possible with brief stops along the shoulder of SR 234 where it passes through the Natural Environment Area. Similar possibilities exist to the north on SR 6 (Charles Street) that runs between La Plata and Charlotte Hall.
If you are feeling adventurous you can explore some paths, clearings and bamboo fields leading to a small creek flowing into the Zekiah Swamp Run directly from our backyard!
Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent on our property and enjoy a semi secluded camping experience with the luxury of access to an outdoor bathroom, hand washing station, fire pit and use of swimming pool if you so desire.

Outdoor Bathroom & Handwashing Station
Smoking Area/ Picnic Area

Outdoor seating area, smoking area or picnic spot. Additional tables are available upon request.

Collect your own wood 🪵 or purchase
bundles/pellets 

Honey Bee Campsite | Site 1 - closest campsite to the parking area. 

Let your Adventure Start Today

Lacy Oasis is a land that encompasses the history of a woman who loved nature and family, who had a heart of gold, and who wanted to share her property with others to embrace the benefits of nature and the clarity of life - Julia Beatrice Carter Lacy.

Learn more about this land:

Our space is a private property within a friendly, tight-knit, and family-oriented neighborhood. We encourage our guests to wave on their way in and out of the space. It truly means a lot to our neighbors. 

All parking is provided on our property - not at our neighbor's house or within the community - including a drive-up option to some of our campsites for you and your guest(s). 

Amenities

Lodging: capacity for 500  tents  

Dining: TBA ( local food vendors) - We are currently creating partnerships with local food vendors, specifically minority-owned.

Outdoor Areas:  9 large campsites for camping, various group games and activities, 2 Full-Size playground areas, 3 hiking trails,  9 fire rings,  4 picnic tables, 6 fire pits,  1 porta potty, and 1 outhouse. 

On-Site Activities (Upon Request): arts & crafts, mindfulness activities, and nature and science-based workshops.

Nearby Places: Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Swann Farm, Fridays Creek Winery, and Bayfront Park.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Camp area set up at Honey Bee Campsite #1

Hiking Trail near Napperville Campsite # 5

Driving Through the trails from Bohemian Campsite #2 heading to MaCart Campsite # 3

Napperville Campsite (Site 5 ) Movie Night

Maryland Health Society

Maryland Health Society (MAHESO) is closing for the season 9/30/24.

One of the oldest Clothing Optional Health Resort in the USA. We were established in 1934 and have been on the same property since 1936. We are 100% Not-for-Profit and 100% Volunteer. We are 45 min from Downtown Washington DC. Come out and leave all of your stress and worries behind.

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Learn more about this land:

We are the Maryland Health Society, one of the oldest clothing optional resorts and campgrounds in the USA.  Established in 1934, we are 100% not-for-profit and 100% volunteer run.  We have 98 secluded acres of wooded beauty, including cabins, RV sites with 50amp service, tent sites, swimming pool, clubhouse with kitchen and full restrooms, BBQ pit, 5 outdoor showers, 7 miles of hiking trails.  Bordering the Patuxent River, we are 10 minutes from Washington, DC. We host many large fundraising events every year. We are in a rustic setting and our offer total acceptance. We are a 100% AANR Club.

Our Welcome Sign as you Enter our Grounds

Our old Natural Spring house Soon to be our Natural Spring Bath. 50 degree Spring water on a Hot Day, Refreshing

Bald Eagle Farm on the Patuxent

Bald Eagle Farm has been in our family for three generations. Today two generations still live and operate the family farm. We once raised tobacco and cattle and have now converted to growing hay and grain. My family wants to share the views and the experience of sleeping under the stars

on our beautiful secluded farm. You will hear nothing but the wind, birds, frogs and insects while you doze off or enjoy the dark sky and camp fire.

We live on the farm so we are always here to help you out if needed. We can provide you with the firewood you need and water from our deep well. We are here to make your stay as comfortable as possible and provide a restroom in the case of an "emergency".

Recently named a finalist for 'Best Hipcamp in Maryland'! Thank you SO much for your support and we look forward to hosting you in 2022.

There are three campsites on the farm, one by the pond and two by the river. Very secluded and all sites include , firepit, log bench,

and a picnic table that seats 3-4 people. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD. AT THIS TIME WE ARE OUT FOR THE SEASON. 

The original river campsite has been moved to a more remote spot so that all campers can access the pond and pier to the river.

Farm encompasses nearly 300 acres on the Patuxent River. There is access to the river on high tide via our private creek (must bring your own canoe or kayak) and 150 acres of marshland. Over 100 acres of woods to walk through and a pond for wildlife watching.

Local Spots to Visit:

Canoe/Kayak/Fishing: Clyde Watson Boating Area, Patuxent River Park, Patuxent Wetlands Park, Cedar Haven Fishing Area

Hiking: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Patuxent River Park, Cedarville State Forest, Rosaryville State Park, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Maxwell Hall Park

Places to Eat: Hardesty Haven Cafe, Moreland's Produce & Market, Cedarville Grocery. 

(Highly recommend packing well, we are approx. 20 minutes from a grocery store)

Places to Drink: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Romano Vineyard & Winery, Janemark Winery & Vineyard

Winter View - Shows pond and proximity to the Patuxent River. 

Farm field or Forest Bathing

Learn more about this land:We have a three fold property with a large field in the front, a forest towards the rear, and in the far back we have wetlands. Nature lovers welcome!

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