The Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park offers recreational river access to the public, daily and at no cost, including a fishing pier, docking facilities for both small and large vessels, kayak launching ramps, and a shoreline landing spot for water recreation.
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Public access to and from the river–fishing, boating, and water activities–are free. Floating docks with attached Kayak Dock launches have been added to both the boat dock and fishing pier for access to or from the river by kayak or canoe. Kayak carts are available at the Visitor Center for temporary use by visitors needing assistance transporting kayaks or canoes to the launches or shoreline. Loans are first come, first served. A refundable deposit is required.
The park is open from dawn to dusk, with gates closing at sunset.
Saylor Grove Fishing Pier
The Saylor Grove public fishing pier provides visitors a panoramic view of the Potomac River and Mount Vernon.
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The pier is named for Congressman John Saylor who sponsored the 1961 law creating Piscataway Park and each of the subsequent laws. His final work in the congress was an act to complete the park.
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He came here on summer evenings to enjoy the quiet peace and beauty he helped preserve. The area is a living memorial to him for his help in making this possible.
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The pier is open to visitors and those interested in fishing year-round.
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Fishing Regulations
A fishing license is required, which can be obtained through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or at local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and other businesses associated with recreational fishing, hunting, or boating activities throughout Maryland. Fisherpeople and boaters using the fishing pier should be considerate of one another.
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Bait is available for purchase in the Visitor Center, which is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, mid-March through mid-December.
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Pier Accessibility
The fishing pier is approximately 250 feet long. The pier is constructed to meet Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The floating dock and kayak launch are attached to the pier by a 4-foot by 28-foot L-shaped gangplank, which is designed to have a maximum 8.33% slope (at low tide). The floating dock is approximately two feet above the surface of the water.
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The water depth near the fishing pier varies between 8 feet at high tide and 6 feet at low tide. It is recommended that visitors check the water depth and tides by visiting the Maryland DNR website.
Piscataway Park
Boat Dock
The Piscataway Park boat dock allows passenger boats to arrive to the park from the Potomac River. The water depth is about 6 feet at high tide and 3 feet during low tide. There is no fishing at the boat dock. The boat dock is not universally accessible, but equivalent, accessible facilities are available at the fishing pier.
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Shoreline kayak or canoe launch area is located near the Saylor Grove fishing pier, accessible by a trail located near the picnic pavilion.
Dock Accessibility
Accessible only via stairs, the boat dock is not universally accessible, but equivalent, accessible facilities are available at the fishing pier. The water depth is about 6 feet at high tide and 3 feet during low tide. There is no fishing at the boat dock.