Top 8 Lakes around Mitchellville
Best lakes around Mitchellville, Maryland, are found in the surrounding region, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. While Mitchellville itself does not feature prominent lakes, nearby areas provide access to several notable bodies of water. These lakes are often integrated into parks and natural reserves, providing a blend of aquatic environments and extensive trail systems. The region's geography supports both man-made lakes and natural waterways, catering to various outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Mitchellville
- The most popular lakes is…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Lake Artemesia
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Patuxent Research Refuge
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Cash Lake
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Governor Bridge Natural Area
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Buddy Attick Lake Park
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Governor Bridge Natural Area was once a sand and gravel mining operation, but it has since been restored to its natural state and transformed into a beautiful recreation spot in Bowie. The eight-acre lake is a popular destination for anglers, teeming with largemouth bass, black crappie, sunfish, and catfish. A lovely loop trail around the lake is perfect for hikers and cyclists, and there's a boat launch to access the Patuxent River. As the starting point of the Patuxent Water Trail, this is the perfect place to kick off and conclude a delightful day in this picturesque area.
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Buddy Attick Lake Park offers a flat trail encircling the Greenbelt Lake, giving visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife such as great blue herons, songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels. The park features a playground, a recycling center, restrooms, and well-maintained facilities. This park is a popular spot for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
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Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake, spanning 38 acres and surrounded by Lake Artemesia Park. The lake and the park are named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who in 1972 donated ten lots to the county for preservation as a public green space.
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This park boasts an aquatic garden, miles of hiking, running, and biking trails, and numerous fishing areas. The standout feature of the park is the scenic 38-acre lake, visible from various points along the trails.
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This is a very cool wildlife refuge with trails surrounding Lake Cash and Lake Redington. Make sure to stop in and check out the museum in the Visitor's Center, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the trail.
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Covering 12,800 acres (5,179 ha), this refuge is home to more than 1,100 species of plants and diverse wildlife. In fall and spring, huge flocks of migratory bird species swoop above the forests, meadows and wetlands. The refuge is one of the biggest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic. There's a visitor center where you can learn about the refuge's important work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find near Mitchellville?
While Mitchellville itself doesn't have prominent lakes, the surrounding region offers a variety of options. You'll find man-made lakes like Lake Artemesia, lakes within extensive nature reserves such as the Patuxent Research Refuge, and those integrated into state parks like Greenbrier Lake or William Houck Lake in Cunningham Falls State Park. These lakes cater to diverse outdoor activities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Mitchellville?
Yes, several lakes in the area are great for families. Lake Artemesia is family-friendly with an aquatic garden and trails. The Patuxent Research Refuge, which includes Lake Cash and Lake Redington, is also suitable for families, offering a visitor center and wildlife viewing. Greenbrier Lake and William Houck Lake (Cunningham Falls State Park) are particularly popular for their sandy beaches and swimming opportunities with lifeguards during summer.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The lakes around Mitchellville offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and biking on trails around lakes like Lake Artemesia or Buddy Attick Lake Park. Fishing is popular at many lakes, including Governor Bridge Natural Area, Lake Needwood, and Centennial Lake. Boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding are available at Deep Creek Lake, Greenbrier Lake, and Lake Needwood. For more extensive routes, you can explore various easy hikes or cycling routes in the region.
Which lakes offer good hiking or cycling trails?
Many lakes in the area feature excellent trails. Lake Artemesia boasts miles of trails for hiking, running, and biking. The Patuxent Research Refuge has trails surrounding Lake Cash and Lake Redington, including the dedicated Cash Lake Trail. Governor Bridge Natural Area offers a lovely loop trail, and Buddy Attick Lake Park features a flat trail encircling Greenbelt Lake. Centennial Lake also has a large paved path popular with walkers and cyclists.
Where can I go for wildlife spotting near Mitchellville's lakes?
The Patuxent Research Refuge is an excellent choice for wildlife spotting, home to over 1,100 plant species and diverse wildlife, including migratory birds. Buddy Attick Lake Park is also known for its wildlife, where visitors can observe great blue herons, songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels. Centennial Lake also features a dedicated wildlife area.
Are there lakes suitable for swimming?
Yes, Greenbrier Lake and William Houck Lake (Cunningham Falls State Park) are very popular for swimming, featuring white sandy beaches and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Deep Creek Lake also offers public access with beach areas for swimming.
What are the best lakes for fishing?
Many lakes in the region are great for fishing. Lake Artemesia has numerous fishing areas. Governor Bridge Natural Area is teeming with largemouth bass, black crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Greenbrier Lake is known for excellent fishing, stocked with trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Lake Needwood and Centennial Lake also permit fishing with a license.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Mitchellville?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with fall foliage being particularly stunning around Lake Needwood. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at lakes like Greenbrier Lake and William Houck Lake. Deep Creek Lake is a four-season destination, also offering winter sports at nearby Wisp Resort.
Are there any lakes with boat rentals or launches?
Yes, several lakes provide boating facilities. Lake Needwood offers canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats for rent during the summer. Greenbrier Lake also allows canoeing and boating. Governor Bridge Natural Area has a boat launch for accessing the Patuxent River, and Centennial Lake has a boat launch for those with a boating permit. Deep Creek Lake State Park provides boat rentals.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see?
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Lake Artemesia features an aquatic garden and scenic views of the 38-acre lake. The Patuxent Research Refuge is one of the biggest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic, offering extensive natural landscapes. Cunningham Falls State Park, home to William Houck Lake, is noted for its natural beauty year-round and scenic falls.
Are there any lakes that are wheelchair accessible?
The Patuxent Research Refuge is listed as wheelchair accessible, providing opportunities for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the natural environment around Lake Cash and Lake Redington.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near Mitchellville?
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from extensive trail systems for hiking and cycling to water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. The natural beauty, wildlife spotting opportunities, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared 4 photos and given 13 upvotes, highlighting the appeal of these natural spaces.
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