Naval Air Station Patuxent River is an active United States Navy installation in Patuxent River, Maryland, near Lexington Park. It supports naval aviation testing, engineering, and fleet support. This page covers directions, visitor access, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Naval Air Station Patuxent River
Military branch United States Navy
Base status Active
Street address 22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409, NAS Patuxent River, MD 20670-1132
Main phone number 301-342-3000 (NAS Patuxent River operator)
Visitor Center phone 301-342-3231
Official website NAS Patuxent River

Location and Directions

NAS Patuxent River is in St. Mary's County, in the Patuxent River area outside Lexington Park. The three entry gates can be reached from Maryland Route 235, also called Three Notch Road. Commercial travelers generally use Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport, or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Public transportation from these airports is very limited.

Visitor Information

Visitors should make arrangements before arriving and get the needed access credentials or vehicle pass at the Gate 2 Pass Office. The office can be reached at 301-342-3231 and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays.

Pass processing may take up to two hours, and identification may be scanned at entry points. Gate 1 is the 24-hour access gate after normal duty hours. Confirm current access rules with the pass office before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

The Housing Service Center helps with family housing applications, referrals, community housing searches, and lease reviews. It is at 21967 Cuddihy Road, Building 2371, and can be reached at 301-342-3846 or PatuxentRiver_Housing@us.navy.mil. Unaccompanied housing is at 22208 Cuddihy Road, Building 2818, with a phone number of 301-995-2754. On-base lodging includes Navy Gateway Inns and Suites and Navy Lodge; reservations are available at 877-628-9233 and 800-628-9466.

Facilities and Services

The Fleet and Family Support Center is at 21993 Bundy Road, Building 2090, and its phone number is 301-342-4911. The installation also has a commissary, Navy Exchange, legal assistance, and CAC and ID card services.

MWR services include fitness and sports facilities, aquatics programs, an Auto Skills Center, a Bowling Center, Cedar Point Golf Course, Center Stage Theater, Information, Tickets and Travel, the Liberty Program, River's Edge Catering and Conference Center, and West Basin Marina.

Schools and Childcare

There are no Department of Defense schools at NAS Patuxent River. Local school options are connected to St. Mary's County Public Schools and Calvert County Public Schools. The School Liaison can help families with school questions at 301-342-4911.

Program Location or contact
Child Development Center Building 2030, 301-342-7637
Child Development Center Building 2813, 301-342-1373
Youth Center Building 2815, 301-342-1694

The installation also offers Child Development Homes, School Age Care, and youth and teen programs. Child Development Centers serve children from six weeks through the end of preschool. Enrollment requests go through MilitaryChildCare.com, and eligibility and space depend on program rules and availability.

Medical Services

Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River is at 47149 Buse Road, Building 1370. It provides primary care, aviation medicine, behavioral health, dental services, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, and other listed services. Call 301-342-1418 for the clinic or 855-227-6331 for appointments. The clinic is not an emergency room; call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for a life-threatening emergency.

Recreation and Amenities

NAS Patuxent River has outdoor and indoor recreation options. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, golf, camping, hunting, and waterfront recreation.

Facility Activity
Cedar Point Golf Course Golf and driving range
West Basin Marina Boating and waterfront activities
Outdoor swimming pool Swimming
Bowling Center Bowling
Drill Hall fitness and recreation center Fitness and recreation

Other options include the Center Stage Theater, Auto Skills Center, camping and outdoor recreation areas, and Information, Tickets and Travel. Naval Recreation Center Solomons is a related Navy recreation facility with lodging, camping, boating, fishing, and swimming.

Things to Know

  • The official address is in Patuxent River, although Lexington Park is the nearby community often used in location descriptions.
  • Arrange access with a sponsor or the installation pass office before arrival.
  • Gate 2 is the visitor pass location, and processing may take substantial time.
  • School assignments depend on where a family lives and local district boundaries.
  • The health clinic does not provide emergency care.
  • Phone numbers, hours, access rules, and service availability can change. Confirm current information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is NAS Patuxent River?

It is in Patuxent River, Maryland, outside Lexington Park in St. Mary's County.

Which gate handles visitor passes?

Gate 2 provides visitor vehicle-pass services through the Pass Office.

What is the visitor pass office phone number?

Call 301-342-3231.

Are there DoD schools on the installation?

No. Local school options include St. Mary's County Public Schools and Calvert County Public Schools.

Does the medical clinic handle emergencies?

No. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.