About Charles County Welcome to Charles County in Southern Maryland, home to a wealth of natural, cultural and historic treasures, diverse natural landscapes, and scenic views of the Potomac. Located just 20 miles southeast of the Nation's Capital, Charles County is a prosperous and bustling community that still maintains small town characteristics. Its location along the Southern Potomac River provides numerous opportunities for water-based recreation such as paddling, fishing, and bird watching. Chapel Point State Park, Purse State Park and Smallwood State Park offer perfect opportunities for fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Charles County is distinguished for having the largest Blue Heron Rookery on the East Coast, located in Nanjemoy and the second largest Bald Eagle population in the State of Maryland. The county offers four water trails offering 1-2 hour or all-day options for the experienced or novice paddler. Perhaps best know for its bass fishing, marinas, fishing facilities and seafood restaurants dot the Potomac shoreline.
