Lake Artemesia in College Park is a practical choice for a gentle lakeside walk, birdwatching, fishing, or a longer ride that connects to nearby trails. The natural area is open daily from dawn to dusk, with a parking lot and restrooms at 8200 55th Avenue. Start with the paved path around the water, then decide whether to stay for wildlife watching or continue onto the regional trail network. Check the official PG Parks page before leaving for current access and activity details.
Lake Artemesia at a glance
Where: 8200 55th Avenue, College Park, Maryland. Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk. Facilities: Parking, restrooms, bike racks and picnic tables. Activities: Walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching and seasonal kayak rental. PG Parks describes an 86.96 acre natural area; Maryland DNR separately describes the lake itself as 38 acres. These figures measure different things.
This is a park visit, not a swim outing. Confirm current rules on the PG Parks visitor page, especially if a specific activity is the reason for your trip.
Choose the right walk or ride
For a short visit: Follow the paved lakeside path and pause at the water and wildlife viewing areas. You can turn around whenever your group is ready. We do not give a precise loop distance because route choices and access points can change.
For a longer outing: The City of College Park trail guide says the Lake Artemesia Trail connects with the Paint Branch, Indian Creek, Northeast Branch and Trolley trails. The city describes Paint Branch Trail as a 3.5 mile route from Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park to the lake. Check the map before combining trails so your return distance suits your group.
If you are weighing paths for different mobility needs, our accessible Maryland trips guide explains what to verify before travel. A paved trail alone does not establish that every entrance, restroom or section meets your requirements.
Watch birds and turtles without rushing
College Park identifies Lake Artemesia as a place for birdwatching and turtle watching. Slow down near the water and scan the shore and trees instead of trying to cover the whole trail quickly. Bring binoculars if you have them, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and leave animals and plants undisturbed. The city’s parks and wildlife guidance is a useful starting point for families planning a nature focused visit.
Plan a fishing visit
Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources lists Lake Artemesia as a freshwater fishing location with stocked trout, largemouth bass and bluegill. Species presence does not guarantee a catch, and stocking and rules can change. Check the DNR fishing location guide and the current fishing regulations for licensing, seasons, limits and permitted gear before you go. If fishing is the main purpose of your visit, bring the equipment you need rather than assuming rentals are available.
Check kayak availability before you travel
PG Parks lists a self service kayak rental at Lake Artemesia through Rent.Fun for visitors ages 13 and older. The stated season generally runs from April through October. Availability, weather, operating dates and fees may vary, so check the current park information and the rental service before making kayaking the centerpiece of your day. Plan a walk as a fallback if rentals are unavailable.
If you want a river outing instead of a lake visit, our Patuxent River Park visitor guide compares Jug Bay trails with its seasonal canoe and kayak rentals. The two parks have different age rules and rental arrangements, so check each operator before making paddling the main plan.
Make it work for families and dogs
The paved route, restrooms and picnic tables make a flexible family outing. A simple plan is to walk first, stop to watch the water, then use the picnic area. Keep children close near the lake. PG Parks allows leashed dogs, so bring water and check the current park rules before visiting with a pet. Our dog friendly Maryland vacations guide can help you combine this stop with a longer trip.
For a second Prince George’s County park with a different mix of activities, see our Watkins Regional Park guide. For a nearby indoor stop, use our College Park Aviation Museum family guide to check museum hours and the 2026 admission waiver.
A simple visit plan
About one hour: Use the main parking area, enjoy a comfortable stretch of the lakeside path and spend time watching birds or turtles. About two hours: Add a longer walk or a picnic and leave time for unhurried stops. Half a day: Connect to another trail after checking the city map, or plan fishing if you have confirmed the applicable rules. These are planning suggestions, not published park itineraries.
For more nearby choices, use our Prince George’s County guide. Our family weekend getaways guide offers ideas for building a broader Maryland trip.
Before you go
Check the official park page for hours, temporary restrictions and rental details on the day of your visit. Check the weather and trail conditions, especially after heavy rain. Bring water, sun protection and a way to take your litter home. If a particular entrance, restroom or route feature is essential, confirm it directly with PG Parks before traveling.
Illustration note: The featured artwork is an original illustration inspired by a Maryland lakeside visit. It is not a photograph of the park.
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