Small natural beach on the Nanticoke River and Tangier Sound in Wicomico County. Primarily accessed through Roaring Point Waterfront Campground with day-use fees or overnight camping. Offers quiet, uncrowded beach experience with limited facilities.
Maryland Beaches
Maryland’s beaches span three distinct water environments: the Atlantic Ocean barrier beaches of Ocean City and Assateague Island, the calm brackish coves and cliffs of the Chesapeake Bay, and the mountain freshwater shorelines of Deep Creek Lake State Park in Western Maryland. Along the Atlantic coast, Ocean City offers 10 miles of free public beach and guarded summer swimming alongside its boardwalk, while Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore offer wild barrier island surfing, ocean camping, oversand vehicle zones, and free-roaming wild horses. On the Chesapeake Bay, destinations such as Sandy Point State Park, Calvert Cliffs State Park, North Beach, and Point Lookout State Park provide gentle waves suited for families, crabbing, and kayaking. Maryland State Parks charge per-vehicle or per-person day-use fees and require advance weekend day-pass reservations at high-demand parks like Sandy Point and Greenbrier during summer. Check Maryland Healthy Beaches water quality conditions before swimming. Use the filters below to compare Maryland beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Assateague barrier island, Chesapeake Bay, and Western Maryland mountain lakes for swimming, surfing, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and camping. During peak summer weekends, check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Park Service website for day-use capacity status and advance pass requirements at Sandy Point and Greenbrier State Parks, and consult the Maryland Healthy Beaches interactive map for current water quality conditions.
Matoaka Beach Cabins
Private beach area on the Chesapeake Bay with cabin rentals and beach access. Known for fossil hunting opportunities along the shoreline. Limited access through cabin rentals or special arrangements with owners. Popular for quiet getaways.
Sandy Point State Park
Popular Chesapeake Bay beach near Annapolis featuring spectacular views of the Bay Bridge. Offers sandy beaches, swimming areas, marina, boat rentals, fishing, and picnic facilities. Entry fee required with limited capacity during peak season.
Chesapeake Beach
Historic resort town on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay known for its water park, fishing charters, and marina. Limited public beach access with primary beach access through the Chesapeake Beach Water Park (seasonal operation with admission fee).
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Named for the impressive 24-million-year-old fossil-bearing cliffs. Features a small beach accessible via a 1.8-mile hike, popular for fossil hunting and swimming. Limited facilities at beach area with main amenities at the park entrance.
Matapeake Beach
Quiet Chesapeake Bay beach on Kent Island with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge. Features a separate dog-friendly beach area, fishing pier, and historic clubhouse. Less crowded alternative to Sandy Point with small entry fee.
Betterton Beach
Five-acre waterfront park on the Chesapeake Bay with 700 feet of shoreline and one of the Bay’s few nettle-free beaches. Features a fishing jetty, gazebo, picnic facilities, and bath house. Free admission with ample parking.
Hart-Miller Island
Remote island in Chesapeake Bay accessible only by boat featuring a 3,000-foot sandy beach on the western shore. Offers primitive camping, hiking trails, and natural beach experience. No facilities except portable toilets during summer months.
Point Lookout State Park
Historic park at the southern tip of Maryland’s western shore where the Potomac River meets Chesapeake Bay. Features a beach area, fishing pier, boat launch, campground, and Civil War museum. Entry fee required with spectacular water views.
Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area)
Popular swimming beach on the Gunpowder River with 1,500 feet of shoreline and designated swimming area. Features picnic facilities, playgrounds, canoe/kayak rentals, and hiking trails. Entry fee required with seasonal lifeguards.