Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Jane's Island State Park is located on the western bank of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and is an amazing example of the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas with over 2,900 acres of salt marsh. Some of its many highlights include over 30 miles of water trails, boat rentals, isolated beaches, fishing, and crabbing.

The beaches of Jane's Island allow unfettered access to the Tangier Sound, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The beach, however, is only accessible via boat/canoe/kayak. Kayaks and canoes may be rented (from April to October) at the park office for $10 per hour, or you can bring your own and launch it from the marina.

The shortest water trail to reach the beach is the 1.27-mile Yellow Trail, which is about a 40-minute paddle one way. Once you've reached the beach and secured your kayak, the first thing you'll notice is how open it is, as it seems to stretch forever in either direction. The second-most notable features are the water-logged trees dotting the shore, half buried in the sand, making it a unique backdrop for a day on the beach.

Fishing and crabbing are also very popular activities at this park due to the miles of marshes and easy water access. There are many places to fish or crab from, including various docks on the island, the marina, or via a boat/kayak/canoe. A Chesapeake Bay Fishing License is required.

Jane's Island State Park also contains a campground. Backcountry camping is available with a permit.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Miles of water trails. Relatively empty beach.

Cons

Beach only accessible by watercraft.

Features

Campgrounds + Campsites
Showers
Amphitheater
Backcountry camping
Flushing toilets
Boat ramp(s)
Bicycling
Potable water
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Marina
Fishing
Bird watching
Wildlife

Site type

Full hookups
Cabins

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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