Tucked along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Somerset County, Janes Island State Park offers one of Maryland’s most immersive coastal wilderness experiences across its 3,160 acres. The park is defined by its vast network of saltwater marshes, tidal creeks, and quiet beaches accessible only by water — making it a premier destination for kayaking and canoeing on the mid-Atlantic coast.

Over 30 miles of marked water trails wind through the island’s marshlands, where paddlers encounter herons, ospreys, and diamondback terrapins in their natural habitat. The mainland side of the park features flat, easy hiking and biking trails through loblolly pine forests, while a small sandy beach on Daugherty Creek provides a spot to cool off without the Ocean City crowds.

Crabbing and fishing draw regulars to Janes Island year-round. The park sits in prime blue crab territory, and the fishing pier and boat launch give anglers access to flounder, perch, and striped bass in the surrounding waters.

The campground offers both standard and full-hookup sites, along with a handful of cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Sites are shaded and spaced well apart, and some sit right along the water’s edge.

Visit between late spring and early fall for the best paddling and crabbing conditions. Late September brings fewer mosquitoes and stunning marsh sunsets without the summer humidity. Janes Island rewards those willing to slow down and explore Maryland’s quieter, wilder coastline.

Explore Nearby

• Janes Island Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Somers Cove Light — Lighthouse in Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Colonial Parkway — Scenic Byway in Virginia
• Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area — Public Land in Maryland