Boat Ramps & Marina

The Sandy Point State Park marina has 22 boat launching ramps and six finger piers for short day docking, all in Mezick Pond off the Chesapeake Bay. The ramps are open 24 hours a day, all year. There is no extra ramp charge once you have paid park entry, and a Maryland state park annual pass covers unlimited launching. The marina has a pump-out station from April through October and is a certified Clean Marina.

Getting to the Ramps

After the entrance contact station, take the first paved road on the right and follow it around to the large marina parking lot. The ramps are at the bottom of the lot in Mezick Pond. The pond is named for Baptist Mezick, one of Sandy Point's earlier owners.

What It Costs

You pay the regular day-use entry, then launch for free:

• May 1 to September 30: $5 a person on weekends and holidays, $4 on weekdays
• October 1 to April 30: $3 per vehicle

The Maryland State Park Passport ($75 residents, $100 non-residents) covers entry for the car and unlimited launching at state park ramps. On summer weekends and holidays, the park requires a day-use reservation for entry; check hours and fees before an early launch.

Water Depth

The pond was dredged to eight feet, but sediment has built up, and DNR believes it is about six feet deep in some areas. Plan for that with a deep-draft boat.

Day Docking

Six finger piers are available for temporary day-use docking, first come, first served. They are for temporary day use, not overnight slips.

Leaving a Trailer Overnight

You can leave a boat trailer and vehicle overnight or for several days in the large marina lot. Check in at the Marina Store and fill out a form with your registration details. If the store is closed, forms are on the bulletin board by the marina restroom; if none are there, tell a park ranger. Park the trailer and vehicle at the top section of the lot by the Farmhouse.

The Marina Store

The Marina Store by the ramps sells bait and fishing supplies, snacks, and picnic and grilling supplies. Fishing and crabbing regulations are posted there too. For store and marina hours, call 410-974-4699 or the park office at 410-974-2149.

Fuel

Maryland DNR's boating section points to a list of local marinas that sell fuel and asks boaters to confirm each one is open before heading there.

Smaller Boats

Kayaks, canoes, catamarans and windsurfers launch from a separate small craft area at the south end of the park. See kayaking.

On the Water

The Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse stands about 1,000 yards east of the beach, and the Bay Bridge is just south of the park. Boats must stay out of the marked swimming areas and the zone between the buoys and the beach.