A person walking a leashed dog along an empty sandy bay beach in cool weather, light jacket, calm water

Dogs at Sandy Point

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sandy Point State Park, on a leash. The one big exception is the beach: from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day, pets are not allowed on the sandy portion of the swimming beach areas. The rest of the year your dog can walk the beach with you. Dogs are never allowed in park buildings or on playgrounds, and service animals are welcome in all pedestrian areas.

At a Glance

Dogs at a Glance

Dogs allowed?Yes, on a leash

Beach banSandy beach areas, Memorial Day weekend to after Labor Day

Off-season beachAllowed, leashed

Not allowedPark buildings, playgrounds

RequiredLicense and rabies vaccination

Clean upAlways

Dog eventLights and Leashes, Nov 20 to 22, 2026

Where Dogs Can Go

Picnic areas, lawns and park roads: yes, on a leash.
Trails: the Symbi and Blue Crab trails are short walks that work well with a dog.
The beach in summer: no. From Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day, pets are banned from the sandy parts of the beach areas.
The beach the rest of the year: yes, on a leash. DNR's South Beach plans mention dog walkers in winter as one of the groups the new perimeter trail is meant for.
Park buildings and playgrounds: no, except service animals.

Maryland Park Service Pet Rules

These apply in every Maryland state park, Sandy Point included:

Pets must be licensed and have all required vaccinations, including rabies.
Pets must be on a leash. They may be off leash only while swimming in designated areas or hunting with the right permit.
Clean up after your pet. Waste containers are in most areas.
Obey any sign that keeps pets out of an area.
No excessive barking.
Service animals are allowed in all pedestrian areas.

Lights and Leashes

The one time you can walk your dog through the Lights on the Bay holiday show is Lights and Leashes, November 20 to 22, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. The SPCA of Anne Arundel County opens the route on foot for three nights before the drive-through season starts. Everyone must leave the park by 9 p.m.

A narrow dirt footpath through an old planted pine forest with straight trunks and pine needles on the ground

Tips for a Visit With a Dog

Plan beach time for after Labor Day and before Memorial Day weekend, when leashed dogs can be on the sand.
In summer, stay near the picnic areas and trails, and bring water; the beach and playgrounds are off limits.
Summer weekends and holidays need a day-use reservation. See hours and fees.

FAQ

Dogs at Sandy Point FAQ

Are dogs allowed at Sandy Point State Park?

Yes, on a leash. They are not allowed on the sandy swimming beach areas from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day, or in buildings and playgrounds.

Can dogs go on the beach at Sandy Point?

Not in summer. From Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day pets are banned from the sand. The rest of the year leashed dogs can walk the beach.

Can dogs swim at Sandy Point State Park?

Maryland Park Service rules let pets be off leash only while swimming in designated areas. Check with the park office at 410-974-2149 about where that applies at Sandy Point.

Can I bring my dog to Lights on the Bay?

The SPCA's dog event is Lights and Leashes, a walk-through on November 20 to 22, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m. Ask the organizer about dogs during the drive-through.