Kayaking & Small Craft
Paddlers at Sandy Point State Park launch from the small craft launch area at the south end of the park. Maryland DNR set it aside for kayaks, canoes, catamarans, small sailboats and windsurfers, so you do not have to share the 22 powerboat ramps. To get there, take the first left after the large white Mansion on the park road; the launch is beyond the parking lot at the end of the road. Parking right at the launch is limited.
Paddling at a Glance
Finding the Launch
From the entrance, drive past the contact station and watch for the large white house on the left, the historic Sandy Point Mansion. Take the first left after it. The turnoff is signed for the small craft launch area. Unload at the launch, then move your car: DNR says parking there is limited but there is more nearby.
Fees and Hours
Paddlers pay the normal park entry: $5 a person on weekends and holidays and $4 on weekdays from May 1 to September 30, and $3 a car the rest of the year. Summer weekends and holidays need a day-use reservation. Boating access is open 24 hours a day; see hours and fees.
Rentals
Maryland DNR's park map lists boat rental among the park's features, and the annual state park pass gives a 10 percent discount on state-run boat rentals. DNR does not publish rental details on the park page, so call the park office at 410-974-2149 or the marina at 410-974-4699 to ask what is available before you go.
Rules on the Water
- Stay out of the designated swimming areas.
- Do not paddle between the regulatory buoys and the shore at the beaches.
Conditions on the Bay
Sandy Point faces open Chesapeake Bay water, with the Bay Bridge just south and sand shoals offshore. DNR links to regional tide information for Maryland waterways from the park page; check the tide and the wind forecast before you set out.
Paddle Events
The Bay Bridge Paddle is one of the annual events Maryland DNR lists at Sandy Point, held in mid-September; it is run by an outside organizer. See events.
Bigger Boats
Powerboats and trailers use the marina's 22 ramps in Mezick Pond. See boat ramps and marina.
Kayaking & Small Craft FAQ
Where do you launch a kayak at Sandy Point State Park?
At the small craft launch area at the south end of the park. Take the first left after the white Mansion on the park road.
Can you rent kayaks at Sandy Point?
The DNR park map lists boat rental, but details are not posted. Call the park office (410-974-2149) or marina (410-974-4699) before you go.
Can you windsurf at Sandy Point?
Yes. Windsurfers launch from the small craft area, and windsurfing is on DNR's list of park features.
Do kayakers pay to enter Sandy Point?
Yes, the normal park entry fee applies. An annual state park pass covers it.