Picnic Areas & Pavilions

Sandy Point State Park has three picnic areas: Tollgate, South Beach and East Beach. Tollgate and South Beach are first come, first served; picnicking at East Beach is by reservation only. For big groups the park rents twelve pavilions at East Beach. Nine hold up to 140 people, two hold up to 180, and one holds up to 300. Reserve online through the state reservation system or by phone at 1-888-432-2267.

The Three Picnic Areas

Tollgate is near the entrance, by the first picnic area on the right after you come in. The Symbi Trail starts behind it.

South Beach is at the end of the main road by the lifeguarded beach, the bathhouse and the summer food concession. Maryland DNR's South Beach restoration, begun in September 2024, plans new picnic areas, grills and tables, and hundreds of new trees for shade.

East Beach is the pavilion area, with its own swimming beach and bathhouse. The East Beach parking lot is restricted to people who have rented a shelter there.

Playgrounds and bathrooms are spread through these areas. A limited number of grills and picnic tables are available first come, first served. The Marina Store by the boat ramps sells picnic and grilling supplies, and a food concession at South Beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Renting a Pavilion

The twelve East Beach pavilions are for family reunions, group picnics and other large gatherings.

• Sizes: nine for up to 140 people, two for up to 180, and one for up to 300.
• What you get: picnic tables, grills and limited electrical outlets. Water faucets are nearby.
• How to book: online through the Maryland Park Service reservation site for Sandy Point, or by calling 1-888-432-CAMP (2267). DNR publishes season dates and shelter charges on its reservations page, and a "Things to Know Before Renting a Shelter" sheet.
• Entry is extra: the shelter fee does not include entry. Every person entering the park pays the per-person fee.

Alcohol

Alcohol is banned in the park and on the beach, with one exception: it is allowed in the rented shelters by permit only, and permits come only through the shelter reservation system.

Weddings, Baptisms and Events

• Baptisms are not allowed at East Beach. Contact the park to schedule one at South Beach, between 7 and 9 a.m. only.
• Weddings: DNR says plainly that East Beach is not a prime wedding venue. All twelve shelters share one beach, bathhouses and restrooms; chairs cannot be set up on the beach, areas cannot be roped off, and amplified music and DJs are not allowed.
• Special events need a Special Event Request form from the park office (410-974-2149). Because the park is so busy, requests for May through September are not often approved.

Bugs

DNR notes more flying insects, especially flies, near the wet, marshy areas in late summer and after wet weather, and some East Beach shelters are affected. Bring sprays, traps or repellent.

Picnic Rules

• Maryland state parks are trash free. Take all your trash home.
• Adults must supervise minors at all times.
• Pets are allowed in the picnic areas on a leash, but not on the sandy swimming beaches from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day. See dogs.
• No grills or fires on the beach itself.