Janes Island State Park

Janes Island State Park is a jewel of the Chesapeake Bay, offering one of the most unique outdoor experiences on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Located just outside the historic city of Crisfield in Somerset County, the park is divided into two distinct worlds: a developed mainland section designed for comfortable camping and a wild, 2,900-acre island that remains almost entirely untouched by modern development. For Maryland residents and travelers alike, Janes Island serves as a serene escape where the rhythms of the day are governed by the tides, the breeze, and the calls of the local wildlife. The park is widely recognized as a "paddler’s paradise," featuring miles of saltmarsh and protected waterways that lead to pristine, isolated beaches along the Tangier Sound.

Whether you are an avid angler, a dedicated kayaker, or a family looking for a peaceful weekend in the woods, Janes Island State Park offers a professional yet friendly environment that highlights the natural bounty of the region. The mainland portion of the park covers approximately 300 acres and serves as the hub for all visitor services, including a well-maintained campground, rental cabins, and a marina. Meanwhile, the island section across the canal beckons the more adventurous to explore its 30 miles of marked water trails. This balance of accessible amenities and raw wilderness makes Janes Island a standout destination for those who want to experience the authentic "Land of Pleasant Living" that Maryland is famous for.

Location and Accessibility are significant draws for this state park, as it sits at the southernmost tip of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Located at 26280 Alfred J. Lawson Drive, the park is easily reached via MD Route 413, a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of Somerset County’s marshlands and small-town landscapes. While the park feels secluded, it is only a few minutes away from the amenities of Crisfield, the "Seafood Capital of the World." The park is committed to being inclusive, offering several features to ensure that the beauty of the bay is accessible to all guests. Key accessibility and logistical details include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance and main park office.
• Wheelchair accessible restrooms and temperature-controlled bathhouses with large, ADA-compliant shower stalls.
• Dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lots near the campground, marina, and picnic areas.
• Four specifically designated accessible campsites located near the bathhouses for easier navigation.
• ADA-accessible fish cleaning station and dock area, ensuring everyone can participate in the park's maritime activities.
• On-site parking is available for both campers and day-use visitors, with free parking lots for general use.
• A 24-foot-high observation tower located near the nature center (accessible via stairs) providing expansive views of the island and Tangier Sound.

Services Offered at Janes Island State Park are designed to support a variety of camping styles, from traditional tenting to modern RVing. The park staff and rangers are known for their helpfulness, maintaining a clean and orderly environment for all guests. The camp store acts as the heart of the facility, providing essential supplies and recreational equipment. Services provided on-site include:

• Full RV camping accommodations, with 50 sites offering electric hookups (30 and 50 amp) and water hookups.
• Dedicated tent sites and pull-through sites that can accommodate rigs up to 35 feet in length.
• Professional boat rental services located at the marina, offering solo and tandem kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
• A camp store stocked with firewood, ice, snacks, camping essentials, and unique Maryland souvenirs.
• Wi-Fi access available at the camp store and the air-conditioned business center.
• Public boat launch ramp for a small fee, with a separate floating dock specifically for free kayak and canoe launching.
• Sanitary dump station for RV users to empty waste tanks safely and conveniently.
• Loaner tackle program available at the camp store for guests who want to try their hand at fishing or crabbing.
• Acceptance of multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for camping fees and rentals.

Features and Highlights of the park go far beyond the standard campground offerings. The real magic of Janes Island lies in its geography and the abundance of activities that connect visitors to the water. The park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers, with the island portion serving as a critical habitat for various species. Notable highlights include:

• Over 30 miles of marked water trails, ranging from short 1.25-mile loops to the challenging 12.5-mile island circumnavigation.
• Access to five miles of unspoiled, sandy beaches on the western side of Janes Island, accessible only by boat.
• Extensive picnic areas equipped with barbecue grills, picnic tables, and large pavilions available for group rentals and birthday parties.
• A modern playground area featuring swings and slides, situated near the ball fields and volleyball courts.
• Well-marked hiking and walking paths on the mainland that meander through loblolly pine forests and along the canal.
• Bicycle rentals for exploring the flat, paved roads of the park and the nearby town of Crisfield.
• Pet-friendly loops (Loops B and C) where dogs are allowed to join their owners for a waterfront camping adventure.
• Backcountry primitive campsites on the island itself for those seeking a true wilderness expedition (permit required).

Contact Information for Janes Island State Park is vital for planning your trip, especially since the park can reach full capacity during the peak summer and fall months. The physical address is 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA. You can contact the park office directly at (410) 968-1565 for questions about day-use, boat rentals, or weather conditions. For those preferring mobile communication, the line is +1 410-968-1565. Reservations for campsites and cabins are handled through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) online reservation system or by calling 1-888-432-2267. The park is open for day-use from sunrise to sunset, while camping is generally available from late March through early December.

What is worth choosing about Janes Island State Park is the unmatched peace and solitude it provides. Unlike many other waterfront destinations that are crowded with high-rises and boardwalks, Janes Island offers a landscape that looks much like it did hundreds of years ago. It is worth choosing for the sunset alone; the view from the observation tower or from a kayak in the Flat Cap Basin as the sun dips below the Chesapeake Bay is often cited as one of the best in Maryland. The park provides a budget-friendly way for families to engage with nature, offering inexpensive rentals and low camping fees without sacrificing the quality of facilities.

Furthermore, the park’s commitment to cleanliness and its heated, well-maintained bathhouses make it a comfortable choice even for those who are new to camping. Choosing Janes Island means you are opting for an active vacation where you can fish for striped bass in the morning, paddle to a private beach for lunch, and roast s'mores by a fire in the evening. It is a place that encourages you to put down your phone and pick up a paddle. If you are looking for a true Eastern Shore experience that combines the best of Maryland’s maritime culture with pristine natural beauty, Janes Island State Park is the perfect choice for your next outdoor adventure.