Sandy Point State Park is a beautiful Maryland state park located less than 10 miles from the capital city, Annapolis, and less than an hour from Washington, DC. Sitting on 786 acres, this park is a popular day escape for beachgoers, bird watchers, and boaters alike. If you’re planning to visit Sandy Point State Park, read on for a guide to the park’s amenities and the best places to set up camp nearby.
Swimming at Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point has incredible scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay. But you don’t have to only look. The beach stretches a mile long and offers plenty of room to do all of your favorite beach activities. Come lay in the sunshine or splash right in the chilly water.
Memorial Day through Labor Day are the busiest times at this park — especially because weather temperatures reach the upper 70s and into the 80s on average. Because this time of year attracts the most visitors looking for summer fun, note that no pets are allowed in the park between May and September. While you won’t see any family pups, you may notice jellyfish in the water! Avoid them if at all possible, as their tentacles can cause a burning sensation that can last as long as an hour.
The beach and the park are open year-round, and it is swim at your own risk outside of posted lifeguard hours. Even in colder months, the views of the water and the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge can’t be beaten, so don’t rule out Sandy Point as a nice getaway any time.
More Things To Do
Beyond the beach itself, there are 22 different boat launching ramps to start an adventure on the water rather than just in it. But you don’t need a boat to enjoy excellent fishing or crabbing. You can fish from designated shoreline fishing areas or the small fishing/crabbing pier. Night fishing is also allowed after the park closes; however, you must be actively fishing to remain in the park after closing.
Besides water activities, there is also a bay-themed playground for families, a nature center (be sure to check the hours before you go), and 12 shelters that you can rent for picnics or gatherings. There are even two short nature trails — one through an old pine forest and another wooded trail that’s excellent for birdwatchers.
How To Camp Sandy Point State Park
There are no official campgrounds at Sandy Point State Park. If you want to stay nearby, there are several open campgrounds within 60 miles that will make it easy to get out and spend an entire day enjoying the beautiful bay. Many campgrounds in this area are run by the Department of Defense and cater only to military personnel and families. Be sure to secure a spot at one of these campgrounds early, so you have a stress-free camp set-up.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
This conveniently located KOA is less than 20 miles from Sandy Point State Park, MD. There are spots here to cover rigs up to 90 feet in length! There are 100 RV sites with full hookups, some that are pull-through and some back-in. There is a pool available during the summer, as well as bike rentals through the on-site shop.
Bayshore Campgrounds
Located on the other side of the bay is Bayshore Campgrounds, a beautiful waterfront campground with incredible views. While located directly on the Chesapeake Bay, there isn’t a beach here, but there are two stocked ponds for fishing. You’ll find 30 and 50-amp electric hookups as well as water hookups for your RV. If you’re towing a boat, there is a boat launch but note the size restrictions on the website. Keep your eyes on the skies, as there have been frequent Bald Eagle sightings.
Breezy Point Beach & Campgrounds
Breezy Point Beach is located about 40 miles south of Sandy Point State Park in Chesapeake Beach, MD. If you want to stay in a beachy environment, this is the perfect campground to call home for a weekend, a week, or even longer. Camping season here only runs from May through the end of October, so there are no off-season camping opportunities. In-season camping opportunities fill up quickly, so be sure to book well in advance. There are water and electric hookups available, but this campground does not offer any septic services or a dump station.
Take Your RV to Play in the Bay
You may not think of the busy DMV area as the perfect place for an RV getaway, but there are countless beautiful places that are more than worth getting a little outside of town to explore. Enjoy cool nights by the campfire and hot days at the beach when you camp near Sandy Point State Park in a comfortable and convenient RV rental. Pack your swimwear and pile into a safe and easy-to-drive RV from Cruise America. There are three locations in Baltimore and Virginia all just a half-day away from the perfect summer vacation spot.
