Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

[Kostyan]

Hey folks,
I am a newbie boater (18" jetboat), residing in the Baltimore, MD area, looking for some clean remote beaches that can be only accessed by a boat, and that's not too far from the boat ramp. If someone can provide some ideas, and even coordinates, would be great.

Last year, I had went out on the water in Essex (Rocky Point) and there is one "island" about 5-10 min boat ride. This year, I am looking for some new places to go...

 

[mthieme]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

I assume you're referring to Hart Miller Island.
Someone was telling me about an island off Elk Neck State Park.
Clean remote beaches are a thing of the past. Have you tried any of the gunk holes on the Eastern shore?

 

[arks]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

Yeah, Hart-Miller. A nice place if you can put up with the crowd.
Um, word of advice- stay away from "Pooles Island" (not far from Hart-Miller in the middle of the Bay). It's MILITARY and STRICTLY OFF LIMITS! Don't even anchor nearby because unexploded ordinance is in the water. No kidding. The water cops patrol regularly and will run you outta there pronto.

Someone was telling me about an island off Elk Neck State Park.

I think that would be me- we were discussing "Sand Island" which is northwest from Turkey Point along the Havre de Grace channel. On charts it's officially labelled a "spoil area", but it's a nice sandy Island just to the west of "Fishing Battery". To find it quickly, on NOAA chart #12274, find Spesutie Island (OFF LIMITS - military again) and look due north about 1 mile.
There's also another (un-named) island, er spoil, about 1000 yards north that almost nobody visits. Why? because the water is too shallow for most boats to get close and the bottom is muddy. It has more cover (trees) than Sand Island. I've kayaked there a few times.
One more "secret" spot- inside the entrance of Swan Creek (due west from Sand island) is Swan Creek Point- a secluded, sandy point of land that's far away from any buildings. The only way to get there is by boat. It's a good place to hang out and enjoy the day.
The closest ramp to all these would be the Havre de Grace City Yacht Basin at Tydings Park.

Hmmm...eastern shore.
- Stillpond! One of the all-time greatest places on the Bay. Beautiful scenery and a couple nice (and secluded) beaching spots along its shores. Not sure about public ramps.
- Churn Creek (at the mouth of Stillpond) is shallow and perfect for PWC's and jetboats, but please don't harrass the locals in there- it's well-known for its peacefulness. The sandy, curved beach at the mouth of Churn Creek is absolutely lovely- and jam-packed on nice weekends.
- How 'bout Tim's Creek at the mouth of Worton Creek? SUPER nice beach (spit, actually) but I've always touched bottom trying to get in there. I know there's a deep channel but can never find it. I don't know if Worton Creek Marina has a ramp.
- Sassafras River/Woodland Creek- there's an island back in there but it's too shallow for most boats. Never seen anyone on the island. I've only kayaked there but a jetboat might be able to make it. Watch the tides, though. Launch ramp at Duffy Creek Marina.
- Sassafras/ Lloyd and Turner Creeks- both nice places to hang. Lloyds is shallow but popular with the go-fast crowd.

Here's chart #12274 that youll need to find these spots. It has zoom and pan features.
You're welcome.
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/12274.shtml

Clean remote beaches are a thing of the past. ?

You got that right- ESPECIALLY the "remote" part- unless you like to boat in the winter

 

[bowman316]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

I have camped on the sand islands before, one of the few island you can camp on leagally,
or at least the police will not bother you if you camp on it, even it if it not legal.

The big thing about camping, is people do not pick up their trash, so that is why then ban it in a lot of places.

The sand island in the summer feel like the tropics almost. Miles of shallow 4 foot deep water.

i want to explore an island off the sasarfas river in lloyd creek. It looks secluded enough that no one would run you off.
The problem is that most islands are owned by APG or privatley owned.

 

[Edko]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

This may or may not be useful to you but here is a site that has user reviews and notes points of interest.

http://www.activecaptain.com/index.php

It's a free register and you won't get email spam. I've been playing with it to check areas for the wife and I to visit this year. The area reviews (green marks on the map) are hit and miss as to quality, so ymmv.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

That site looks awesome,

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

I visited the Elk Neck Park area once, and it's a nice area.

A park beach exists on the west side of the point. On the east side, the side that faces
the Delaware Canal, there is considerable pollution resulting in oil covered shore area.

I think the general rule is that the further south you go, the better the water is.
Many folks are working to try and improve the bay, overall, as I understand.

Like anywhere, research and find out about where you're going, before going.
Have a great time! Good times can be had in the bay.

 

[Edko]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

For those of you visiting Hart Miller or any other Maryland State Park, here's a bit of news.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.parks18mar18,0,1622298.story

Md. to prohibit most park drinking

March 18, 2009

HAGERSTOWN - It's last call for alcohol at Maryland state parks.

Drinking without a $35 group permit will be banned March 31 in day-use areas and Nov. 1 in campgrounds and shelters, the Department of Natural Resources said yesterday.

After that, consuming alcohol anywhere in the 65 parks except in full-service cabins, recreational vehicles or at the Rocky Gap Lodge will be outlawed and punishable by a $55 fine.

The agency now allows alcohol consumption at park picnic tables, including those in campgrounds. But too many people abuse that privilege and spoil things for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, officials said.

The new rules will bring Maryland's alcohol policy in line with those in neighboring Pennsylvania and Virginia.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Looking for new remote beach destinations near Baltimore

Yea, that is why I always hated going to the penn state parks, Not being able to drink sucks.

But with hart miller, you can drink in the boat i guess. Becuase you can drink in your boat anywhere, as long as 1 person is sober to drive.

So i guess you could just not go to shore an drink, Just wade out into the water i guess, lol.