Janes Island State Park, MD - Crisfield, Maryland - Isolated Park Offers March Exploration in Tangier Sound

Janes Island State Park, MD, is located at 26280 Alfred Lawson Drive, in the town of Crisfield in the south westernmost part of this state. There are 25 boat slips for docking visiting vessels for a charge. Boast can also be launched into the water at the park at no charge.

This is a MD State Park with two different sections. There is a mainland area accessible by car, with cabins, campgrounds and other facilities. The other section of the park is only available by boat. It is an island in the Tangier Sound of the Chesapeake Bay from which the park takes its name.

Swimming is allowed off of the island's 6 miles of sandy beach. However, bathers must beware the stinging jellyfish of these waters. There are 10 primitive, paddle-in campsites on the island for which a backcountry permit is required.

There are water trails marked clearly for kayaks and canoes. Most of the channels are free of waves and of wind, making for quiet and relaxed paddling along the 2,900 acres of isolated marsh area. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent from the park.

Fishing and hunting, as well as crabbing, are all permitted at Janes Island State Park, MD.

There are just 104 mainland campsites in the park. Each one has a fire ring and picnic table. The sites are designed to each accommodate either tent or vehicle camping. Fifty of these campsites have electricity. There also five cabins which include full kitchens.

A playground, softball diamond, and volleyball court can be enjoyed for recreation by campers. There is also a fitness trail that winds through the mainland area for about 1 mile, as well as several hiking trails.

Camping is allowed from April through October only. A conference center here, which sleeps 16 people, is open year round.

The park occupies and preserves a total of 3,147 acres.

There are 25 tables with grills for picnics by day visitors and 2 picnic pavilions that are available for reservations.

The original inhabitants here were Native Americans of the Annemessex Nation.

Native settlement first occurred here some 13,000 years ago. Back then, sea level was 350 ft. below its current elevation. Prehistoric mammals roamed the area. Artifacts have been found along the Janes Island shore that gives evidence of prehistoric hunting and oyster shelling.

Janes Island State Park, MD offers a variety of fish for fishermen on either of the island piers or the mainland. The mainland pier is wheelchair accessible.

There is a park store that caters to campers. It also sells snacks and souvenirs. Bait is available here as well as fishing licenses. The park store sells camping needs, snacks, T-shirts and souvenirs, fishing licenses, and bait.