Water Access

Discover public water access in Anne Arundel County such as; cartop canoe and kayak launch sites, paddle-in camping, fishing, boat ramp, boat rental, dog beach and swimming.

Anne Arundel County is home to 533 miles of tidal shoreline. Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks' community parks, regional parks and natural areas offer water access to the public. Discover a water activity for you and your family!


Rules and Regulations at Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks' regional and community parks, and natural areas.

  • Park hours are 7:00 a.m. to dusk
  • No swimming
  • No camping
  • No trailers
  • No alcohol
  • No fires
  • No overnight parking
  • All trash must be taken with you or place in a trash receptacle

What types of boats qualify as "cartop boats?" 
In general a cartop boat refers to a canoe or kayak, although a boat that can be carried on or in a passenger vehicle that can be transported by hand to the water may qualify as a car top boat. None of the car top boat launch sites has a ramp for trailered boats. Please note that some sites are a long carry to the water or are difficult to access. 

Are certain inflatable kayaks allowed at car top boat launch sites? 
Inflatable kayaks must have multiple air chambers and be made of heavy duty PVC-coated polyester, Hypalon or similar material. These kayaks are meant to perform in a similar manner as rigid kayaks. Inflatable toy kayaks or rafts which are not designed to be placed in moving or rough water are prohibited from using the County's cartop boat launch sites. There is a distinct difference between these two different types of inflatables and for safety purposes you should never launch any craft that is not designed for the body of water being entered.