Quiet Waters Park Cartop Boat Launch

The cartop boat launch at Quiet Waters Park is situated along the Harass Creek Trail. To reach it, park in the Blue Heron Center Parking lot. Keep in mind, the distance from the parking lot to the launch site is nearly half a mile, so be ready to carry or tote your boat there.

  • Park hours are open dawn 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 "car top boats?"

In general a car top 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 car top 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.


Quiet Waters Park Cartop Boat Launch

Quiet Waters Park – a beautifully preserved piece of natural harmony in action. The trail to our shop is located right off the Blue Heron parking lot on the western side of the park. Meet us at the end of the trail and launch into Harness Creek to experience the serenity of paddling along the shores of the Chesapeake waterways. The Capital SUP site is less than a half-mile through the woods, but the park offers over 5 miles of paved trails for your wanderlust. You will be able to enjoy the water using kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for rentals and lessons.

The Capital SUP Quiet Waters Park location offers:

  • Sunset paddles 
  • Kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat, and canoe rentals 
  • Yappy hours 
  • Eco tours 
  • Summer Camp 
  • And More! 

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