Cartop Boat Launch at Fort Smallwood Park

9500 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD 21122

Fort Smallwood Park offers two cartop boat launch sites for visitors. Both launch sites provide a stable, low-profile edge that allows for easy carrying and sliding of watercraft into the water. Park entrance fees apply to access both locations.

A brown, wooden directional signpost stands outdoors against a blurred background of trees and a concrete structure, featuring three distinct panels with white lettering and icons: the top panel points to the right and features an icon of a person swimming, followed by the text "Swimming Beach"; the middle panel also points to the right and displays an icon of a person in a kayak, followed by the text "Kayak Launch"; and the bottom panel points to the left and simply reads "Playground".
Contact Information
Fort Smallwood Park
410-222-0087
  • Park hours are 5:30 AM to Sunset
  • 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.

Cartop Launch Sites

Swimming Beach Launch

This sandy launch is situated at the entrance to the park’s swimming beaches, affording paddlers immediate access to the Patapsco River along the park's eastern shoreline. Parking is provided in the main swimming beach parking lot, and a short, 100-yard walk along a paved trail leads to this location. Public restrooms and outdoor showers are accessible here.

 

Western Shoreline Launch

Located along the western shoreline of the park, between the fishing pier and the main boat ramp, this launch site affords paddlers convenient entry to a sheltered cove on Rock Creek. The launch entrance is accessible via a brief walk from the fishing pier parking area, with directional signage provided for paddlers. Portable restroom facilities are available at this location.


* The launching of cartop boats from the park's hardened boat ramp is strictly prohibited for safety reasons, as well as to maintain the integrity and intended use of the facility. This specific ramp is primarily designed and reserved for larger trailered vessels, and allowing cartop launches alongside them poses significant safety hazards to all park visitors.

Planning Your Launch Trip

  1. Check Park Hours: Verify the operating hours for the park before arrival. Park hours adjust seasonally. Please return ½ hour before the posted park closing time.
     
  2. Safety First: Always wear a life jacket (Personal Flotation Device/PFD) and head to safety immediately if a small craft advisory is posted.
     
  3. Know the Rules: Be mindful of all park and waterway regulations. Power loading/unloading is prohibited at cartop launches. Inflatable boats are prohibited.
     
  4. Pre-trip Plan: Always leave a float plan with a friend and be aware of local water conditions and weather forecasts before heading out. Secure your valuables before departing.
     
  5. Shipping Channels: The Patapsco River is the main shipping channel for the Port of Baltimore. Large wakes from cargo ships can easily overturn your kayak or canoe.


For more information about Fort Smallwood Park’s cartop boat launches, please call the park office at 410-222-0087.

A scenic, wide-angle shot taken from the shoreline of Fort Smallwood Park captures a tranquil view across the deep blue waters of the Patapsco River on a clear, sunny day. In the immediate foreground, a jagged stone bulkhead made of large, grey, weathered rocks stretches horizontally across the bottom of the frame, separating a thin strip of dry, golden-green grass from the water's edge. Beyond the stone barrier, the expansive river dominates the middle and background.