Cartop Boat Launch

Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks provides cartop boat launch sites at many community and regional parks. Cartop boat refers to a canoe or kayak.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Enacts Statewide Burn Ban

Effective immediately, The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has imposed a statewide open air burning ban in Maryland as of November 1, 2024. This ban applies to all counties in the state and includes campfires and charcoal grilling. The ban will remain in place until the Maryland Forest Service determines that the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires.

Please note that some sites are a long carry to the water or are difficult to access.

  • 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.


The following Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks regional and community parks provide an area to launch cartop boats. Please review the rules and regulations listed above.

Downs Park

8311 John Downs Loop
Pasadena, MD 21122
Get Directions

Fort Smallwood Park

9500 Fort Smallwood Road
Pasadena, MD 21122
Get Directions

Galesville Wharf

4847 Riverside Drive
Galesville, MD 20765
Get Directions

Green Haven Wharf

7720 Outing Avenue
Pasadena, MD 21122
Get Directions

Homeport Farm Park

11 Homeport Drive
Edgewater, MD 21037
Get Directions