MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

Janes Island State Park

Highlights

​​​​​​​​​​​Pier at Janes Island State Park

​Park Rese​rvations
1-888-432-2267 (Toll Free)
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Paddling in Unison by Lois Underwood​

Janes Island State Park​
26280 Alfred J. Lawson Drive​​​​​​​
Crisfield, MD 21817​​​​

View the DNR Ev​ents Ca​lendar ​

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​​Woods

​​Information: ​410-968-1565​​ (Office)
E-Mail: Jane​s Island State Park
Hours: Sunrise - Sunset



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​Welcome to Janes Island State Park!

Jane's Island Sunset. Photo by Lyn Miller 

​​Located just outside of Crisfield on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Janes Island State P​ark offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Within the mainland portion of the park are the campground, with 105​​ campsites, rental cabins, a lodge, picnic areas, pavilions, and the boat ramp and marina.

The island portion of the park – Janes Island – includes over 2,900 acres of saltmarsh, over 30 miles of water trails and miles of isolated pristine beaches. Although people have harvested the resources of the island for thousands of years, today the island is wild and seemingly untouched. A haven for birds, fish, crabs and other saltmarsh dwellers, Janes Island provides visitors a tranquil setting to explore the wildlife of the bay while enjoying the expansive vistas and stunningly beautiful sunsets. Whether fishing or crabbing, motor boating, paddling or simply relaxing, visitors to Janes Island will experience a world still ruled by the weather, the tides and the wildlife that first drew people to this very special place.

The park offers ADA accessible restrooms and four accessible campsites. The park store, nature center, picnic pavilions, recreation area, fish cleaning station and dock area are also ADA accessible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

There is no fee to enter the park for day-use, but there is a fee to use the park's boat ramp. ($7.00 for Maryland residents. $9.00 for out of state residents.)


Enhanced Visitor Services and Stewardship at Janes Island State Park​

The goal of this project is to renovate and expand the existing Nature Center/Concessions Building at Janes Island State Park and convert it into a new Visitors Center. The renovation of the existing building will concentrate a variety of visitor services in one building allowing for more efficient use of space, better customer service, and more opportunities for Park staff to interact with and educate park visitors. The Janes Island Visitor Center will include a nature center with exhibit space, meeting space, storage and restrooms. It will also include a park store, campground check-in, and staff offices.

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This design effort includes two major elements:

  • Conceptual architectural design of the building including a floor plan, elevations, and interior design.
  • Conceptual and thematic design of the exhibits that will be located in the visitor center exhibit space, lobby, and multipurpose room to include an orientation area, the origins of Janes Island, salt marsh ecosystems, seasonal rhythms of the tidewater area, human impacts on the Bay and its watershed, and a call to action.

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Details about the Park

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Information

 

Location:
26280 Alfred J. Lawson Drive
Crisfield, MD 21817

Contact:
​410-968-1565​
​​ E-mail: Janes Island State Park

Driving Directions:
The park is located in Somerset County near Crisfield and may be reached by MD RT 13 to Westover; RT 413, approximately 11 miles to Plantation Road (right turn), 1.5 miles to park entrance (Alfred J. Lawson Drive, right turn).

Hours of Operation:
Day-use: Sunrise - Sunset

Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch and hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.

Hunting Policy:
Waterfowl hunting permitted in 2,900 acre designated hunting area. All other hunting is prohibited, including hunting of all kinds on the mainland portion of the park.​

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Map

 

Click on red buttons on map, or on the text links below the map, for camp loop details.

View an area map of the park and facilities



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Pets

 

​​Pets are allowed at Janes Island State Park, provided that they remain on a leash and are controlled at all times.

Please note that only full service cabins #1 and #2 and camper cabins B and C allow pets.​

Pets are NOT allowed inside any other park buildings unless they are a registered service animal. This includes the camp store, the nature center, all bath houses, Daugherty Creek Lodge, full service cabins #3 and #4, and camper cabin A.

You must clean up after your pet and dispose of the waste in the proper, pet waste receptacle, which can be found throughout the park. ​

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Picnicking and Pavilions

 
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Pavilion at Janes Island State Park

Several picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills are available at no charge.

Two picnic pavilions, each with a capacity of 100 persons, are available for rent.

A baseball field is available for all to enjoy.

Available during normal day-use hours.

For reservations, call 1-888-432-2267 or register online at: parkreservations.maryland.gov​

Camping and Cabins

 

Full Service Cabin Update:
The Full-Service Cabin renovation/construction project is currently in the planning and bid stages, including water distribution service upgrades. We cannot provide a targeted completion date at this time and the cabins will remain closed until construction is complete. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our park patrons. If you have any questions, please call the park office at 410-968-1565, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or email: janesisland.statepark@maryland.gov. Also, please continue to check this website for updates.

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Camper at Janes Island State Park

​Camping

The mainland portion of the park offers over 105 campsites, 50​ of which are equipped with electrical hook-ups to accommodate tent or vehicle campers.

Each site is equipped with a camping pad, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post.

Three centrally located bath houses have hot water showers and flush toilets.

Check-in time for all campsites is 3pm and checkout time is 1 pm.

Campers must arrive and check-in before quiet hours start at 10:00 PM. Campers who arrive after 10:00 PM will not be allowed into the park and will have to find other accommodations for the night.

Backcountry Campsites and Permits

The primitive backcountry campsites are equipped with tent platforms and boat landings. C​ampers at these environmentally sensitive sites must obtain a permit from the park and strictly follow Leave No Trace principles. Call the park at 410-968-1565 for more information about backcountry permits.

Youth Group Camping

The park offers a 30 person youth group site, featuring a shaded but open area with a stone fire pit, group grill and picnic tables.

Janes Island State Park cabins

Full Service Cabins

Four rustic waterfront cabins are available for rent year round. Each sleeps six persons and is equipped with three bedrooms, a common area, kitchen, bathroom, a screened porch with picnic table, air conditioning, heat, gas log fireplaces (available seasonally), an outdoor fire ring with a grill, a picnic table and ample parking. Cabin kitchens are equipped with an oven, stove, refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave, basic cooking utensils and service for six. Renters must provide their own towels and bedding (linens, pillows and blankets).

Check-in time for the Full Service Cabins is 5pm and checkout time is 11 am.

Camper Cabins

Three​ waterfront camper cabins that sleep four are available during the camping season. Each has a capacity of four persons and is equipped with air conditioning and heat, electric, a table and chairs, either two sets of bunk beds or a double bed and a set of bunk beds, ceiling fan, a picnic table and fire ring. Occupants must use the campground bathhouses.

Check-in time for the Camper Cabins is 3pm and checkout time is 12pm.

Click here for Camp Loop Maps

For reservations, call 1-888-432-2267 or register online at: parkreservations.maryland.gov​

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Boating and Boat Rentals

 
Janes Island State Park Pier, Dock, and Boat Ramp

Boating

Janes Island provides multiple services for boaters:

  • A launching ramp ($7 for Marylanders. $9 for out of state residents)
  • Boat slips for registered campers ($5 per night)
  • Free canoe and kayak launch
  • Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals
  • Easy access to Crisfield Harbor, Tangier Sound and the Big and Little Annemessex Rivers.

A boat dock located off of the Yellow Trail at Flatcap Beach on Janes Island offers boaters access to the five miles of unspoiled beach on the bay side of the island.

Canoe and Kayak rentals in Janes Island State Park

Boat Rentals

Solo and tandem kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available at the marina boat house​, weather permitting.

Rental Pricing:

  • Single kayaks - $15/hour, $35/half day, $55/full day
  • Tandem kayaks and canoes - $20/hour, $40/half day, $60/full day
  • Paddle Boards - $15/hour, $35/half day, $55/full day

Hours of operation:​

  • Sunday - Thursday - 9AM - 4PM
  • Friday - 10AM -7PM
  • ​Saturday - 9AM - 6PM

Paddles and PFDs are included. Boats are rented on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Note: Renters returning late (from a half day rental) will be charged $10 per hour for the additional time​. ​​Ability to rent boats depends on weather and hours are subject to change based on staff availability and camp store hours.  Additional information regarding boat rentals is available by contacting the park at 410-968-1565.​​​​

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Water Trails

 

Water Trails

Named one North America’s best paddle trails by the American Canoe Association, Janes Island State Park offers more than 30 miles of marked water trails that meander throughout the island’s saltmarsh. Most of the waterways are protected from wind and current, providing ideal conditions for both experienced and novice paddlers. Three backcountry campsites are located along the trails for overnight expeditions.

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The Janes Island State Park Water Trail map/guide features seven water trails, all of which begin and end at the park's marina and boat launch. The trails provide a wide variety of paddling experiences so there are options for all levels of expertise. The map/guide also includes information on park amenities, camping, boating safety and regulations and the area’s natural resources. The trails range in length from 1.25 to 12.5 miles and include routes along the open waters of Tangier Sound, the Big and Little Annemessex Rivers as well as various creeks and marsh routes. This map/guide is available at Janes Island State Park and from the DNR Outdoor Store at http://shopdnr.com/watertrails.aspx.​ 

Fishing and Crabbing

 

Fishing and Crabbing

Crabbing in Janes Island State ParkWhether from the docks at the marina or on the many marshy creeks on Janes Island or on the open waters of Tangier Sound, anglers can fish for striped bass, sea trout, spot, croaker, flounder, bluefish and a variety of other saltwater species.

The Chesapeake Bay blue crab also abounds​ in the waters surrounding the park, and on the bulkhead along Daugherty Creek canal, you can try your hand at handline crabbing.

The bulkhead along Daugherty Creek canal is a license free fishing area. However, fishermen must register for a free Maryland Saltwater Angler registration in order to fish in this area without a license. This can be done online HERE or by calling (855) 855-3906.

Fishing anywhere else along the waters of the island requires a valid, Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport fishing license.

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Loaner Tackle Program

A loaner tackle program is available at the Camp Store. Fishing rods, crabbing supplies and tackle is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

An ADA accessible fish cleaning station is conveniently located at the marina.​​​​​​

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Swimming

 
​Scenic View of Tangier Sound from Janes Island

​Swimming

The unguarded beaches of Janes Island offer visitors the opportunity to swim in the waters of the Chesapeake, but only at their own risk.

Swimming is only allowed on the Tangier Sound side beaches of the island which is accessible only by boat.

You must provide your own boat. Kayak/canoe rentals are available at the park during the season, weather permitting.

No swimming is allowed in Daugherty Creek Canal.

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Hunting

 

​​Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the island portion of the park during the official hunting season.​

Birding

 
Janes Island State Park Observation Tower
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The island is an ideal environment for shore birds, migratory waterfowl and a variety of other birds.

An observation tower is located next to the nature center.

Bring your binoculars and pick up a birdwatcher checklist at the park store.​

To see what other birders have spotted recently, visit the park's page on eBird https://ebird.org/hotspot/L480138.​​​

Daugherty Creek Lodge

 
Dougherty Creek Lodge

Daugherty Creek Lodge

Located along Daugherty Creek Canal and overlooking Janes Island, the Daugherty Creek Lodge is a unique venue for meetings, family gatherings, celebrations, retreats and other events. The center is available year-round for full-day, half-day and overnight rentals. A/C units are available ​in the downstairs bedrooms.

Accommodations

The lodge accommodates 65 people for gatherings and sleeps 16 people in four bedrooms. The two lower level bedrooms are each furnished with two sets of twin bunk beds. The two upper level bedrooms have one queen bed and twin bunk beds. The facility features a large upper floor event room that opens on a deck overlooking the expansive salt marshes of Janes Island. A fully-equipped kitchen, additional open space and cozy sitting area are on the lower floor. The building has three full bathrooms and one half-bath. Fully functioning fireplaces enhance the meeting room and sitting area, and the upper floor is air conditioned for summer comfort.

The kitchen is equipped with freezer, refrigerator, double oven, coffee maker, microwave, dishwasher, basic cookware and table service for 16. Stacking chairs and folding tables are available for use by lodge renters. Additional amenities include a screened porch with picnic tables, a large barbecue grill, fire ring and access to a crabbing pier on Daugherty Creek. Renters must provide their own towels, bed linens, paper goods, charcoal and cleaning supplies. Firewood can be purchased in the park.

Daugherty Lodge Sitting Area

Floor Plans


Please note that the floor plans are not drawn to scale.

Maintenance Service Charge Agreement

All lodge renters must sign a Maintenance Service Charge Agreement that obligates the renter to complete basic cleaning tasks before checking out. Failure to comply with this agreement may result in an additional fee to cover the cost of additional cleaning and maintenance. Damage to the facility beyond normal wear may also result in an additional service charge.

Daugherty Lodge Kitchen

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol is permitted within the lodge but cannot be consumed outside the building. For additional information regarding the Maryland Park Service alcohol policy, please call the park at 410-968-1565.

Pet Policy

Pets are NOT allowed inside Daugherty Creek Lodge.

Fee Schedule

  • Half Day (1-5 Hours) $85 - Day Use only
  • Full Day (5-12 Hours) $200 - Day Use only
  • Overnight (first night) $275
  • Each additional overnight $200
  • Weekly $1,475

Check-in time for an overnight stay is 5 p.m.; check-out time is 11 a.m. Early check-in or late check-out may be arranged for an additional half-day charge of $85.

Payment may be made by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Full payment is due within ten (10) business days from the date the reservation is made.

Cancellation PolicyDaugherty Lodge View from upstairs deck

A non-refundable $15 reservation fee is included in the rental fees. Renters who cancel more than 45 days prior to their reservation will be refunded the remainder of their fee. Renters who cancel between 8 and 45 days prior to their reservation will be refunded 50% of the remainder of their fee. Renters who cancel less than a week prior to their reservation will not receive a refund.

Reservations and Availability

Reservations for the lodge may be made up to one year in advance. To check on availability or to make a reservation, please call Janes Island State Park at 410-968-1565 or e-mail the park office manager at janae.terry@maryland.gov .​​

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Other Things to See at Janes Island!

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Third Annual Paddlefest at Janes Island State Park 2025


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Paddlefest 2025​
Click to Download Flyer​​​

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The planning has begun for the Third Annual Paddlefest at Janes Island State Park, located in Crisfield, Maryland. We are excited to put together yet another fun-filled event and activities for everyone to enjoy! We will post details once activities are finalized. In the meantime, we are opening up registration so you can plan and make reservations if needed.

The event will be held on:

Saturday, June 7th, 2025​

​(there will not be a rain date for this event)
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Register Here

Schedule of​ Events

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Kayakers at Paddlefest 2024​
Kayakers at Paddlefest 2024​​

Contact Us

​​Questions and comments may be directed to: janesisland.statepark@maryland.gov
Visit Janes Island State Park website.
By phone: (410) 968-1565

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Swimming at Janes Island

The unguarded beaches of Janes Island offer visitors the opportunity to swim in the waters of the Chesapeake, but only at their own risk.

Swimming is only allowed on the Tangier Sound side beaches of the island which is accessible only by boat.

You must provide your own boat. Kayak/canoe rentals are available at the park during the season, weather permitting.

No swimming is allowed in Daugherty Creek Canal.

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Boating at Janes Island

​

Janes Island provides multiple services for boaters:

  • A launching ramp ($7 for Marylanders. $9 for out of state residents),
  • Boat slips for registered campers ($5 per night),
  • Free canoe and kayak launch,
  • Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals (weather permitting),
  • Easy access to Crisfield Harbor, Tangier Sound and the Big and Little Annemessex Rivers.

A boat dock located off of the Yellow Trail at Flatcap Beach on Janes Island offers boaters access to the five miles of unspoiled beach on the bay side of the island.

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