Are you planning a holiday in Maryland? If you’re visiting some of the many beaches this state has to offer, you’re likely looking for options with the clearest water possible. After all, one of the most disappointing things possible is getting to the beach, all your stuff in tow–only to discover the water is too dirty to get into.
The Maryland beaches with the clearest water include Greenbrier State Park, Rocky Gap State Park Beach, Assateague Island National Seashore, Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park, Newtowne Neck State Park, and Matapeake Beach.
Keep reading to learn more about the beaches with the clearest waters in Maryland! I’ll also give some tips on where to find the swimming spot with the clearest waters in the state.
1. Greenbrier State Park
Greenbrier State Park features a 42-acre (0.17 sq km) freshwater lake with a white sandy beach. The waters of this lake are popularly believed to be the clearest waters
in the state. In fact, the waters are so clear that you can see down to the sandy bottom!
Aside from the gorgeous beach and waters, the state park also boasts a shaded picnic area where you and your family can grab lunch and a small concession stand where you can buy snacks. You can enjoy the hiking trails or camp overnight in the camping area.
For people who prefer to stick to the water, you can also rent paddle boats and row boats. If you have a license, the waters are open for fishing.
2. Rocky Gap State Park Beach
The Rocky Gap State Park Beach is located on the shores of Lake Habeeb. Lake Habeeb has the “bluest water in the state” and sprawls over 243 acres (0.98 sq km) of the 3000 acres (12.14 sq km) state park.
You can relax on the beachy shores of the lake or jump in and cool off with a swim. The state park welcomes both daytime visitors and campers, making this a perfect option if you’re looking for an overnight adventure.
Aside from enjoying the lake and the beaches, there are numerous other things you can do in the state park. It is home to several hiking trails, and a portion of the park is designated for hunting.
It is also home to the Rocky Gap State Park Aviary, where visitors can interact with injured reptiles and birds of prey that cannot be released back into the wild. However, if you’d like to stick to the lake, you can also boat and fish on Lake Habeeb.
3. Assateague Island National Seashore
The Assateague Island National Seashore encompasses 41,346 acres (167.32 sq km) of land and water in Maryland and Virginia. This section of the National Parks Service was created to protect Assateague Island and includes 37 miles (195360 feet) of beaches you can visit.
Because it is protected under the National Parks Service, this stretch of land is completely uninhabited, making the beaches in the Assateague Island National Seashore some of the best on the East Coast. The white sands are pristine, and the waters are inviting, perfect to jump into and enjoy a swim.
The Assateague Island National Seashore is also known for the incredible wildlife you can encounter, including wild horses, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and more. The beaches are open to campers, and you can also swim, fish, and surf in the waters. For fishermen, the waters are rich in plankton, clams, and several species of fish.
4. Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park
Hammerman Beach is a 1500-foot (0.28 miles) beach located within Gunpowder Falls State Park. This beach is the perfect destination for families looking for a relaxing day and offers visitors the chance to swim in the water and sunbathe on the shore. Additionally, fishing is permitted, so bring along your gear if you’re a keen angler.
The beach also offers boat and kayak rentals, as well as access to the bathhouse and day-use pavilions. Day-use pavilions must be reserved in advance. If you haven’t brought along food and want to spend more time at this beach, don’t worry–there are concession stands and grills near the beach. Additionally, you can also visit the Riverside Grille, a small restaurant where you can grab some lunch.
Keep in mind that this beach is solely a day beach. This means you cannot camp in the area. That said, youth group camping is allowed in Gunpowder Falls State Park–just not in the Hammerman area.
5. Newtowne Neck State Park
This state park boasts 7 miles (36960 feet) of protected waterfront that is ecologically important. This park was purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 2009, and some of the waterfronts include gorgeous sandy beaches.
Newtowne Neck State Park was created to protect it from development, and it is a historically important area that was originally the home of the Piscataway Native Americans. This beach is a lovely place to kayak and boat, and fishing is permitted in designated areas.
Additionally, the beach and the park as a whole are popular with birders, and, depending on the season, you can see waterfowl, belted kingfishers, black vultures, Carolina wrens, and more.
6. Matapeake Beach
Matapeake Beach boasts stunning views of the Bay Bridge and is located on the Chesapeake Bay on Kent Island. The beach is part of the Matapeake State Park. A portion of this beach is also known as Dog Beach because it is one of the few places in the state park open to pets.
Aside from being popular with pet owners, this beach boasts stunning, clear waters that are open to swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. The beach is also popular with sunbathers. You can also explore the nearby trails or grab lunch in the picnic area. If you forgot to bring food along, don’t worry–you can buy food at the historic clubhouse, and you can relax with your meal and enjoy the view on the terrace.
That said, while pets are allowed on the beach, they are not permitted in the clubhouse. Additionally, much of the public beach is only for humans, and your pups must stay at Dog Beach.
