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Maryland
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Maryland State Parks

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Lower Eastern Shore Region
Janes Island State Park
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JANES ISLAND STATE PARK
JANES ISLAND STATE PARK
26280 Alfred Lawson Drive
Crisfield, Maryland   21817

Phone: 410-968-1565
Reservations: 410-968-1565
With two distinct areas, Janes Island State Park has a developed mainland section with cabins and camping areas, and a portion accessible only by boat. The original island inhabitants were Native Americans of the Annemessex Nation. The park's marked water trails offer canoeing and kayaking in a natural paradise with few signs of civilization. Most of the waterways are protected from wind and current providing ideal conditions for the novice as well as the experienced paddler. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
History of the Area
Paleo Indians first settled this region approximately 13,000 years ago. At that time, sea levels were 350 feet lower than today and mammoths, mastodons, horses and bison roamed across Somerset County, Maryland. As the Tangier Sound was transformed from a freshwater river to an estuary rich in shellfish, prehistoric cultures occupied the landmass that would become Janes Island. Historic artifacts that can be found along the shoreline of Janes Island provide evidence of activities by primitive man, from hunting mammals to shucking oysters. In a sense, native people living on Janes Island were practicing a lifestyle very similar to the modern watermen surviving off the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Cabins
Four modern log cabins, each with a maximum capacity of six persons, are available all year. Cabins must be reserved in advance.
Camping
There are 104 campsites and each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites can accommodate tent or vehicle campers. Five camper cabins are also available.
Lodge
The Daugherty Creek Conference Center, a 16 bed facility, is available for day or overnight use as well as on a weekly basis. Reservations can be made through the park office.
Boating
There is a boat ramp as well as 25 boat slips available to campers for a minimal fee. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Tangier Sound, with options for shoreline or boat access. Species include blue crabs, striped bass (rockfish), white perch, spot fish, croakers and flounder. Boat rentals are available on-site if needed.



Picnicking
A picnic area of 25 tables and grills is available. There are also two picnic pavilions that can be reserved.
Birding
The park offers over 30 miles of water trails for birdwatching by canoe or kayak. Birders can spot species like the Great Blue Heron, Osprey and Bald Eagles. The marshlands are home to many migratory birds in spring and fall seasons. Winter brings ducks such as Buffleheads, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Tundra Swans.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 1
park review stars; one to five A wonderful time with family. Some on B loop and some on C loop. All were well tended. Bath rooms clean. Park employees very friendly and helpful. Thank you.
July 8 our favorite campgrount only 1 1/2 hr dr by Shorty
park review stars; one to five We have been going for 4 yrs now. GREAT place. Would be nice to have water and 50 amp. But that would get more people who just want to have fun not enjoy the trails and fishing, crabbing, birds red foxes and other wild life. The staff is good they replace any first timmers who need to leave. The hosts try very hard to help with what ever is needed. will I go again you bet already sign up for two more 9 day trips this yr. and signed up for 3 more 9 day trips in 2013 with 3 more trips planed but could not reseve yet. as for dogs area they have enough. You do not what a park just for dogs. Also not every dog plays well with others. Come enjoy a day or two weeks. Better y-fi would be a help.
May 9 uninhabited Island Camping by Jbarberd
park review stars; one to five My Girl friend and I went to Janes Island to canoe and camp. The views and wildlife were great. The bugs were overwhelming, little nats by the thousands would swarm all over you when the wind was now blowing. They have their own May Flys there that are also terrible not to mentions the ticks were really bad too. I picked a half dozen or more off my girlfriend and myself. The crabbing was great, they were all to small to keep but just wait until the middle of June. You can use hand lines right off of the wharf or piers. I tried every bait under the sun to catch a fish and failed. But if you want to catch crabs with your fishing pole just use GULP minnows that you can find at Walmart. Just about every cast a crab was on my line. If the crab were bigger I would have put a few in a crab trap instead of chicken.
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Area Campgrounds
Lake Somerset Family Campground
8650 Lake Somerset Road
Westover, MD
410-957-1866
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is 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 1/2 miles to park entrance (Alfred Lawson Drive, right turn).

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Maryland
111

Maryland State Parks

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