Betterton Beach
Beach
0.2 mi
4.4 (271)
Betterton, MD 21610
River (Tidal)MD
Betterton Beach
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Betterton Beach with seasonal restroom guidance, beach versus parking hours, rules to reconfirm, water-advisory resources and two reviewed photos.
Swimming restriction
Published county rules restrict swimming to designated areas and prohibit swimming or jumping from the pier or jetty. Reconfirm current signs and staff directions; lifeguard presence is not guaranteed. Legacy pet guidance differs in scope, so confirm current restrictions rather than assuming offseason beach permission.
Water type
River (Tidal)
Access
Informal
Fee
Current general-admission and parking charges were not independently reconfirmed. Pavilion rentals and boat-launch arrangements are separate; ask the county before travel.
Best season
Choose daylight and confirm current facilities, staffing, health advisories and weather before departure
Nearby towns
Chestertown, Betterton
Water body
Sassafras River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Chestertown, Betterton
Access location not verified
39.37083, -76.06667
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Betterton Beach
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Betterton Beach: check services before a beach day
Use the signed park on Ericsson Avenue in Betterton, Maryland. Published county facilities guidance gives 5 Ericsson Avenue. The current county Parks and Recreation page says its website is temporarily under construction and provides a facility-status service. Several old document links no longer work, so confirm operating facilities and current restrictions before traveling.
Restrooms are seasonal, not guaranteed
The county's summer 2026 guide scheduled Betterton restrooms on weekends from May 2 and daily June 15 through September 7. Those dates have passed and do not establish today's service or next year's schedule. Published park amenities include a beach, pavilion, volleyball court, jetty and boat ramp, but availability needs confirmation. Bring supplies rather than relying on the old listing's unverified snack-bar and restaurant claims.
Beach hours differ from parking hours
Published county beach rules close the beach and pavilion from dusk to dawn, while the parking lot and public landing close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Reconfirm current signs. Later parking access is not permission for an after-dark swim. Current general-admission and parking charges were not independently reconfirmed; facility reservations and launch arrangements are separate.
Choose the designated swimming area
Published rules prohibit swimming or jumping from the pier or jetty. Ask staff about the designated area and any restrictions. Do not assume lifeguards are present or that a family beach has consistently calm water and gentle depth. Historic pet guidance varies between a broad beach ban and a May-September sand restriction; confirm current signs rather than assuming offseason permission.
Check water advisories, not just photos
The Maryland beach-status resource links an interactive map distinguishing advisories, closures and sites without sampling data. Check the latest notice and onsite signs before entering the water. This review did not verify live map results. The two-photo gallery shows past shoreline and entrance-sign views, not current water quality or a verified swimming entrance.
Getting There
Use the signed Betterton Beach park on Ericsson Avenue in Betterton, Maryland. Published county facilities guidance gives 5 Ericsson Avenue. Follow current signs to designated parking and swimming areas, not the retained unverified water-entry coordinate.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Published county beach rules distinguish dusk-to-dawn beach/pavilion closure from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. parking/public-landing closure. Reconfirm current hours and charges; a later parking closing time is not permission to swim after dusk.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Published county rules restrict swimming to designated areas and prohibit swimming or jumping from the pier or jetty. Reconfirm current signs and staff directions; lifeguard presence is not guaranteed. Legacy pet guidance differs in scope, so confirm current restrictions rather than assuming offseason beach permission. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Buttonwood Beach R.V. Resort
RV park
8.1 mi
4.7 (163)
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Running waterWi-Fi
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Campground
10.4 mi
4.2 (224)
500 Double Creek Point Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620
RestroomRunning waterTent sitesWi-Fi
Craft Haven Campground & Marina
Campground
12.8 mi
4.7 (129)
Perryville, MD 21903
Public restroomRestroom
Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract Visitor Center
Visitor center
42.8 mi
4.6 (102)
230 Bald Eagle Dr, Laurel, MD 20724
Patuxent Research Refuge
Visitor center
45.9 mi
4.6 (1576)
National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708
Biologists study the wildlife protected at this national refuge on 12,800+ acres, founded by FDR.
Gender-neutral restroomPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Betterton Beach
Are Betterton Beach restrooms always open?
No year-round availability is verified. The county's summer 2026 schedule ended daily service September 7; confirm current status and future schedules with the county.
Can I stay on the beach until the parking lot closes?
Published county rules distinguish dusk-to-dawn beach and pavilion closure from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. parking closure. Reconfirm current signs; parking access does not extend swimming hours.
Can I swim from the pier or jetty?
Published county rules prohibit swimming or jumping from those structures. Use the currently designated area and follow staff instructions.
Can I bring a dog onto the sand?
Published county guidance differs in scope: one page bans dogs on the beach, while the rules poster specifies May-September. Confirm current restrictions instead of assuming offseason permission.
Where can I check water-quality advisories?
Use Maryland's current beach-conditions resource and onsite notices. This listing does not verify today's map result or certify water quality; its photographs are historical.
Highlights
County beach on Maryland's upper Chesapeake shoreline
Seasonal facilities require confirmation
Two reviewed shoreline and entrance-sign photos
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Supervise children closely and assess tidal water, weather and boat traffic
- Check current MDE and onsite advisories; photographs do not establish safe depth or present water quality
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Once a bustling resort town frequented by steamboat travelers, Betterton Beach holds historical significance tied to Maryland’s maritime traditions.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Two historical views show the sandy shoreline with distant piers and the named recreational-area entrance sign. Neither certifies current services, water quality or an authorized swimming entry.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the unique brackish water ecosystem and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose daylight and confirm current facilities, staffing, health advisories and weather before departure.
Difficulty Level
Ask about the route from parking across the beach and any mobility support available. Sandy shoreline access is not guaranteed suitable for every visitor.
Fee
Current general-admission and parking charges were not independently reconfirmed. Pavilion rentals and boat-launch arrangements are separate; ask the county before travel.
Facilities
The county summer 2026 guide scheduled restrooms on weekends from May 2 and daily June 15 through September 7, 2026. Those past dates do not promise service now or establish a future-year schedule. No snack bar, restaurant or year-round shower service is verified.
Activities
Designated-area swimming subject to current notices, shoreline viewing and permitted recreation; boating access must be arranged separately from swimming.
Phone
410-778-1948 (parks contact in published county beach guidance; reconfirm through current department page)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No campsite at the beach is verified. Arrange accommodation separately rather than relying on inherited campground recommendations or contact numbers.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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