Elk Neck State Park
State park
1.3 mi
4.6 (2495)
4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901
Bayside park has an 1833 lighthouse & recreation such as fishing & hiking, plus camping facilities.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
BayMD
Elk Neck State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
North East Beach at Elk Neck State Park: day-use fees, unguarded swimming, beach access and 2026 campground restrictions.
Water type
Bay
Access
Informal
Fee
Weekdays: $3 per Maryland-tagged vehicle, $5 per out-of-state vehicle. Weekends and holidays: $3 per person for Maryland-tagged vehicles, $5 per person for out-of-state vehicles. Confirm exemptions with the park.
Best season
Check current beach conditions, park alerts and posted hours before travel. Water temperature and suitability vary
Nearby towns
North East, Elkton
Water body
Chesapeake Bay
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
North East, Elkton
Access location not verified
39.50278, -75.97917
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Elk Neck State Park
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
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- 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.
Elk Neck State Park: North East Beach
North East Beach is the park's designated swimming destination on the Chesapeake Bay side of the peninsula. It is separate from Turkey Point Lighthouse and the campground.
Access and facilities
Follow Route 272 South and turn right onto North East Beach Road about one-third mile beyond park headquarters. Beach hours are 9 a.m. to sunset. Picnic tables, grills, restrooms and cold showers are available. Pack out all trash.
Fees and swimming
Weekday admission is $3 per Maryland-tagged vehicle or $5 per out-of-state vehicle. On weekends and holidays, fees are $3 or $5 per person respectively. Check current exemptions before travel. Swimming is unguarded; stay in the designated area and follow posted conditions. Shallow water is not a guarantee of safety.
Overnight visits
The 2026 park notice restricts campground availability and closes rustic cabins during improvement work. Confirm your accommodation before booking. Playground repairs also affect available equipment.
Getting There
Follow Route 272 South. About one-third mile beyond park headquarters, turn right onto North East Beach Road and follow beach parking signs.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
North East Beach opens at 9 a.m.; visitors must leave parking by sunset. Follow posted swimming conditions and check park alerts.
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
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. 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
Black Hill Ranger Station
Forestry service
3.5 mi
5 (1)
130 McKinneytown Rd, North East, MD 21901
Elk Neck State Forest
State park
6.7 mi
4.6 (504)
717 Irishtown Rd, North East, MD 21901
Vast nature preserve featuring areas for hunting, as well as hiking & horseback riding trails.
Public restroom
Elk Neck Arboretum Area Parking
Park
7.1 mi
4.4 (28)
2566 Old Elk Neck Rd, North East, MD 21901
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Woodlands Camping Resort
Campground
7.6 mi
4.2 (222)
265 Starkey Ln, Elkton, MD 21921
Kid-friendly
Slag Station
Public bathroom
8 mi
5 (4)
50 Hickory Dr, North East, MD 21901
Gender-neutral restroom
Public Parking
Parking lot
10.8 mi
124 North St, Elkton, MD 21921
Court Parking
Parking lot
10.9 mi
5 (1)
118 E High St, Elkton, MD 21921
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Neck State Park
Which part of Elk Neck State Park is for swimming?
Use North East Beach, not the campground or Turkey Point Lighthouse. Follow the signed beach entrance from Route 272.
Are lifeguards on duty at North East Beach?
No. The park describes this swimming access as unguarded. Supervise children and obey posted conditions.
Can I book a rustic cabin for a 2026 visit?
The park's 2026 notice lists rustic cabins as closed during improvements. Campground availability is also restricted; confirm your specific accommodation before booking.
Highlights
Designated North East Beach swimming area
Picnic tables and grills
Restrooms and cold showers
Separate Turkey Point Lighthouse destination
Unique Features
Beach access to the Susquehanna Flats
Separate beach, campground and lighthouse areas
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- North East Beach is unguarded
- Supervise children closely and swim only within the designated area, subject to posted conditions and closures
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Turkey Point Lighthouse is a separate historic destination within Elk Neck State Park.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph the bay from permitted beach areas during opening hours. Respect visitors' privacy and posted boundaries.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Maryland state parks are trash free. Take all trash home and respect posted boundaries.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current beach conditions, park alerts and posted hours before travel. Water temperature and suitability vary.
Difficulty Level
Follow signed North East Beach parking access. Contact the park about specific mobility or accessibility needs.
Fee
Weekdays: $3 per Maryland-tagged vehicle, $5 per out-of-state vehicle. Weekends and holidays: $3 per person for Maryland-tagged vehicles, $5 per person for out-of-state vehicles. Confirm exemptions with the park.
Facilities
North East Beach lists picnic tables, grills, restrooms and cold showers. Playground repairs affect availability. Camping is separate and subject to the 2026 improvement closures.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
410-287-5333
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
The 2026 park notice reports limited campground-loop availability and closed rustic cabins during improvements. Confirm the specific accommodation before booking.
Nearby Attractions
- Turkey Point Lighthouse - Historic Site
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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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