Janes Island State Park: An Eastern Shore refuge
Summer in Maryland brings visions of the Chesapeake Bay, green lawns, sandy beaches with tall grasses and splintery wood fences, crab traps, crabs with corn on the cob, lanterns and general laziness. If you're lucky, you already sport a summer home on the Eastern Shore. If not, don't worry – you can still get a taste of waterfront vacationing at Janes Island State Park.
Located across the water from the Washington, DC region but another two hours south down local routes and traffic, Janes Island State Park is a woodsy sanctuary made up of many waterways, all easily explored by canoe or kayak. Even though it's been thoroughly explored, settled and harvested for hundreds, even thousands of years, the park still feels pristine and wild. Pack a tent, sleeping bag and bug spray and head across the Chesapeake towards the park with campground reservation in hand. There are full-service bathrooms within walking from any of the campsites, and a store selling everything you need, including crabbing gear if you don't own your own. If you prefer a less rustic environment, there are four cabins available for rent.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. A map of the waterways is provided and you can easily pass a whole day exploring the 30 miles of saltmarsh trails. The ocean is on the other side of a large, white beach where you can while away time in the sun. If you'd rather swim, there are unguarded swimming areas near the campsite and by the ocean. For birding enthusiasts, the island is a popular spot for migratory birds and water fowl. There's even an observation deck from which you can watch birds.
Probably the most popular activity involves fishing out whatever's in the sea for dinner. Tie a string around a chicken neck and try your hand at crabbing. Taking a canoe out with crabbing gear is the best way to find the best catches. Everyone else will try to find crabs along the green lawn in front of the campsites, but the bigger ones are swimming off-shore. Steam or grill the crabs over the campfire for dinner. If you're not a do-it-yourself when it comes to eating outdoors, the park is within driving distance to Crisfield, where restaurants, grocery stores, shops and other activity can be had.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
