The first day of Summer holds significant value to me; it sets the tone for the rest of the season. Summer in Maryland is meant to be one thing: FUN.
This time of year sends me into a spiraling state of childhood nostalgia. The burning sensation of a blue HUG drink while crushing field day. The exciting Walmart check out with Mom with our matching flip-flops. Acting like a thug on top of, my friend’s jeep in Sandbridge Beach.
Jane’s Island is a Maryland State Park located on the western side of the Eastern Shore. This spot is where we kick off the first days of Summer each year. I love sharing this place with as many people as I can; it is one of the many reasons Maryland is the best place to call home.
Get the gear, we kid to each other with a wince of painful reality. Yes, you will need some gear to make the most out of the camping experience. Waterproof picnic blanket and a dry bag will be two of your most used items.
I have collected a lot of hacks through the years and want to share how to best make use of your time at Jane’s Island. My kids are now 7 & 8 and this year we are bringing a dog for the first time. We have been camping here since the kiddos we 3 & 4, each year we feel that we enjoy it even more than the last. It is a super family friendly and dog friendly park and we spend $20-$25 per night for our insanely good site.
Pre-game with an Ologies Podcast on Wildlife Ecology, crack open your Maryland Bird Guide to brush up on the identifiers and curl up with your family sized cool ranch Doritos in the hammock.
Ok, here are my actual (highly vetted) pro-tips:
- You want loop C, loop C is where it’s at & I won’t be convinced otherwise
- Swing by Saint Michaels and pickup the seasonal Coconut Rum @ Lyon
- Bring a fresh lime for….well the coconut rum
- Pack a dustpan and brush (unless you love sand, gravel and pine needles in your tent)
- If you’re tent camping, the best sites are #76-78 they are waterfront views but you can easily cut through the the bathroom (like in the middle of the night when the boogie man is out but you gotta go)
- Avoid the temptation of sites 73 & 81 , last year both site’s tents got flipped over because there is no wind break from the water
- Go in mid-end June before the deer/horse flies
- Pony up and pay for the paddle trail map
- You can rent kayaks, pontoon boats etc from the park store
- Park store has EVERYTHING, the most well-stocked park store I’ve ever been to
- The Discovery Center has ample activities to do for families (my kids held all sort of crabs and wildlife)
- Bring your ‘noculars (that’s how we say Binoculars in our family) because the variety of birds out here is astonishing
- Get yourself a sand blanket
- When you make it to the island after paddling, cross the hill and go left. Everyone goes right, don’t be like everyone, go left and enjoy the privacy of the Tangier Sound
- Wear a rash guard, unless you love getting the worst sunburns on the water
I LOVE HELPING YOU LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE
