JANES ISLAND STATE PARK
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)
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.
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beachyes
Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Four modern log cabins, each with a maximum capacity of six persons, are available all year. Cabins must be reserved in advance.
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.
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.