Water St, Charlestown, MD 21914, USA
Charlestown Public Boat Ramp is a municipally operated launch facility located on Water Street in Charlestown, Maryland, along the upper Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Northeast River.
Specific hours of operation are not listed, so boaters are advised to contact the Town of Charlestown directly or visit the official website at charlestownmd.org for current access information. Fee requirements apply, as the facility uses a paid parking lot.
The ramp features a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it suitable for boaters with mobility considerations. Paid parking is available on site. The ramp is located at GPS coordinates 39.5716° N, -75.9723° W.
Charlestown sits at the confluence of the Northeast River and the upper Chesapeake Bay, offering boaters access to productive fishing grounds, crabbing areas, and scenic tidal waterways. The nearby town of North East, Maryland, and Elk Neck State Park are within close proximity, adding recreational options for visitors.
Best suited for: Recreational boaters, anglers, and crabbers seeking access to the upper Chesapeake Bay and Northeast River, including those requiring accessible launch facilities.
What visitors say
Mostly negativeCharlestown Public Boat Ramp has a single-lane dock with limited capacity that creates congestion during busy periods, and parking is located several blocks away from the ramp rather than immediately adjacent. The ramp offers access to the river but is unprotected from wave action, and fees have increased significantly (to $20 per launch for in-state users in 2026). Visitors also note challenges with the non-floating dock during low tide and conflicts between seasonal permit holders and weekend concert parking at the shared lot.
Based on 25 Google reviews
Ramp details
Amenities & accessibility