Water St, Charlestown, MD 21914, USA
Charlestown Public Boat Ramp sits on Water St in Charlestown, Maryland, providing access to the Northeast River near its confluence with the upper Chesapeake Bay.
The town hasn't published set operating hours for the ramp, so boaters should plan around daylight availability. Parking is paid, and there's no listed fee for launching itself, though checking the Charlestown town website beforehand is a good idea since local rules can change.
The site includes a wheelchair accessible entrance and accessible parking lot, making it usable for boaters with mobility limitations. Parking is available in a paid lot adjacent to the ramp. GPS coordinates are 39.5716°, -75.9723°.
Charlestown is a small historic waterfront town, and the ramp puts boaters directly into the Northeast River, with quick access out to the Chesapeake Bay for cruising, fishing, and crabbing. Nearby North East and Elk River also offer additional boating routes for those exploring the upper bay region.
Best suited for: Local boaters and visitors launching small to mid-sized boats who want convenient access to the Northeast River and upper Chesapeake Bay, including those needing accessible parking and entry.
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