1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662, USA
Mallows Bay Boat Ramp is a public launch site located at 1440 Wilson Landing Rd in Nanjemoy, Maryland, within Charles County.
The ramp is open daily from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The listing doesn't specify a launch fee or permit requirement, so boaters should call Charles County Parks and Recreation at (301) 870-2778 to confirm current costs before arriving.
The site includes a wheelchair accessible parking lot, though specifics on the number of ramp lanes or docking space aren't detailed. GPS coordinates for the ramp are 38.4689757°, -77.2635498°.
Mallows Bay is best known as the resting place of the "Ghost Fleet," a collection of World War I-era wooden steamship wrecks that now form an artificial reef system, part of the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. The area draws kayakers, paddleboarders, and small boat owners interested in exploring the wrecks and observing bald eagles, herons, and other wildlife along the Potomac River shoreline.
Best suited for: Kayakers, paddlers, and small boat operators interested in historical wreck exploration, wildlife viewing, and quiet water access away from heavier motorboat traffic.
What visitors say
Mostly positiveMallows Bay offers a free kayak and boat launch with excellent access to the Potomac River and the historic "Ghost Fleet" of 185 documented sunken ships, making it a unique destination for both fishing and sightseeing. The facility features friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide maps and guidance, nearby walking trails with wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to fossil beaches, though visitors should note that inflatables are not recommended due to underwater obstructions. The ramp is a restricted airspace for drones and has some nearby hazards like occasional hornets nests on the shipwrecks.
Based on 62 Google reviews
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