Shorter’s Wharf Public Boat Ramp

Shorter's Wharf Public Boat Ramp sits along Maple Dam Rd in Crapo, Maryland, providing water access to the Chesapeake Bay's Fishing Bay area on the Dorchester County shoreline.

No posted hours are available for this ramp, so boaters should plan visits during daylight for easier launching and trailer maneuvering. There's no listed permit or fee requirement, though conditions can change, so checking with Dorchester County ahead of a trip is a reasonable precaution.

The site includes a wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs to reach the ramp. Facilities beyond parking are minimal, so those needing restrooms or fuel should plan accordingly before arriving. GPS coordinates are 38.3815339°, -76.0674584°.

The ramp opens onto Fishing Bay, a marshy, wildlife-rich stretch of water that connects to the broader Chesapeake Bay system. Anglers frequent this area for rockfish, perch, and blue crab, while the surrounding marshland draws birdwatchers and those interested in the quieter, rural side of Dorchester County. The nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge adds to the appeal for nature-focused visitors.

Best suited for: Anglers, crabbers, and small boat owners looking for a low-key, no-frills launch point into Fishing Bay and the wider Chesapeake Bay, particularly those who value quiet, marsh-lined waters over developed marina amenities.