St. Mary’s County coastal shores · Maryland
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore
- State
- Maryland
- County
- St. Mary's
This named shore is in St. Mary's County, Maryland. Use its named arrival; no city or town boundary is inferred.
St. Mary’s County coastal shores
A boat-only Potomac island park off Coltons Point. Mainland museum/departure is not the island beach. Confirm actual water taxi and landing operation before booking.
Good fit: Planning a boat trip to a Potomac island shore.
Plan around: Confirm the water taxi and lawful landing before travel. Mainland museum work, island access and pier operation are separate questions.
- Parking
- Mainland departure · no island cars
Details & sources
Mainland departure · no island carsDetails & restrictionsSt. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · parking entry ↗ - Dogs
- Leashed dogs · see exact scope
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguards
- No
- Key restrictions
- Check before you go
- Best for
- See beach overview
More planning facts: access, driving & fees
- Public access
- Public accessDetails & restrictions
- Beach driving
- Driving permission unconfirmedDetails & restrictions
- Accessibility
- Route endpoints unconfirmedDetails & restrictions
Choose an entrance
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · documented island boat landing
Mainland water-taxi departure is 38370 Point Breeze Road,ColtonsPoint, at county museum. Island has no car arrival. Call 301-769-2222 for actual boat service/weather restrictions.
Official route / restriction details ↗Parking, route & accessibility evidence
Parking & entry: Mainland departure · no island cars. Mainland water-taxi departure is 38370 Point Breeze Road, ColtonsPoint, at county museum. Island has no car arrival. Call 301-769-2222 for actual boat service/weather restrictions.
Parking source ↗Accessibility: Route endpoints unconfirmed. DNR states no accessible amenities on island. Boat boarding and island terrain are separate from mainland museum access.
Accessibility source ↗Open the county entrance directory ↗
Use the directory to check each entrance’s identity and status. Guide map pins are approximate shoreline locations, not turn-by-turn entrance directions or proof of current opening.
Known for
A boat-only island shore in the Potomac off Coltons Point. The mainland museum is a departure point, rather than the beach.
Rules & facilities
Check before you go
Verify current route, hours, fees/reservations and any posted closure directly with the manager. A website description is not a promise of safe conditions or continuous staffed guard coverage.
Admission, payment & passes
Boat transport, museum admission and island day use are separate. Call museum for current taxi fare/schedule; museum building is under reconstruction through 2026 while its store and advertised taxi have separate hours.
What to bring & supporting visit details
Plan your visit
Choose the exact visitor route, check admission and seasonal hours, and review current manager notices and dated water results. Keep beach access separate from boat launches and private property.
Public or private?
Public access
Who can visit: Visitors using the documented managed shore arrival, subject to manager notices, actual operation and admission terms.
Entry route, fees & access boundaries
- Manager / access authority
- Maryland DNR, Maryland Park Service.
- Access basis
- Public island park reached by personal boat or water taxi, subject to actual weather/landing operation. County currently advertises taxi daily 10 am–2 pm; call 301-769-2222. Mainland museum closed reconstruction through 2026; store open 10–5.
- Where to enter
- Public island park reached by personal boat or water taxi, subject to actual weather/landing operation. County currently advertises taxi daily 10 am–2 pm; call 301-769-2222. Mainland museum closed reconstruction through 2026; store open 10–5.
- Fees & reservations
- Boat transport, museum admission and island day use are separate. Call museum for current taxi fare/schedule; museum building is under reconstruction through 2026 while its store and advertised taxi have separate hours.
- Restrictions & exceptions
- Island day use is sunrise–sunset and boat-only. Weather may prevent taxi operation. Confirm permitted current landing/pier and do not treat museum construction closure as proof whole island is closed.
- What this label covers
- Public island park reached by personal boat or water taxi, subject to actual weather/landing operation. County currently advertises taxi daily 10 am–2 pm; call 301-769-2222. Mainland museum closed reconstruction through 2026; store open 10–5.
Beach ownership, the route across land, public shoreline-use rights and access to facilities are separate questions. Rules vary by state and location. Use the identified public entrance or documented permission; neither a nearby resort nor an admission fee by itself establishes that a beach is private. A mapped beach is not permission to cross private property.
Access policy reviewed 2026-11-04. Not a live closure report or a property-boundary survey.
Allowed & prohibited activities
Alcohol: Maryland State Park intoxicant rules and any posted permit/designation apply; do not assume private-event permission applies to an ordinary beach visit.
Fires and grills: Fires require a designated location or permit and continuous supervision under state-park rules; individual park restrictions may be stricter.
Overnight camping: Overnight beach camping permission is not confirmed.
What still needs confirmation
The current St. Clement’s Island page describes sunrise-to-sunset day use and picnic pavilion, not a currently reservable overnight island campground. Confirm any special authorization before planning overnight.
Shore fishing: County lists unsupervised fishing/crabbing at St. Clement’s Island. Use lawful landing and obey island signs and applicable Maryland licensing; current pier availability is a separate check.
- Hours
- Hours & seasonal limits
Island sunrise–sunset; taxi schedule is separate and weather-dependent.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · hours ↗ - Dogs on the beach
- Leashed dogs · see exact scope
DNR’s specific park pet roster lists St. Clement’s Island as pets allowed. Confirm boat operator acceptance and follow current signed leash/designated-area rules.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · dogs ↗ - Lifeguards
- Unguarded
County lists unsupervised swimming. No staffed guard program established.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · lifeguards ↗ - Restrooms
- Toilet facilities · see location
Compost toilet on island; no accessible amenities stated by DNR. No shower verified.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · restrooms showers ↗ - Access & beach rules
- Rules & restrictions
Island day use is sunrise–sunset and boat-only. Weather may prevent taxi operation. Confirm permitted current landing/pier and do not treat museum construction closure as proof whole island is closed.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · public access rules ↗ - Beach driving
- Driving permission unconfirmed
Use designated roads and parking; no recreational beach-driving route is established.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · driving ↗
Conditions & activities Surf, sand, wildlife and suitability
Conditions at the beach
Local times use Eastern Time. No beach observation or saved forecast is displayed here. Forecast issue times, observation times, tide prediction dates and laboratory sample dates remain separate from desk-research dates. A linked source does not confirm current opening, a warning flag or swimming safety.
Weather observation
No exact on-beach weather observation or observation station is assigned here. The linked National Weather Service page provides forecast navigation; a forecast is a prediction, not an observed beach condition.
Daily forecast
The independently checked National Weather Service point-forecast link is available for this approximate planning point. The returned source is a regional marine grid, with no county land zone assigned at this point. It is not a forecast of breaking surf at this beach. No saved numeric forecast is displayed here. Forecast issue and prediction times are separate from source review and are not on-beach observations.
High & low tides
This is tidal shoreline. No exact-beach tide prediction has been established; nearby regional stations are not guaranteed beach or landing timing.
Surf & rip forecast
No beach-specific ocean surf/rip forecast is supplied for this bay/estuary shoreline. Check applicable marine and weather guidance.
Closures & warning flags
County advertises taxi operating while a third-party source reports pier closure. Call museum/park to resolve exact current landing; do not call entire island closed or all piers open.
Water quality
County monitoring runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Its reviewed page says no advisories as of July 30, 2026; that is historical, not a current November safety report. Check the exact named station/sample date and contact the health department.
National Weather Service point forecast ↗ for the independently reviewed approximate planning point.
Crowd meter
No measured beach-specific crowd rating is supplied. Arrival reservations, guest admission and seasonal fees still matter.
Sand & sandcastles
The responsible source identifies a beach or shoreline at Potomac River island shore off Coltons Point; mainland museum is the boat departure, not the beach; no measured sand width, grooming promise or substrate rating is supplied.
Surfing profile
Surfing suitability is Unrated; a tidal swimming shoreline is not evidence of reliable surf.
Beachcombing
No reliable notable shelling yield is established. Follow current collection rules and leave living material undisturbed.
No dependable shark-tooth suitability rating is assigned.
Snorkeling & scuba diving
No verified recreational shore-snorkeling route or exact offshore snorkeling departure is recommended from this beach.
No verified shore scuba route from this beach is recommended. Southern Maryland Divers is a separate California, MD shop, not proof of this beach’s dive suitability.
Clothing-optional, nudity & topless sunbathing
State-park rules prohibit indecent exposure. No clothing-optional/full-nudity designation is verified; exclude from permission matches.
Responsible source ↗ · Responsible source ↗ · Responsible source ↗
Female-topless sunbathing permission has not been independently established; exclude from verified topless matches. This is separate from full nudity.
Shore & sky wildlife
St. Clement’s Island offers trail and island habitat; the reviewed manager page does not identify a reliable beach-specific wildlife list. No species are borrowed from neighboring parks.
History & interesting facts
DNR records arrival of the Ark and Dove settlers on March 25, 1634; the present park has a trail, picnic pavilion and Blackistone Lighthouse reference. Historical story does not establish modern landing rights.
Water clarity & shore snorkeling
Typical clarity: Not yet assessed. Typical underwater clarity has not been assessed for this named shore. Water color, laboratory samples and forecasts do not measure visibility.
Shore snorkeling not yet assessed. No verified recreational shore-snorkeling route or exact offshore snorkeling departure is recommended from this beach.
Typical clarity describes how easily you may see through the water. It does not establish bacterial water quality, safe swimming, calm conditions or visibility today.
Evidence, location scope & review
Desk review 2026-11-04 · St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore. This is not an on-site inspection or a current conditions report.
St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore
Find clear-water and shore-snorkeling options ↗ · Report a change ↗
Food, stays & rentals
EXTEND YOUR BEACH DAY
Food & drink nearby
Local dining recommendations
restaurant
POV Restaurant at Pier450
Separate St Mary’s County restaurant; no on-site/walking-distance claim except Pier450 guest guide.
Independent operator; restaurant booking does not grant another beach access.
Visit POV Restaurant at Pier450 website ↗Website & source check
Website checked ↗ · Supporting source 2 ↗ · checked 2026-11-04 (Eastern Time). Menus, opening hours, rates and availability can change; check directly before visiting.
Research notes & location scope
POV Restaurant at Pier 450 is a separately operated St. Mary’s County dining option in Ridge. Check its current reservations/hours; dining does not grant access to another beach.
Supporting research source ↗ · Supporting research source ↗ · reviewed 2026-11-04
These listings are unpaid and contain no affiliate links.
Accommodations by the beach
motel
The Quarters at Pier450
Separate booked St Mary’s County lodging; no beach access transfer.
Book directly; guest beach subject to operator footprint and neighboring private exclusion.
Visit The Quarters at Pier450 website ↗Website & source check
Website checked ↗ · Supporting source 2 ↗ · checked 2026-11-04 (Eastern Time). Menus, opening hours, rates and availability can change; check directly before visiting.
cottages and beach camping
Camp MD
Separate operator-controlled St George Island lodging/camping; exact admission applies.
Reserved cottages/campsites or permitted paid day admission; domain/rate conflicts qualified.
Visit Camp MD website ↗Website & source check
Website checked ↗ · Supporting source 2 ↗ · Supporting source 3 ↗ · checked 2026-11-04 (Eastern Time). Menus, opening hours, rates and availability can change; check directly before visiting.
Before you book
Confirm the exact property or rental unit, view category, beach route, accessibility and total price directly. Nearby lodging does not establish access to a private beach, a boat transfer or permission to camp.
Research notes & location scope
The Quarters at Pier 450 is an operator-booked St. Mary’s County motel; Camp MD offers separately booked coastal cottages/camping. These businesses do not grant access to unrelated public or private beaches.
Supporting research source ↗ · Supporting research source ↗ · reviewed 2026-11-04
These listings are unpaid and contain no affiliate links.
Activities & rentals
County museum water taxi is a specific boat-access service; call 301-769-2222 for current operation. It is not a snorkeling excursion.
Explore nearby beaches
Review dates & updates
These are desk-research dates for each named category, including unresolved facts. They are not on-site inspections, current-opening confirmations or water-safety observations.
- identity location: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- summary description: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- known for: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- live weather: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- daily forecast: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- tides: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- surf rip forecast: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- official flags closures: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- water quality: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- public access: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- crowds: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- sand shoreline: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- surf: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- shelling: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- shark teeth: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- sea glass: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- driftwood: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- snorkeling: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- scuba: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- wildlife: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- accommodations: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- commercial activities rentals: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- alcohol rules: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- fire rules: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- camping rules: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- shore fishing rules: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- hours: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- dogs: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- lifeguards: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- restrooms showers: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- parking entry: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- accessibility: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- driving: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- public access rules: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- dining: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- history: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- managing authority: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- official source links: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- main photo: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- photo gallery: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- admission payment passes: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · unresolved
- plan your visit: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- check before you go: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- nearby beaches: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
- closer look: research reviewed 2026-11-04 · verified
Sources & review date
Guide desk research reviewed 2026-11-04; this is not a field-by-field current verification or an on-site inspection. Official facts, dated agency evidence and editorial assessments retain their own scope. Unknowns and conflicts remain open. Methodology · Rating explanations · Correction history
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · identity location ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · summary description ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · known for ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · live weather ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · daily forecast ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · tides ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · surf rip forecast ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · official flags closures ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · water quality ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · public access ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · crowds ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · sand shoreline ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · surf ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · shelling ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · shark teeth ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · sea glass ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · driftwood ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · snorkeling ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · scuba ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · wildlife ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · accommodations ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · commercial activities rentals ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · alcohol rules ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · fire rules ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · camping rules ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · shore fishing rules ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · hours ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · dogs ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · lifeguards ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · restrooms showers ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · parking entry ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · accessibility ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · driving ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · public access rules ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · dining ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · history ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · managing authority ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · official source links ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · main photo ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · photo gallery ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · admission payment passes ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · plan your visit ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · check before you go ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · nearby beaches ↗
- St. Clement’s Island State Park Shore · closer look ↗
An exact-beach scenic photograph is pending. No substitute photograph is displayed.
Visitor experiences
Original, moderated reviews and photographs. Visit dates and entrances provide context; visitor ratings and reports do not replace official facts or current conditions.
Read approved visitor experiences here when available.