Parks Providing Access
Mallows Bay Park is the primary access point to the sanctuary and provides direct access to the sanctuary and most of the Ghost Fleet remains. Additional access is available at Widewater and Smallwood State Parks.
Mallows Bay Park (Maryland)
1440 Wilson Landing Road
Nanjemoy, MD 20662
(301) 932-3470
Directions
The park is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to sunset.
Amenities include a boat ramp, soft launch, portable toilets, parking, walking trail, interpretive signs, and picnic area.
Due to the size of the water access area at Mallows Bay, groups of 10 or more should pre-register their paddle trip. This process helps minimize congestion and conflict in the boat ramp area. To pre-register your group, please contact gilroye@charlescountymd.gov at least two weeks prior to the requested date.
Widewater State Park (Virginia)
101 Widewater State Park Road
Stafford, VA 22554
540 288-1400
Directions
The park is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to sunset.
Amenities include a boat ramp, soft launch, portable toilets, parking, walking trail, interpretive signs, and picnic area.
Smallwood State Park (Maryland)
2750 Sweden Point Road
Marbury, MD 20658
(301) 743-7613
Directions
The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset from April to October, and from 7 a.m. to sunset from November to March.
Amenities include the historic Smallwood’s Retreat, a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground, and nature trails.