 Martinak State Park |
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Martinak State Park |
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George Martinak deeded this land of forests, fields and marsh to the state in 1961 for preservation as a recreational facility and a natural area for the enjoyment of all. Bordered by the Choptank River and Watts Creek, this area supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. Anglers may enjoy the opportunity to catch bass, perch, sunfish and catfish.The area around the park has hardwood and pine forests on the Choptank River and Watts Creek. Modern campsites and boating access are available. Amenities include hiking trails, playground, shelters and a nature center. Check out a map of the camp sites and loop numbers.
Special Events
- Annual Fall Fest - Saturday, October 17: Celebrate the joys of autumn with park staff and Caroline County Recreation & Parks from noon until 4:00 p.m. Activities include an apple butter boil, corn shelling, Scales & Tales display, pumpkin decorating, bicycle rodeo, games, Scarecrow Wizardry, displays from area businesses and organizations, local crafters and artisans, live music and food!
- Santa’s Magic Workshop - Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13: Join park staff and Caroline County Recreation & Parks for a fun holiday program from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Visitors are asked to bring one canned good, which will be donated to St. Martin’s Barn in Ridgley as admission to the program. There will be plenty of fun things to do: take a hayride through the park's Enchanted Campground, create holiday crafts, decorate ornaments, visit Santa, check out model trains, and enjoy tasty goodies and hot cocoa.
- Enchanted Campground - December 14-31: Take a relaxing ride through the festive twinkling lights set up around Martinak State Park. A donation box will be set up to collect money for Caroline County Hospice. This event will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. each evening.
Features
- Fishing and Boating: The Choptank River and Watts Creek offer opportunities for fishing and boating. A boat launch and a pier allow for easy accessibility to the waterways. Anglers will find excellent fishing with abundant catches of bass, perch, sunfish and catfish. A Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License is required for fishing in the tidal waters of the river and creek. Canoes can be rented for a daily fee (April-October). Check with park personnel for current rates.
- Camping: Sixty-three campsites are available for trailer or tent camping, thirty of which feature electric hook-ups. Each site is equipped with a camping pad, picnic table and fire ring. A modern bathhouse is centrally located in each camping loop. No water hook-ups are available, but potable water is conveniently located around each loop. A dump station is available for trailer use.
- Cabins: Martinak State Park boasts four camper cabins and one full service cabin. The full service cabin overlooks the Choptank River and is available for year round rental. The full service cabin sleeps four and comes fully equipped with kitchen, bath facilities, heat, air conditioning and a screened in porch. The four camper cabins are located within the A camping loop and are available for rental early spring through late fall. They each sleep four and are equipped with ceiling fan, electricity and air conditioning. Each cabin features an outside fire ring, grill and picnic table. Restroom and shower facilities are located a short walk away.
- Picnicking: Martinak's picnic areas contain picnic tables, playground equipment, restrooms and pavilions overlooking the Choptank River. The two pavilions may be reserved in advance for a fee by calling the Statewide Reservation System at 1-888-432-2267.
- Click here for camping season beginning and ending dates, and camping and shelter service charges.
Martinak State Park offers one accessible camp loop with a central bathhouse, as well as accessible picnic areas, and nature center. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
Location - The park is located on the Eastern Shore, two miles east of Denton, off RT. 404, on Deep Shore Road in Caroline County.
Martinak State Park
137 Deep Shore Road
Denton, MD 21629
(410) 820-1668
Call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267) for reservations
Click here to make reservations on-line for Martinak State Park.
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Updated on September 2, 2009
