Elms Beach#, St Mary's County, MD Chesapeake bay side
FIG. 1 view of the northern Elms Beach launch looking east into the Chesapeake to view a land photo: if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.
To zoom back out, use "control -". If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")
Elms beach is off MD Rt 235 about 10 miles north of point lookout and 12 miles south of the junction with MD Rt 4.Go to St.Mary's County Maryland and get on Md Rt 235 South in St Mary's County. This can be achieved by either 1) heading south on Md Rt 5 and then catching Md Rt 235 south or 2) by heading south on Md Rts 2/4 combined thru the solomons island area and over the Patuxent River to jct Md Rt 235. Continue on Md Rt 235 (aka Three Notch Rd) South past Patuxent Naval Station. Several miles beyond the naval station, make a left hand turn on Bay Forest Road. Follow east 1.3 miles and then left onto St James Church Road (a dirt road) into Park. This may be achieved by following signs to Elms Beach Park. Note that the sign for Elms beach from MD Rt 235 is visible for southbound traffic only. There is two launch areas. One is right next to the parking lot and the white pavilion. This is a smaller launch area. The other is several hundred feet north of the parking lot along a paved path. The launch closest to the parking lot is a bit cramped while the launch to the north is more spacious. There isFIG. 2 view of the launch close to the parking lot -- note the white pavilion in the background. to view a land photo: if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.
To zoom back out, use "control -". If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")
Fees -- None amenities -- picnic area under pavilion launches have a large shallow area making it good for beginners hazards -- the water can have an odor to it -- during swim season, the water is regularly tested. Elms beach is a swim at your own risk park
FIG. 3 sign with telephone numbers at beach -- if you are concerned about the water quality, you may want to try calling 301-475-4330 Beach faces East into 10 miles of Chesapeake bay. Best with winds absent a westerly component.
