Boat Ramps Nearby

Shorter's Wharf

Boat rampFree

Shorter's Wharf gives you public access to the water on Blackwater River in Cambridge, MD. Launching at Shorter's Wharf is free. This access point is subject to strong tides that may make launching and recovery difficult. At Mean High Water the height of the Shorter's Wharf Bridge is about 4', which limits access downstream. Alexandria is the nearest big city, about 60 miles away. Closest alternative: Key Wallace Drive soft access in Cambridge (4.6 miles).

TypePublic boat ramp
AddressCambridge, MD
Hours
Open 24 hours
please check with the launch before you go
WaterBlackwater River
Surfacepaved
Launch feefree
Get directions View on the map
Illustration: a public boat ramp with a floating dock on a wide river
Illustration only. Shorter's Wharf itself may look different.

Before you launch at Shorter's Wharf

State agency for boat ramps around Cambridge: Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Guide: How to launch a boat from a trailer.

Small things for ramp day

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About Shorter's Wharf

How do I get to Shorter's Wharf?

Shorter's Wharf is in Cambridge, Maryland. The directions button above routes you to the pin for Shorter's Wharf.

Which lake or river does Shorter's Wharf access?

Blackwater River, in Cambridge.

Is there a fee at Shorter's Wharf?

Shorter's Wharf is marked as free in the map data, though rules can change, so look at the signs when you arrive.

Can paddlers use Shorter's Wharf?

Usually yes, as long as you keep the lane at Shorter's Wharf clear for trailers. The nearest dedicated kayak launch is MD Route 335 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, about 5.8 miles away.

Where else can you launch near Shorter's Wharf?

Key Wallace Drive soft access in Cambridge (4.6 miles), MD Route 335 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge (5.8 miles) and Tylers Cove in Chesapeake Ranch Estates (9 miles).

Other launches near Cambridge

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