Baltimore County Offers Beaches Without the Drive

Even with gas prices dropping, a trip to an ocean resort can get expensive, with travel, housing, eating and shopping costs that pile up.

If you're looking for an alternative to trips to coastal resorts, you don't have to look much farther than your own county.

Thanks to Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks and Maryland Park Service facilities, residents on the eastern side of the county have beaches pratically in their back yards and their western counterparts don't have far to travel to put their toes in sand.

Beach-cations can be had at the following county swimming beaches:

Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks

Rocky Point Waterfront Park
2200 Rocky Point Road
This 375-acre waterfront park includes 300 feet of beach, a 20-foot-by-30 foot beachfront tent, pavilions, seven shaded picnic groves, a fishing pier, two boat ramps and a bathhouse with first aid station.

Oregon Ridge Beach
Also known as "the quarry," Oregon Ridge's beach area borders a spring-fed lake and puffer shallow and deep water for swimmers.

The beach also includes a concession stand, bathhouse, pavilion, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a playground area.

Admission rates for Baltimore County beaches:

Individual Rates

Weekend/Holidays
    Adults (12+) - $8
    Seniors (62+) - $5
    Children - Free

Weekdays
    Adults (12+) - $7
    Seniors (62+) - $5
    Children - Free

Twilight (4 p.m. - close)
    Adults (12+) - $4
    Seniors (62+) - $2.50
    Children - Free

Season passes
    Adults (12+) $95
    Seniors (62+) - $55
    Family (of 4)* - $180
    *Each additional person - $45

Maryland Park Service

Gunpowder State Park, Hammerman Area
7200 Graces Quarters Road, Chase
Park offers a swimming beach, picnic area, fishing areas, concession stand, boat rentals, a boat launch (water is shallow; launching only for unpowered boats such as canoes, kayaks and row boats) and hiking trails.

The Hammerman Area offers 1,500 feet of beach and swimming area on the banks of the Gunpowder River. Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming area from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming is permitted at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty.

Lifeguard hours are subject to change. Call 410-592-2897 to confirm.

North Point State Park
North Point Road, Edgemere
The park offers a pavilion at the site of the former trolley barn, many picnic areas, a visitor's center and a swimming beach.

State park admission fees:

Service Charges are subject to change. Call 410-592-2897 to confirm.

Weekends and Holidays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day:
There is a $5 per person service charge ($7 per-person for non-Maryland residents) for entrance into the Hammerman Area.

Weekdays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day:
There is a $3 per person service charge ($5 per-person for non-Maryland residents) for entrance into the Hammerman Area.

Patrons who leave the park are required to pay again to re-enter.

The Hammerman Area is known to fill to capacity on summer weekends and especially holidays. All visitors will be turned away if the park fills to capacity. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early. The beach parking lot also fills to capacity often. Alternative parking is usually available at the Dogwood parking lot, but be prepared to walk.

For more information, check the county's website.