Enjoy Boating, Camping Memorial Day Weekend In Maryland

Kristin Danley-Greiner
Updated ·4 min read

MARYLAND — While Marylanders aren't completely free of restrictions implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus, you can still have some fun outdoors Memorial Day weekend once the weather cooperates.

Beaches

As of May 15, per Gov. Larry Hogan, all state department of natural resources-owned beaches are open, and activities such as walking, jogging, running, fishing, swimming and sunbathing are permitted as long as social distancing guidelines are followed and no more than 10 people are in a group.

Boating

Recreational boating activities, including motorized and non-motorized vessels and personal watercraft, are permitted, however:

Camping

The DNR is accepting reservations for overnight tent and RV camping in state forests, parks and other campgrounds, however:

  • Guidelines on social distancing must be followed.

  • No parties or reservations for more than 10 people will be granted for any one site.

  • Reservations for cabin rentals will not be accepted at this time; however, the DNR will begin to consider protocols for accepting reservations again in the near future.

Fishing, crabbing

Recreational fishing activities, including catch-and-release and crabbing, are allowed, however:

  • When fishing from a boat, no more than 10 people may be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.

  • When fishing from onshore or a pier, social distancing guidelines must be followed.

    • DNR fishing piers are open.

  • Fishing tournaments may be held so long as no more than 10 people are in a gathering at one time or may be held virtually.

  • All normal rules and regulations regarding fishing are in effect and must be followed, including creel limits, gear restrictions, and seasons.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding activities, including riding on certain state lands, is allowed, however:

  • The prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed including for organized rides.

  • Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

  • Horse races will not be permitted on state lands until further notice from the Maryland Racing Commission and Maryland Department of Labor.

Off-road vehicles

Off-road vehicles can be ridden on DNR-owned lands where they are allowed, however:

  • No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.

  • The prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed, including for organized rides.

Shooting ranges

DNR shooting ranges on state land are open, however:

  • Groups of no more than 10 will be allowed on the range at any time.

  • Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

Boating safety

For safety's sake, the DNR reminds boaters to pass a slower moving vessel in open water with as much room as depth conditions allow and to slow down.

  • Be especially cautious of smaller vessels such as canoes or kayaks, which may be less stable.

  • You are responsible for the safety of your passengers, your boat and any damage to other boats and personal property.

  • Avoid creating an excessive wake in narrow confined areas.

  • Operate slowly at all times when in the vicinity of marinas and launch ramps.

Maryland law states that all children under the age of 13 must wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while on a recreational vessel less than 21 feet in length. Recreational vessel includes motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and any other device capable of being used for transportation on the water, when the vessel is being used for other than commercial purposes. The life jacket must be the proper size for the child and must be in good and serviceable condition.

A child younger than age 4 must wear a PFD that features additional safety precautions as appropriate for an infant, toddler or young child.

To operate a personal watercraft on Maryland waters, people must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age to operate.

  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

  • Carry a certificate of boater safety education if born on or after July 1, 1972.

  • Maintain 6 knots or slower within 100 feet of another PWC, vessel, shore, pier, piling, bridge structure, abutment or people in the water.

  • Have PWC equipped with an operating self-circling device or kill switch.

You may not:

  • Operate above idle speed in water less than 18 inches in depth.

  • Operate between sunset and sunrise.

  • Jump, or attempt jumping, the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.

  • Operate within 300 feet of people in the water or surf fishing activities in the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Disturb waterfowl and wildlife.

  • Operate in a reckless and/or negligent manner.

Paddleboaters also must wear life jackets.

This article originally appeared on the Annapolis Patch