Expedition Camping in the Chesapeake Area

[Huntrava]

Apologies for being a bit inactive on the board for the past few months.

I've been looking high and low for resources relating to laws/regulations when it comes to kayak camping in the Chesapeake area. Specifically, I'd love to do a multi-day south-bound float with a few friends down the Chesapeake while covering a lot of miles each day, and camping on the shore each night.

How would one go about determining which sites are suitable for camping each night? Assuming we aren't camping in anyone's backyard each night, how would you set up an itinerary like this? I see many refuges, urban areas, etc. along the coastline, and I'd like to avoid trespassing wherever possible.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[Hemingway]

I can only speak about the Eastern shore side of the Chesapeake. Unless you were talking a state park with a campground on the bay, then virtually all of the marsh and beach island lands on the Chesapeake are privately owned and posted no trespassing. I feel that most of the no trespassing signs are for waterfowl season in order to kick people out of someone’s duck blind. However a lot of locals do like to go and fish on their islands and beaches overnight. So if you are going to set up on the down low and hope to slip under the radar, you do run the risk of having someone ask you to pack up, or worst call a DNR officer on you. You may have less of a potential problem on the seaside on some of the barrier islands but bird nesting season will definitely be something to plan around.

[bassguy84]

I have never done it but have thought about it. This is the DNR website of water trails. I know some have camping. You might be able to "connect" to different ones. Hope it helps. https://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/pag...tertrails.aspx

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[Slobber Bob]

Pretty much what Hemmingway said is true for the Eastern side. Just keep a low profile, avoid the areas that are clearly posted, don't set up camp too early or where houses are near, and clean up when your done and you shouldn't have a problem. There are lots of tiny, sandy beaches up and down the Eastern Shore. I think Kayak Kevin used to have a bunch of blog postings on his website about his camping trips. It won't give you specifics, but an idea.