Betterton Beach
Swimming hole in Chestertown, Maryland · River
Betterton Beach is a river (tidal) swimming hole. It is at 100 Ericsson Ave, Betterton, MD. Fee notes: Free beach access and parking (Kent County). Best season: Weekday mornings in summer, or guarded Thu–Sun windows.
Typical season: Weekday mornings in summer, or guarded Thu–Sun windows
About Betterton Beach
Betterton Beach is a free Kent County public beach in Betterton, Maryland, where freshwater from the Sassafras River meets the upper Chesapeake. a practical legal swim alternative for Baltimore-area searchers who also look up Loch Raven.
Expect a sandy swim strand, bathhouse, picnic pavilion, playground, and fishing jetty. **Lifeguards** are typically on duty **Thursday, Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m.** from late June through Labor Day (weekends-only earlier in the season). When guards are off, swim at your own risk and stay in designated swim areas.
Parking lot hours are roughly 5 a.m., 10 p.m. **No pets on the sand during public beach season (May, September)**; no alcohol without a permit. Address: 100 Ericsson Avenue. Reconfirm hours, fees, and access rules the morning you go. local managers change postings faster than travel blogs.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 100 Ericsson Ave, Betterton, MD 21610
- Water type
- River (Tidal)
- Water body
- Sassafras River
- Fee
- Free beach access and parking (Kent County)
- Nearest town
- Chestertown
- State
- Maryland
- Coordinates
- 39.37083, -76.06667
- Best season
- Weekday mornings in summer, or guarded Thu–Sun windows.
- Access difficulty
- Easy sand beach access.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Not a beach campground; lodging in Kent County towns.
- Activities
- Swimming, picnicking, fishing (jetty), playground
- Facilities
- Bathhouse, pavilion, playground, jetty, free parking.
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Weekday mornings in summer, or guarded Thu, Sun windows.
- Access Easy sand beach access.
- Facilities Bathhouse, pavilion, playground, jetty, free parking.
- Camping nearby Not a beach campground; lodging in Kent County towns.
Highlights & features
- Calm and family-friendly waters
- Access to canoeing and kayaking
- Free parking and picnic facilities
- Historical significance as a resort town
- Stunning views over the Chesapeake Bay
- Brackish water ecosystem combining saltwater and freshwater
- Historical charm as a former steamboat destination
- Nearby country store offering local treats
How to get there
Address: 100 Ericsson Ave, Betterton, MD 21610. Kent Parks: 410-778-1948.
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1. From Chestertown / US-213 corridor, follow signed routes north to Betterton.
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2. Continue to Ericsson Avenue and the public beach / pavilion parking lot.
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3. Park only in designated spaces — violators can be towed.
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4. Swim in marked areas when open; use bathhouse facilities as posted.
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5. Leave by lot closing (about 10 p.m.); beach/pavilion areas close at dusk for some uses.
Plan your visit
Betterton Beach works well as a day trip from Chestertown or Betterton. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Ferry Park or browse more Maryland river spots in our directory. For the full list in Maryland, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is a public, county-managed beach with no entrance fee. Parking is free but can fill quickly on summer weekends. Facilities include a bath house and picnic areas. The nearest services for food and supplies are in Still Pond (3 miles) and Betterton.
Top picks for this trip
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Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
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What to pack for Betterton Beach
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Betterton Beach free?
Yes. Beach access and parking are free. Pavilion rentals may require a separate permit/fee.
Are there lifeguards at Betterton Beach?
Seasonal yes — typically Thu–Sun 10 a.m.–6 p.m. in peak summer after schools dismiss; weekends-only earlier. When guards are off, swim at your own risk.
Where is Betterton Beach Maryland?
In Betterton, Kent County, at 100 Ericsson Avenue — north of Chestertown on the Sassafras River / Chesapeake shore.
Can you bring dogs to Betterton Beach?
Pets are not permitted on the sand during public beach season (May–September). Off-season/leash rules follow county postings.
Is Betterton Beach good for kids?
Yes when lifeguards are on and you stay in designated swim areas. Bring sun protection — shoreline shade can be limited.
Does Betterton have jellyfish?
Upper Bay / Sassafras freshwater influence often means fewer jellyfish than ocean beaches, but conditions vary — still watch children for stings and current.
Are there bathrooms at Betterton Beach?
Yes — a bathhouse supports the swim season. Confirm posted hours on arrival.
Can you fish at Betterton Beach?
The jetty/pier area is for fishing; do not swim from the jetty. Follow posted pier rules.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Once a bustling resort town frequented by steamboat travelers, Betterton Beach holds historical significance tied to Maryland’s maritime traditions.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the unique brackish water ecosystem and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.