Cartop Boat Launch

Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks provides cartop boat launch sites at many community and regional parks. Cartop boat refers to a canoe or kayak.

Please note that some sites are a long carry to the water or are difficult to access.

  • Park hours are open dawn to dusk
  • No swimming
  • No camping
  • No trailers
  • No alcohol
  • No fires
  • No overnight parking
  • All trash must be taken with you or place in a trash receptacle

What types of boats qualify as "car top boats?"

In general a car top boat refers to a canoe or kayak, although a boat that can be carried on or in a passenger vehicle that can be transported by hand to the water may qualify as a car top boat. None of the car top boat launch sites has a ramp for trailered boats. Please note that some sites are a long carry to the water or are difficult to access. 

Are certain inflatable kayaks allowed at car top boat launch sites?

Inflatable kayaks must have multiple air chambers and be made of heavy duty PVC-coated polyester, Hypalon or similar material. These kayaks are meant to perform in a similar manner as rigid kayaks. Inflatable toy kayaks or rafts which are not designed to be placed in moving or rough water are prohibited from using the County's car top boat launch sites. There is a distinct difference between these two different types of inflatables and for safety purposes you should never launch any craft that is not designed for the body of water being entered.


The following Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks regional and community parks provide an area to launch cartop boats. Please review the rules and regulations listed above.

Shady Side Park

1355 East West Shady Side Road
Shady Side, MD 20764
Get Directions

Solleys Cove Park

7360 Carbide Road
Curtis Bay, MD 21226
Get Directions

Spriggs Farm Park

965 Bayberry Drive
Arnold, MD 21012
Get Directions

Wootons Landing Park

4550 Sands Road
Harwood, MD 20776
Get Directions