🌤 Weather at James Island State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–62 °F | 51–69 °F | 42–65 °F | 38–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Olga 2 SE, 7 mi away, elevation 80 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
James Island State Park is a public state park in Maryland near Crisfield in San Juan County. Spanning 113 acres and established in 1964, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Maryland |
| Nearest City | Crisfield |
| County | San Juan |
| Park Size | 113 acres |
| Established | 1964 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (500 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
James Island State Park is located near Crisfield, Maryland. The park’s coordinates are 48.5125, -122.7750.
Things to Do
Maryland state parks highlight the state’s geographic diversity, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy ocean swimming and wild horse watching at Assateague, hiking the rugged Appalachian Trail, boating and crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay estuaries, and fishing for trout in mountain streams. Other popular activities include mountain biking through extensive forested watersheds, exploring Civil War and colonial history, camping in both beach and mountain settings, and kayaking calm tidal rivers.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for outdoor recreation in Maryland. Fall (October) brings crisp air and excellent foliage in the western mountain parks. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer (June–August) is peak season for coastal and bay parks, though inland parks can be very hot and humid. Winter is mild in the east but brings enough snow for winter sports in the westernmost parks like Deep Creek Lake.
Visitor Tips
Entry fees vary widely: some parks charge per vehicle (around $3-$5), while others charge per person, and out-of-state visitors generally pay slightly more. A Maryland Park Service Annual Passport ($75 for residents) provides unlimited day-use entry. Popular parks, especially beaches and those near Baltimore/Washington D.C., frequently reach capacity and close early on summer weekends and holidays, so arrive before 10 AM. Dogs are allowed in many areas but have strict seasonal restrictions on beaches.
Wildlife & Nature
James Island State Park — a 114-acre island accessible only by boat in the Rosario Strait near Anacortes — offers primitive camping in a beautiful San Juan Islands setting. The island’s rocky shoreline and forest of Douglas fir and Pacific madrone create a quintessential Pacific Northwest island experience. Harbor seals and Steller sea lions haul out on surrounding rocks. Bald eagles nest in the tall conifers. Orca whales travel through Rosario Strait — both Southern Resident and Bigg’s transient pods are seen. Rhinoceros auklets and pigeon guillemots nest on nearby islands. Kayakers favor the protected coves.
Nearby Attractions
Anacortes — 3 miles east by boat — has the San Juan Islands ferry terminal. Deception Pass State Park — 5 miles south. Cypress Island — across Bellingham Channel — offers additional primitive camping. San Juan Islands are accessible from Anacortes. Fidalgo Island shoreline paddling is nearby.
Explore More Maryland State Parks
James Island State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maryland. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maryland guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Sang Run State Park is elsewhere in the state, while Harrington Manor State Park lies elsewhere in the state.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at James Island State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at James Island State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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