Community
Churchton
Churchton’s waterfront communities and nearby Franklin Point State Park have different access arrangements. The state park’s Dent Road entrance, gate process and shallow shoreline deserve attention before an outing.
Separate the community from the state park
Churchton includes waterfront communities with their own shared spaces. The county’s Deale–Shady Side study identifies Franklin Manor as a Churchton community with a private beach. That setting should be kept distinct from Franklin Point State Park, a separate public destination. Similar names do not mean the entrances or access rules are shared.
Navigate to Dent Road
The Maryland DNR park page directs visitors to the Franklin Point entrance on Dent Road. Use its entrance directions and coordinates, rather than the Annapolis administrative mailing address also associated with park management. Parking is limited and entry involves a gate combination request. Arrange that access before traveling, and follow the instructions to close and lock the gate.
Match the outing to the shoreline
The park allows nonmotorized shoreline access, but its shallow cove can be difficult or inaccessible at low tide. A planned soft launch should not be treated as a completed facility. A shoreline walk and a paddling trip therefore involve different preparation. Review the state park’s current access information and the conditions relevant to the activity you intend to do.