Veterans Park - Charlestown, MD
Veterans Park – Dog-Friendly Fun in Charlestown, Maryland
Veterans Park is a charming, well-loved spot along the Northeast River in Charlestown, Maryland, offering visitors a relaxing escape with beautiful waterfront views. This pet-friendly park features shaded picnic areas, a sandy swimming beach, and a welcoming atmosphere for dog owners looking for outdoor adventures with their furry companions. Whether you’re strolling the grounds, enjoying the wildlife, or sitting at the wharf to watch the sunrise, Veterans Park is an excellent destination for dog owners in Cecil County and the greater Maryland area.
The park is known for its cleanliness, generous shade from trees and a pavilion, ample picnic tables, and small beach where swimming is allowed. Restrooms are available in the late spring through fall, making it convenient for families, and dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after them. While parking has transitioned to a paid, permit-only system, there remain some free options nearby. The area is generally peaceful but can attract a crowd during nice weather, and some reviews note that maintenance is typically good, though occasional litter may occur after particularly busy days.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must be leashed at all times.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, part of the park is fenced in, providing extra safety for families and pets.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park offers plenty of natural shade from trees and there is a covered pavilion for additional shelter.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available from late spring through fall.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are several picnic tables and seating areas throughout the park.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, the small sandy beach allows swimming and is open to both people and pets.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, the park is popular for picnics with many tables and open grassy spaces.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Parking may be paid or permit-only (seasonal annual pass available); entry to the park itself is free.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Generally yes, but occasional litter may be present after busy days.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a playground and other family-friendly amenities.
Reviews
Nice little place to visit for the day swimming in the bay picnicking my social Gathering Spot
Paid parking with Parkmobile app (NULL per hour), nice, small sandy beach, friendly ducks.
Really nice area. Free parking, small beach, picnic tables. Beach should be raked and people should pick up trash.
Very nice small park, located near the corner of Market and Water Streets, has a pavilion that provides for a nice view of the Northeast River. Dogs are permitted in this park provided you clean up after them.Small beach for swimming too🏖😁😎
We love it here because it’s usually quite clean and well taken care of. Sweet, quiet little place to enjoy some sand and water, boats and wildlife. It was roughly our 5th visit when we had to leave because picnic tables were in disarray and broken glass and bottles were littered about under the pavilion and on the grass. Mischief happens sometimes, just like anywhere else.
During the late spring bathrooms become available and are until the fall. There are also a generous number of picnic tables and lots of shade to get out of the sun (from trees and a pavilion).
Frustratingly, the municipality transitioned parking from the park mobile app to permit only parking. I recently made a full-day visit with my kid and some friends, and alternative parking options were limited and not very family friendly for a day-long stay.
The municipality is charging NULL for a calendar year pass; they require a check (no credit card option), and the transaction can only be in-person during business hours 😅 whew.