Purse State Park - Nanjemoy, MD
Purse State Park – A Dog-Friendly Gem Near Nanjemoy, MD
Purse State Park, nestled along the lower course of the Potomac River in Nanjemoy, MD, offers a unique natural setting for outdoor lovers and their four-legged friends. While not a traditional dog park, the area features pet-friendly trails and riverside exploration opportunities, making it a popular destination for dog-friendly hiking. The park is renowned for its fossil-hunting, particularly shark teeth, and peaceful riverfront views. Visitors love the serene atmosphere, hiking trails, picnic spots, and access to the Potomac—perfect for adventurous pups and their owners.
The beach area is narrow, with plenty of driftwood and small pebbles, so water shoes are recommended. There’s limited parking and no obvious signage, so plan to arrive early. Though there isn’t a fenced dog area or formal off-leash section, dogs are welcome to enjoy the natural trails and open spaces on leash. Be mindful of ticks in the woods, and bring sunscreen for your visit. Purse State Park is a haven for those seeking a quiet, dog-friendly outing in southern Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features scenic trails perfect for exploring with your dog.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is river access where people and dogs can wade or swim, although the area is small and not a traditional beach.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small parking area across from the entrance. Arriving early is recommended due to limited spaces.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks are present, especially along the trail to the beach, so take precautions for your dog and yourself.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Purse State Park is available for visits year-round.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? There is a picnic area available within the park for visitors.
Reviews
Great day trip. Found tons of shark teeth in just 4 hours. We didn’t even have any tools or anything, just shifted through with our hands, feet, and sharp eyes. Recommending looking up when low tide is and timing it so you get there as the water recedes so you have more time. Parking is limited.
As someone else mentioned, there is not an obvious sign for the entrance. Google maps will lead you to a little parking area across the street. Get there early to get a spot! There is not much of a “beach” in the lounging-on-the-sand sense. A few people were swimming, but there’s not much room to lay out a towel or chair or anything. I had fun looking for shark teeth and dipping my toes in the water. Wear good water shoes! You’ll be stepping on a lot of stones and walking over driftwood. Also recommend bringing different shoes for driving home. It’s a nice little place to spend a couple of hours exploring.
As others have mentioned it is a very narrow beach area. There is a lot of driftwood and small pebbles we did find shark teeth and the 5 year old boys waded in the water. Be aware as the tick population is there . Just walking down to the beach 2 ticks were crawling on hubby. Be careful and have fun! Wear sunscreen too
This place was so neat! It was our first time hunting for shark teeth and we were thrilled to be able to find some (with the help of a local woman we met on the beach!) We just had to look closely- they were coming in and out with the shallow part of the water. Worth the drive and the short hike in.
A nice State Park at the lower course of Potomac River. Don’t expect beaches. The riverside is very small. This place seem to be known for finds of shark teeth. We didn’t find any of them but many families were searching the shallow water…
The place is okay. It will not become our famous sunday excursion. But we were able to catch some nice shots with our cam…