Essex - Browns Creek

Since opening in 2025, this Essex location gives members access to view the wildlife in the calm waters of Browns Creek.

This location has a sit-on-top tandem, recreational and seakayaks available, free parking and a port-a-potty onsite. Jakes Tavern is closest eatery on the way in, open afternoons and evenings. 

For the more experienced, members can paddle the open waters of the Bay over 1 hour (3 nm), to Hart Miller Island State Park from May through September for day use or overnight camping. Do not paddle solo, read the Hart Miller Island Advisory section below! 

The island has a sandy beach for swimming, an observation tower, free shared bicycle use, water supply and restroom and light concessions. The 22 campsites are available first come, first served, each with a picnic table and campfire grill, for $6 per site per night, collected after setup. 

Since the 2022 season, the Island View Waterfront Cafe has closed and so has no restrooms or rental kayaks!   It is used for private events, such as weddings

No address has been assigned to the loT!

To gET HErE, DRive Past the Entrance to Rocky Point Park and the Island View WaTERFRONT Cafe. 

If you see the fork in the road, YOu’ve gone too far.

Near the end of the road, TURN RIght into the Grass lot with A yellow paddle attached to the FENCe.  

Park on the lot near the road, UP against the neighbor’s shed.

Do not park in the paved driveway leading to the neighbor’s house!  The neighbor’s house is very close to the lot property line, please avoid it when possible. 

Please park on the lot close to the road by the side of the neighbor’s shed as there are unseen hazards on the lot (large fallen branches, wellhead, etc.)! 

Do not use the firepit by the water to set any fires. It is the neighbor’s firepit!  

For those planning to paddle to Hart Miller State Park, a Kayak Usage Log via text is to be used for member safety.

Members MUST text to 443-850-0022 with their float plan stating their planned trip details, the kayak(s) taken out, their departure and anticipated return time.

Be sure to check the local Tide Chart Predictions before heading out.

We recommend that trips out to Hart Miller Island be undertaken by our more experienced paddlers. Before you  start out, check the marine forecast for your entire trip time!  

If you are less experienced, go with experienced members. As you leave Browns Creek, stay right, close to the shoreline for about half a mile, before heading due South across Hawk Cove to Hart Miller-a little more than 1 mile across. This approach is safer by minimizing exposure to small boat traffic, given low wave/wind conditions.

Interested in camping at Hart Miller? Read this blog post to prepare.