Island just 13 miles from American city with gritty reputation and secret 3,000-foot sandy beach perfect for summer picnics

THIS beach retreat is a hidden gem on the outskirts of a town made famous by a popular crime show.

Baltimore area’s Greenmount West may be able to overcome its reputation as Hart-Miller Island State Park gains positive attention.

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Hart-Miller Island State Park is unique for its boat-only access, taking visitors to its beautiful scenery and tranquil setting.

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the closest metropolitan area to the water state park is Baltimore.

And while the island itself is a perfect paradise, its neighbor, Baltimore, has a much worse reputation.

Here, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about traveling to Hart-Miller Island State Park in Maryland.

WHY HART-MILLER ISLAND STATE PARK?

There’s something to be said about a diamond in the rough, and Hart-Miller is Baltimore’s diamond.

“These are territorial wars. It’s a battle for the corners. You have 18-year-old boys killing each other. Many come from dysfunctional families,” described a Baltimore journalist columnist.

“We would like to think that art can move the world, but this problem is so intractable on so many levels that it will be with us for a long time.”

On the other hand, Hart-Miller was described as “quiet” and “sublime”.

“An incredible getaway. Sublime beauty and peaceful serenity await if you go in the off-season. Worth the trip. Go somewhere less than 10% of the population is likely to set foot,” wrote one Google reviewer.

“Beautiful and peaceful hidden island where your family can camp [$6] a day and practically have the island to yourself,” shared another.

From the views and peaceful atmosphere to the faux exclusivity, all at a cheap cost, there’s little not to like about Hart-Miller State Park.

WHAT ARE THE BEST VACATION DEALS AT HART-MILLER ISLAND STATE PARK?

The state park is a cheap stay, with the cost set per location at just $6 per night.

There are currently 22 sites open to the public, the problem is that they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once campers are settled into their site, an attendant will collect the overnight fee.

To travel to the island, travelers from further afield would do best to fly into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Direct flights are available from New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC and Dallas, among other cities.

Depending on how far ahead travelers plan and their preferred airlines, trips to the nearest airport cost between $300 and $600; this will probably be the most expensive price for the trip.

For more visitors traveling locally, it would be better to take a train to the airport for a lower cost of between $140 and $300 per round trip ticket.

The Hart-Miller State Park adventure includes reaching the island by boat.

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As it is an island, the park is the only way to access it.

For locals, many have their own boat to hitchhike, but for those outside the city, they will have to look for paid transportation.

This can offer a lot of variety to visitors depending on the experience they choose.

A reserved water taxi situation can cost around $170 per hour, while a chartered tour for a longer period or time, or a boat that must remain on the island can reach the upper limit of $500.

Experienced sailors can also rent a boat suitable for their level to travel to and from the site.

WHAT MAKES HART-MILLER ISLAND STATE PARK WORLD CLASS?

O park website explains that Hart-miller “is a must-see for anyone who wants to get away from it all”.

Unlike some vacations, a visit to Hart-Miller is not a glamorous experience, fitted with all the comforts of home; instead, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Although the island is smaller in size at 1,100 acres, the layout of the campsites maintains a more intimate feel:

• 6 sites on Hart-Miller Island’s main camping area
• 11 locations in Hawk Cove
• 5 locations on Pleasure Island

Each site also comes equipped with a picnic table, lantern post, grill, and fire ring.

The island has a rich history, originally being a peninsula outside of Edgemere, Maryland.

Camping is available from May 1st to September 30th each year.

Eventually, in 1981, the separate islands of Hart and Miller were joined by a structure intended to protect the bay from flooding.

This structure was eventually filled with ocean dredge, creating a joint Hart-Miller Island.

While the Chesapeake Bay has a few tour options, Hart-Miller is just one stop on them.

To experience the full glory of the park, a visit with your feet in the sand is necessary.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AT HART-MILLER ISLAND STATE PARK?

The park has 3,000 feet of beach to enjoy during your visit.

Including spots for boating or beaching, Hart-Miller’s sandy shores offer all the allure of a typical beach, but with fewer people.

To make the stay even more welcoming, the park allows pets to accompany human travelers, as long as they are leashed.

In addition to the beach, the island has several marshes, trails and a large lake.

The variety of habitats included on just one small island provides a unique mix of wildlife, especially an extensive list of waterfowl.

The park’s website promises education when hiking the trails.

“Interpretive signage details the various wildlife and different ecosystems that are part of Hart-Miller Island, as well as the history of this unique and unique area,” the description says.

Visitors can also rent bicycles and binoculars for free to explore the island and enjoy its rich flora and fauna.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HART-MILLER ISLAND STATE PARK?

Located on the east-central American coast, the best time to visit the park is during the camping season, from May 1 to September 30, when the weather is best.

For those who want a cooler climate, the months of May and September are the best, but the summer from June to August is hot and perfect for typical beach weather.

While it may be common sense to bring sunscreen, visitors should also bring insect repellent.

The island’s freshwater ecosystems, such as marshes, mean that insect life is also more robust than in a normal beach environment.

Many past visitors note that mosquitoes are the island’s biggest drawback, and warn others to come prepared.

Due to its island location, Miller-Hart is isolated from other amenities of the modern world.

Beautiful and peaceful hidden island where your family can camp [$6] per day and practically have the island to yourself.”

Previous visitor to Hart-Miller

Wi-Fi and cable are largely unavailable unless travelers bring their own hotspots and power supplies.

The most important thing to remember is to bring food and food storage appropriate to the length of your stay.

Tourists should consider planning their meals in advance and taking them all in one trip to the park, rather than relying on easy trips to the supermarket, as there are none on the island.

The only exception is that next to the bike rental shop there are light concessions consisting of soft drinks, snacks, and snow cones.