The Sassafras River is one of the most beautiful rivers on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Surrounded by high banks and cliffs, the winding river is 20 nautical miles long and takes boaters past breathtaking bends offering views of rolling hillsides and riverbanks.
Marinas are clustered toward the top of the Sassafras River, but the 7 nautical mile cruise up the river to marinas is well worth the trip to enjoy a transient stay at one of the full-service marinas on the Sassafras River. (although weekends can be busy on the river with boats coming & going).
Because of the east/west alignment of the Sassafras River, sunrise and sunset views from the water are spectacular and unlike any other on the Chesapeake Bay. With access to multiple on-water dining options and many sea-nettle free anchorages within no-wake zones, a transient slip rental at a Sassafras River marina is sure to be a memorable visit.
Transient Boat Slips at Sassafras River Marinas on the Chesapeake Bay
Sassafras River transients have access to some of the best full-service marina amenities on the Upper Chesapeake Bay.
Marinas on the Sassafras River tend to be quite full during the peak of the boating season; however each one does offer transient slip rentals. Reservations are typically required well in advance of a visit – especially for larger boats where there are typically fewer transient slips available.
Sassafras River Marinas:
Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort
Location: First marina located on the port side approaching the top of Sassafras River on the Chesapeake Bay
Amenities / Services: Ship store, fuel dock (gas and diesel), laundry facilities, bath houses with A/C, Free Wi-Fi and cable TV at slips, private swimming pool overlooking the river, playground, tennis court, basketball court, lounge, picnic area, volleyball net, on-site restaurant (Signals – best of bay winner for crab cakes), on-site security
Contact number: 410-275-2122
Georgetown Yacht Basin
Location: Located on the starboard side approaching the top of Sassafras River on the Chesapeake Bay (just before drawbridge)
Amenities / Services: Ship store and gift shop, fuel dock (gas and diesel), laundry facilities, bath houses with A/C, Free Wi-Fi at slips, private swimming pool, picnic area, nearby restaurants (owner of Kitty Knight House Inn and Restaurant and The Granary Restaurant – within walking distance or via complimentary water taxi “Two Toots”), loaner bicycles and a rental vehicle
Contact number: 410-648-5112
The Granary Marina and Restaurant
Location: Located on the port side approaching the top of Sassafras River on the Chesapeake Bay (just before drawbridge)
Amenities / Services: Laundry facilities, bath houses with A/C, Free Wi-Fi at slips, pn-site restaurants (The Granary for fine dining and Sassafras Grill for casual dining and entertainment), complimentary water taxi service to Georgetown Yacht Basin for pool privileges, Kitty Knight Restaurant and other amenities
Contact number: 410-648-5112
Sassafras Harbor Marina
Location: Located on the port side approaching the top of Sassafras River on the Chesapeake Bay (just before drawbridge)
Amenities / Services: Ship store and gift shop, laundry facilities, bath houses with A/C, Free Wi-Fi at slips, private swimming pool, picnic area, children’s play area, on-site Harbor Café Restaurant, nearby restaurants (Kitty Knight House Inn and Restaurant and The Granary Restaurant within walking distance)
Contact number: 410-275-1144
VIDEO – Cruising Down the Sassafras River
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Stayed recently at the Tolchester Marina. Probably good for a day trip, as they have three bars on the beach, but the check-in and amenities for the marina are disorganized. Phoned prior to leaving my marina, called them on 16 and then 68 as instructed, no one answered. Finally got them on my cell and had a terrible time finding my slip as they do not have a map on their site nor are their directions very clear. Channel Restaurant was okay, but two couples had to wait over an hour for their food. I will not be coming back this season.
thanks for the addition and my apologies of not initially including Sailing Associates in my roundup of Sassafras marinas!
Another transient friendly marina on the beautiful Sassafras River is Sailing Associates, Inc. Don’t let the name scare you if you have a power boat! It accepts power and sailing vessels up to 60+ ft. Sailing Associates looks more like a private club or park then a marina, but has all of the amenities of the larger marinas in the area and attracts families with the beach, playground, picnic areas and pool, etc. Moorings and slips are available on a transient, summer or yearly basis. http://www.sailingassociates.com