Martinak State Park — Attraction in Denton

I hesitate to write this, because it is a "best kept secret!" -- We just got back from camping for the weekend, and taking our Jon boat out on the Choptank. Before I wow you - I'll sell you on a great feature - there is a Wal-Mart and a Food Lion less than 1 mile from this park - which really helps if you forgot anything - or need additional ICE or supplies. I may have forgotten most of the eating utensils, but was able to disguise my mishap quickly by making a fast stop!

Now to the park - I have to first recognize how clean the restroom facilities were at the park. There was not a single piece of trash laying around, and the showers and restrooms were spotless - and cleaned twice per day. The camp sites were plenty deep for various sizes of campers - and had a fire ring and a picnic table which we enjoyed using. There was also firewood available in a shed as you entered the camping loop. (We stayed in Loop B - and only had electric hookup at our site, but I believe Loop A has electric and water hookups. Also, there was an area to load your camper with fresh water at Loop B, but you will need a long hose. (About 25 feet). Sadly, ours was only about 6 ft long - but we were so close to the restrooms that it was easy to go and wash our hands.)

There were a lot of families there, and plenty of children riding their bicycles and heading to the fishing docks. That brings me to the second wonder of this park- the fishing! There is a boat ramp right across from Loop B. The first day we went out, it was misting - and therefore there were not many boats besides our little one going into the water. We caught a ton of fish, but were truly in a torrential downpour. The nice thing about this put-in spot, is that there are little channels you can maneuver down which will get you under a tree, and out of the wind if rain hits. That being said, watch your tide chart! Day 2, the water was about 5 ft. lower than Day 1. -- The second day we went on the boat it was beautiful and sunny- and the ramp was really busy. We think this may have affected our fishing, but we managed to get down a shallow channel and things picked up from there. There were also lots of kayakers and fishing from the banks. The bottom line is, if you enjoy the outdoors, and even if you don't have a boat - you will have a great time here. I hope the staff who work at this park read this review, and know that their efforts are truly noticed. Being from Texas, I was VERY impressed with how manicured things were....

I wanted to hike the Point Trail along the river starting at the boat launch, but it is under construction and was closed. So disappointed. I took the trail on the right by the circular road when facing the river, and lucky for me, that trail is along the river and there are spaces between trees where I can kind of see the river. It is second best to the Point Trail. We walked about 1/2 mile and turned around. There are picnic benches, BBQ grills, playgrounds and restrooms along the trail. It's great if you have kids. This park is actually pretty small comparing the other State Parks in the East Coast. This park is also dogfriendly. We did encountered a sheltie that was off leash. I have a fiesty chihuahua mix who doesn't like other dogs, until she has time to get to know them. Usually in about 5 mins. Anyway, as my little one was getting all feisty, the off leash sheltie got in her face and they started a fight. Luckily the sheltie did back off, and the owner commented that she's usually like that with larger dogs. Well, if your dog is not 100% friendly toward people and other dogs, I recommend keeping your dog on leash. There is no reason to take the change and risking the dogs getting hurt. Please keep your "less than 100% friendly"...

Finally, I was able to explore this park nearby by, and it easily became one of my favorite in the area. It's easily accessible from the road and clear signs to the park. I was able to locate most trails with relative ease, and the trails are well maintained, so they are very easy to follow along. There are not many blaze marking along the trail, but again the trails are well maintained, so they are rarely needed. Currently (May 2023) there are a few trees down across a few trails, but the park staff are working to clear it and its easy to navigate around the downed trees if desired. I did. :) Wildlife is very easy to spot and theres helpful plaques around the trails to educate visitors on the wildlife. I saw several ppl trying their luck at fishing and Kayaking!

Bathrooms are located around nature center, and some camp grounds. Not many trash cans, but I don't mind taking my trash with me. There are plenty of pinic spots to choose from (peak summer season might affect that). There are fast food eateries nearby (maybe a 15-minute drive), if the snacks you pack aren't enough. :) Will be back again for...