This beach and adjacent fishing pier are private facilities for use by Oyster Harbor residents and their guests only. They are owned by the Oyster Harbor Citizens Association (OHCA) and are not open to the general public. If you fish on the pier, please be prepared to show the police or a member of OHCA’s beach patrol proof of residence. Guests must be accompanied by an OHCA resident at all times.
The beach and pier are open to residents from dawn until midnight seven days a week, but please use common sense at all times regarding noise, the nature of your activities, and the privacy of your neighbors. [Note: the new hours were approved by OHCA’s Board on April 12, 2010 and ratified at a Community Meeting on June 29, 2010.] Fill out the online reservation form if you would like special access to the beach between midnight and dawn (e.g., scouting events, star/comet/meteor gazing).
Use of the beach and fishing pier by OHCA residents is non-exclusive: All residents may access the beach and fishing pier whenever they are open – exclusive use of the beach for parties or private functions is not permitted. However, if you wish to reserve the community’s picnic facilities (tables, grills, gazebos, and power outlets) for a private party, you may do so on a first-come, first-served basis by filling out a reservation form online or contacting a member of the beach committee. Large beach events will require security and parking arrangements; you will be contacted after filling out the reservation request. The maximum number of guests that can be accommodate on the beach is 50 people. Parties may be reserved in 4 hour increments maximum to include set-up and clean-up time.
Swim at your own risk: There is no lifeguard on duty. Small children, toddlers, and infants must be under direct adult supervision at all times.
Do not jump or dive from the fishing pier and do not swim near the pier or in the channel; there is boat traffic and conditions are dangerous.
Avoid the rock breakwaters and wood pilings from which the jellyfish nets are hanging – they have splinters, sharp edges, and other hidden hazards. Do not hang on or play with the nets.
NOT PERMITTED on the beach at any time:
- Pets
- Disruptive behavior
- Loud noise (music and bands to cease by 10 p.m.)
- Motor boats and motor driven vehicles
- Kayaks, Canoes & small sailboats that do not have OHCA stickers
- Bonfires (unless an OHCA-sponsored event)
- Fireworks (unless an OHCA-sponsored event for which a permit has been secured)
- Charging admission for events.
No Dogs on the Beach – Dogs are not allowed on the beach, as bacteria in dog feces can lead to the contamination of swimming water and the spread of infectious diseases.
Alcohol may be consumed by adults but may not be sold at events or provided to minors. Please recycle your empty containers.
Please clean up the beach after your event. Carry your own trash and recyclables out to the curb or back to your home.
If you drive, please park on the asphalt apron or gravel areas along the bay side of Shore Drive. Do not park on the stone swales or in other people’s yards/driveways. Do not block traffic. Please display your OHCA parking decal. Cars parked in unauthorized areas will be towed at the owner’s expense. There is overflow parking available at community lots on Washington Avenue and Harbor Road.
A port-a-potty is available at the entrance for resident beach-goers from early May through the end of October.
The beach and pier are patrolled by Anne Arundel County police, off-duty sheriffs hired by OHCA, and a community beach patrol. Please contact 911 in the event of any problems, emergency or unusual activities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Our community beach is tested every two weeks and. Provided here is the link to view the Recreational Water Quality Report from Anne Arundel County Department of Health: https://www.aahealth.org/recreational-water-quality-report/
NOTE: GEESE ARE NOT WELCOME ON OHCA’S BEACH! If you see Canada Geese on the beach, please help chase them away (their feces are messy and foul both the sand and the water where our children play).
Thank you, and enjoy your time at the OHCA beach.