Betterton calls itself the “Jewell of the Chesapeake” because of its popular, large beach near the top of the Chesapeake Bay. Five rivers merge there. All that freshwater means Betterton Beach is free of stinging jellyfish all summer.

About Betterton Beach

Betterton, the town, sits on top of cliffs at the edge of a long, farm-covered peninsula in the Chesapeake Bay. Betterton Beach is isolated at the bottom of those high cliffs near where the Sassafrass River enters the Bay.

The Sassafras River joins the Susquehanna River, the North East River, the Elk River, and the Bohemia River in creating the upper Chesapeake Bay.

The Betterton Waterfront Park has 300 feet of frontage for swimming and 700 feet of shoreline access. It’s big.

The expansive view is great from the beach, but walk the steps to the top of the cliff and the vista is amazing. 

What’s at Betterton Beach?

Betterton is one of the better full-service beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. There are tree-covered benches and picnic tables near the beach area. A picnic pavilion sits on top of the bluff overlooking the beach. And, the beach has a volleyball net.

The park has a large parking lot next to the beach. And on the other side is the fishing jetty with a surface walk and a public pier. Boating is allowed from a public landing and pier.

A large bathhouse is near the parking lot with restrooms, changing rooms, and showers.

Betterton Beach is a Kent County beach. It’s open to the public and is free of charge. 

Be aware there are no stores in town. No convenience store, grocery store, or market. There is one restaurant, Marzella’s by the Bay about a half-mile from the beach. 

Chestertown is the largest nearby town, about 12 miles away.