One of the most unusual sights you will find at any of our parks are nine partially sunken concrete ships that are lined up end-to-end just offshore as a breakwater.

Experience the Chesapeake Bay's only Concrete Fleet offshore at Kiptopeke State Park.

It's not rare to see bottlenosed dolphins playing in and around the ships.

HISTORY

The McCloskey Ships were built in the 1940s in Tampa Florida. Steel was hard to come by after WWI and so enter WW2 and the idea to build 24 concrete ships. New technology made concrete lighter than ever before.

After the construction of the 17.6 miles Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, the ferry was suspended, but the breakwater remains and still protects the beach and provides a home for coastal fish and birds. Two of the ships were sunk as blockships in the Allied invasion of Normandy. 

Gross Weight: 4,690 Tons
Net Weight: 2,738 Tons

THE NAMES

Did you know the ships of the Concrete Fleet breakwater at Kiptopeke are all named after pioneers in the science and development of concrete, are listed below from north to south:

• S.S. Arthur Newell Talbot
• S.S. Edwin Thatcher
• S.S. Robert Whitman Lesley
• S.S. Willis A. Slater 
• S.S. Leonard Chase Wason
• S.S. Ricard Kidder Meade
• S.S. John Grant
• S.S. William Foster Cowham
• S.S. Willard A. Pollard

RECREATION

Year-round fishing is good off the 24-hour pier.

Countless migratory and nesting birds love the ships, as do the dolphins who are seen frolicking in their shadows. Fishermen paddle out by kayak to cast their lines into the sandy bottoms for flounder and other panfish. If you prefer to stay ashore, fishing is also allowed from the 24-hour lit former ferry landing, now fishing pier or the south beach. 

The south beach is open to swimming, pets, fishing, crabbing and boating. Pets must be maintained and kept on a leash at all times. See fishing licensing requirements here.

KAYAK

BYO kayak or rent one from us.

The best way to catch the sunset is to spend a few nights .

Kayaks can be launched from the south beach or the park's designated kayak launch which is adjacent to the boat ramp or north swim beach. Solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and Stand-up paddleboards may be rented at the camp store. Bicycles are also for rent seasonally.

CAMPING

Camping is very popular at Kiptopeke State Park, be sure to reserve a site soon as you can.

A popular campground, 2 and 3-bedroom cabins, family-group lodges, and yurts are available to rent at this park. Click here to learn more or call 800-933-7275 during regular business hours. Rates can be found here.

 

Spend a few hours beachcombing.

You never know what treasures you'll find (this was released back into the bay).

Click here to see a listing of all park activities, programs and events coming up to help plan your visit.

This park is ridiculously beautiful and so interesting, it's easy to see how Kiptopeke State Park can lure you in, and then you're hooked.