Elk Neck State Park

Turkey Point drone photo by David MielcarekTurkey Point Lighthouse

Contact: 410-287-5333​
E-mail Elk Neck​​​ State Park

Cecil County​

Elk Neck State Park
4395 Turkey Point Rd
North East, MD 21901​


TURKEY POINT LIGHTHOUSE AREA ALERT:

The Turkey Point Lighthouse Area is closed for road and parking improvements. No public access to the area during construction. Project completion expected Spring 2025. To learn more click here.



About the Park

Turkey Point Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula. Sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding land masses frame a beautiful backdrop for the Lighthouse. Hawks and eagles can be viewed at the Raptor Viewing Field. The Turkey Point Lighthouse was once used to project light 13 miles down the Chesapeake Bay to direct ships safely away from the shorelines. Now it stands as a reminder of the history of the area.

Hours

The Turkey Point Lighthouse Area is open daily from Sunrise to Sunset. The lighthouse interior is open by a volunteer group, Turkey Point Light Station, Inc.

Parking​​

Plan ahead for capacity closing possibilities

P​​​arking is li​​mited. The Turkey Point Lighthouse parking lot, located 0.8 miles north of the lighthouse, frequently fills to capacity on weekends. The best times to visit are​​ before 10 a.m. or after 6:30 p.m. on weekends or any time during the week; however, you may be turned away at any time if the parking area is full due to capacity. From the parking lot, the hike to the lighthouse is about 0.8 miles. Please note that Maryland State Parks are trash free. You must take all of your trash with you when you leave.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Restrooms facilities are limited at the Lighthouse to a portable toilet 0.8 miles from the parking lot. Facilities with running water are located at the Rogues Harbor Area.

The trail surface to the Lighthouse is not suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Sturdy footwear with closed toes is recommended for hiking the Lighthouse trail. Bring water and insect repellent for a more enjoyable experience.

Service Charge

There is no service charge to access the Turkey Point area.

The Turkey Point area is open from sunrise to sunset. All visitors must exit the parking lot by sunset.

Directions

Follow Route 272 South, 3 miles past park headquarters until the road dead ends at the Turkey Point parking lot. Follow the trail signs out to the lighthouse, which is approximately 0.8 miles from the parking lot.

Pets​

Pets on leashes are welcome.

Alcohol

Alcohol is not permitted at Turkey Point.

Weddings and Events

This location does not have the facilities to support special events and weddings. If you have any questions about special events, weddings, and accessibility please contact the park headquarters at 410-287-5333.



ALERT: Elk Neck State Park – Turkey Point Lighthouse Road and Parking Improvements


Click for larger view.​

Over the years, there have been several issues and concerns related to access at the Turkey Point Lighthouse. These include inadequate parking, illegal parking in the neighborhood, traffic backups on Turkey Point Road, and the risk of cliff erosion and slumping along the existing vehicular drive. Over the past several years, the Department of Natural Resources has been working with consultants to evaluate the site and design improvements to address these concerns. Based on an analysis of the site, it has been determined the best option is to move the vehicular access drive and create a parking lot closer to the lighthouse. The project will include removing the existing road and parking lot, reconfiguring the entrance, constructing a 52-vehicle parking lot and providing handicap-accessible parking at the lighthouse itself. Stormwater management and forest replacement is also proposed, both on-site and at Rogues Harbor.​