Sharpshin Island
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Sharpshin Island ("Sharkskin Island" on some maps) is one of the Maryland islands on the Potomac River which separates Maryland and Virginia. It is located less than a mile upstream (northwest) of Riley's Lock, which is Lock 24 on the C and O canal.
On a calm day, expect to paddle a canoe or kayak for about half an hour to reach the foot of the island. The river here is wide and calm with only one slight bend. Sharpshin should be visible from the center of the river at Riley's Lock.
The head of the island lies across from a boat ramp on the Virginia side. Many power boaters and jet-skiers launch from here as well as Riley's, so be prepared for some occasional noise and wake. Dulles Airport is also fairly close, so you'll see plenty of planes flying across (usually north or south), but they're high enough not to be a nuisance.
Sharpshin Island itself is about two hundred yards long and very narrow, not more than fifty feet at its widest point. Like many of the islands on the Potomac, it usually has a flat beach at its head, a fairly open area, then denser foliage and trees toward the middle and to the foot.
The beach at the head end can have a wide range of personalities depending on the water height, local flooding, and other factors. When the water is low and there isn't flood debris, it's very pleasant and open. After a large rain it can be underwater or, worse, covered in debris ranging from downed trees to trash.
On the Maryland side, there is a small sandy beach about fifty feet downstream of the head that is a good place to land. Walking up to the middle of the island here reveals a small campsite complete with fire ring. The site is good for a small party and is open, yet decently shaded by trees. When hammock camping it's a good idea to bring extra rope or longer straps as the only decent spot to hang is between two very large trees.
One downside of the island is that people do a poor job of cleaning up after themselves at the campsite. You are almost guaranteed empty cans, wrappers, etc. The island is close enough to the Virginia ramp that you never have the illusion of remoteness to be ruined, but the garbage is still a reminder that this is a frequently used spot.
Sharpshin has the usual variety of Potomac flora and fauna. You're almost guaranteed to see painted turtles sunning themselves, great blue herons flying across the water, Canadian geese and ducks swimming by, and may even be lucky enough to hear an owl at night or see a white-tailed deer swimming to the mainland. If you're allergic to poison ivy, be careful; there's plenty of it.
This is a great place for a quick overnight or an afternoon lunch. The river remains one of very few places that aren't over-regulated or too heavily trafficked. Remember to pack out what you pack in, take a little extra, and leave no trace so that others can enjoy this spot, too.
