New Ocean City Rules: Most Tents Banned, Canopy Restrictions Tightened
Heading to Ocean City beach? Make sure to double-check what you bring to stay cool under the sun.
Starting immediately, most tents are no longer permitted on the beach, with the exception of small “baby” tents that measure no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet.
Open canopies are still allowed, but only if they don’t exceed 10 feet by 10 feet. Additionally, canopies must be spaced at least three feet apart. The anchoring system of any canopy must stay within the canopy’s roof area — meaning popular shade sails like the Shibumi, which use long anchor lines extending beyond the canopy’s footprint, may no longer be allowed.
Another key change: unattended canopies can’t be set up before 10 a.m., the time lifeguards start their shift. While you can set up a canopy earlier, it must be actively occupied. This change aims to prevent families from showing up mid-morning to find prime beachfront spots blocked by empty tents or canopies.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan called the new rules “extremely important” at the June 2 City Council meeting, where they were approved. He noted that the popularity of beach tents and canopies had grown to a point that could create problems without these new restrictions.
“I think if we take this action now, we’ll be able to assure that everyone has an equal opportunity to be out there, enjoying the beach and ocean views,” Meehan said.
The city has been considering these restrictions since at least 2023. Nearby beaches like Rehoboth and Bethany on the Delmarva Peninsula have already banned or regulated non-umbrella shade devices.
Violators of the new rules could face fines ranging from $25 up to $1,000, according to City Manager Terry McGean. Enforcement will be handled by Ocean City Police and the Beach Patrol.
For this season, officials plan mainly to educate visitors and issue warnings, unless there are serious or repeat offenses.
Other important Ocean City beach rules to keep in mind:
- Noise from speakers must not disturb or annoy other beachgoers
- Open containers of alcohol are prohibited
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach during summer months
- Surfing is allowed only in designated areas
- Fishing from the beach is banned during summer
