94°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
61%
11
Charles County, MD · Potomac River
Chapel Point State Park
Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, MD 20677
An undeveloped 600-acre state park on the Port Tobacco River (a Potomac tributary) five miles south of La Plata. Natural sand boat launch, kayak launch, primitive paddle-in campsite by permit, fishing, and quiet shoreline. No developed swim beach or lifeguards.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 61% rain · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 94°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 61% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 80% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
4 /100
skip
0 Swim
17 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
19 Photo
Best for photography today
Weather alert in effect
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
94°F
Smoke
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
61%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
80% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
20 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 11mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:58 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:28 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:44 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 1:55 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:20 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:21 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:39 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 2:40 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:13 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:33 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:24 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:05 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:09 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:28 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 4:10 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:59 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:07 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:27 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 4:59 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:56 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:05 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 12:27 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 5:51 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:52 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:01 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 1:24 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 6:44 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8578769, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Mostly Sunny
8%
82
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
80
88°
Showers And Thunderstorms
75%
14
84°
Rain Showers Likely
67%
47
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
17%
77
81°
Sunny
7%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 94°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Major
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Gravel lot near the boat launch.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash year-round.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, MD 20677
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Chapel Point State Park today?
Chapel Point State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Chapel Point State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash year-round.
Is there an entry fee at Chapel Point State Park?
Entry to Chapel Point State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Chapel Point State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Chapel Point State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Chapel Point State Park?
Amenities at Chapel Point State Park include natural sand boat launch, kayak launch, paddle-in campsite, portable restrooms, picnic area, trails.
When is the water warmest at Chapel Point State Park?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Chapel Point State Park located?
Chapel Point State Park is in Charles County, MD, at Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, MD 20677.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS