87°
Sunny
1%
85
Charles County, MD · Potomac River
Chapman State Park
Chapmans Landing Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640
A 2,225-acre undeveloped state park with roughly three miles of Potomac shoreline. There is no designated swim beach — access is via hiking trails through hardwood forest to a narrow, often rocky shoreline with views across to Virginia. Day use only, primarily for hiking and birding.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · 76°F water · 87°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 4827% probability — reconsider swimming
74 /100
great
55 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
73 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
87°F
Clear
Wind
6 to 14 mph
S
Rain
1%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
91°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
5:47 PM
1.8 ft · in 3.1h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
4827% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 3w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:36 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:20 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 11:06 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 5:47 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:56 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
91°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
26
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
17
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
26%
48
85°
Mostly Sunny
6%
86
91°
Sunny
3%
77
93°
Sunny
10%
77
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 6 to 14 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F
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.
Major
8:10 PM - 10:10 PM
Minor
1:50 AM - 2:50 AM
Major
8:40 AM - 10:40 AM
Minor
4:40 PM - 5:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free gravel lot at the trailhead on Chapmans Landing Rd.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted on trails year-round.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Chapmans Landing Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Chapman State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Chapman State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Chapman State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted on trails year-round.
Is there an entry fee at Chapman State Park?
Entry to Chapman State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Chapman State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Chapman State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Chapman State Park?
Amenities at Chapman State Park include trails, birding, fishing.
When is the water warmest at Chapman State Park?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Chapman State Park located?
Chapman State Park is in Charles County, MD, at Chapmans Landing Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS