77°
Sunny
1%
84
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 · 77°F air · 69°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 77°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
- High nettle risk — 2224% probability — reconsider swimming
73 /100
great
44 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
73 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
77°F
Clear
Wind
6 mph
NE
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
11:11 PM
1.8 ft · in 1.8h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
2224% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 6w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:34 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:24 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 4:29 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:11 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
0%
84
84°
Sunny
0%
84
86°
Mostly Sunny
5%
82
82°
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
54%
33
73°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
22%
72
74°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
24%
77
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Major
2:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Minor
7:40 AM - 8:40 AM
Major
2:50 PM - 4:50 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