91°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
63%
14
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 63% rain · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth 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 76. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 63% 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
5 /100
skip
0 Swim
22 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
21 Photo
Best for sunbathing 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
91°F
Thunderstorms
Wind
13 mph
SW
Rain
63%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
80% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Water Quality
Clean
183 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 2w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:58 AM
Sunset
8:30 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:02 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:38 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 5:29 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:14 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 5:55 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 12:33 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:07 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 6:48 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 1:27 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 6:58 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:59 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 7:43 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 2:22 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:44 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:53 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 8:41 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:21 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 8:33 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:50 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 9:39 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 4:21 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 9:25 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:46 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 10:35 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 5:18 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:18 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8579381, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny
5%
85
82°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
83
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms
76%
15
83°
Rain Showers Likely
66%
48
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
16%
77
81°
Sunny
6%
87
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 63% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°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
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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Chapman State Park today?
Chapman 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 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