85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
85
Anne Arundel County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Fort Smallwood Park
9500 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
A 100-acre former military fort on the Patapsco River where it meets the Bay. Small protected beach, fishing pier, hawk watch, and stunning Bay views. Overlooked in favor of Sandy Point but has its own loyal following.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · 76°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 2311% probability — reconsider swimming
77 /100
great
52 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
81 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 16 mph
S
Rain
2%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
89°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
4:06 PM
1.1 ft · in 1.4h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
2311% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:40 AM
Sunset
8:35 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:20 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 11:36 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 4:06 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 10:09 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
38
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms
85%
17
86°
Partly Sunny
10%
86
85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
86
89°
Mostly Sunny
9%
76
93°
Mostly Sunny
12%
76
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 5 to 16 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 lot. $6 entry fee in season.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash outside designated beach area.
Entry Fee
$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident
Address
9500 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Fort Smallwood Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Fort Smallwood Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Fort Smallwood Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash outside designated beach area.
Is there an entry fee at Fort Smallwood Park?
$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident
Are there lifeguards at Fort Smallwood Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Fort Smallwood Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Fort Smallwood Park?
Amenities at Fort Smallwood Park include restrooms, fishing pier, picnic pavilions, playground, hawk watch.
When is the water warmest at Fort Smallwood Park?
The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Fort Smallwood Park located?
Fort Smallwood Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at 9500 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS