80°
Sunny
1%
84
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 · 80°F air · 69°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 80°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
- High nettle risk — 348% probability — reconsider swimming
73 /100
great
44 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
73 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
80°F
Clear
Wind
6 mph
E
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
85°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
9:51 PM
1.1 ft · in 31m
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
348% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:41 AM
Sunset
8:27 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:39 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 4:51 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:51 PM | High | 1.1 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Sunny
0%
84
89°
Mostly Sunny
0%
74
91°
Mostly Sunny
6%
74
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
47%
33
76°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
20%
72
77°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
19%
78
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 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