88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
60%
19
Anne Arundel County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Franklin Point State Park
Sansbury Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764
Undeveloped 477-acre state park on a peninsula between the Rhode River and Chesapeake Bay in Shady Side. A 1-mile trail through pine forest leads to a quiet stretch of sandy Bay shoreline with no facilities — bring your own water and pack it out.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 60% rain · High nettle risk
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter 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 77. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- 60% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 69% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — tornado watch issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 18 at 9:00pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
13 /100
skip
0 Swim
29 Sunbathe
2 Walk
23 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 7:48AM EDT until July 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD, and Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Weather alert in effect
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
60%
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
Next High Tide
9:26 PM
1.4 ft · in 30m
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
69% probability · Annapolis buoy
Water Quality
Clean
20 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:55 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:03 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:45 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:26 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:31 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 4:24 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:28 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:13 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:19 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 5:02 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:26 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:16 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:09 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 5:37 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:19 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 7:26 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 11:58 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:13 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 8:40 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 12:51 PM | High | 0.9 ft |
| 6:54 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:08 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 9:39 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 1:50 PM | High | 0.9 ft |
| 7:45 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8575923, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny
7%
84
83°
Sunny
6%
85
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
11
85°
Rain Showers Likely
68%
44
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
75
82°
Sunny
7%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 60% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small gravel trailhead lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Sansbury Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Franklin Point State Park today?
Franklin Point 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 Franklin Point State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash.
Is there an entry fee at Franklin Point State Park?
Entry to Franklin Point State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Franklin Point State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Franklin Point State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Franklin Point State Park?
Amenities at Franklin Point State Park include hiking trail.
When is the water warmest at Franklin Point State 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 Franklin Point State Park located?
Franklin Point State Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at Sansbury Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS