75°
Sunny
1%
82
St Mary's County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Point Lookout State Park
11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Southernmost tip of Maryland's western shore, where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. 1,100 acres of beaches, marshland, Civil War history (POW camp), fishing pier, and lighthouse. Three miles of shoreline with multiple swim areas.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · 75°F air · 71°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 75. North wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 66. South wind 3 to 8 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
- High nettle risk — 3554% probability — reconsider swimming
65 /100
good
45 Swim
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
76 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Clear
Wind
8 mph
N
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
78°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Next Low Tide
11:09 PM
0.3 ft · in 1.8h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
3554% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:43 AM
Sunset
8:23 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 11:35 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 5:05 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 11:09 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
78°
Sunny
0%
82
82°
Sunny
1%
82
85°
Mostly Sunny
2%
82
81°
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46%
31
72°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
23%
77
73°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
17%
78
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- 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
10:20 PM - 11:20 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
Large state park lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas. Not on swim beach.
Entry Fee
$5/person MD resident, $7/person non-resident. Advance day-use reservation required weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Address
11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Point Lookout State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Point Lookout State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Point Lookout State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas. Not on swim beach.
Is there an entry fee at Point Lookout State Park?
$5/person MD resident, $7/person non-resident. Advance day-use reservation required weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Are there lifeguards at Point Lookout State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Point Lookout State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Point Lookout State Park?
Amenities at Point Lookout State Park include lifeguards, fishing pier, camping, lighthouse, museum, boat rentals.
When is the water warmest at Point Lookout 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 Point Lookout State Park located?
Point Lookout State Park is in St Mary's County, MD, at 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS