88°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
48%
22
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
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · High nettle risk · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 81. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- 48% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 71% 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
13 /100
skip
0 Swim
35 Sunbathe
9 Walk
2 Fish
24 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 7:48AM EDT until July 19 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA, Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA, and Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 6 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
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
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Thunderstorms
Wind
17 mph
SW
Rain
48%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
71% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:56 AM
Sunset
8:26 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
21%
43
83°
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
16%
80
88°
Showers And Thunderstorms
80%
6
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
5
80°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
23%
71
82°
Sunny
14%
83
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 17 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 48% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°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
10:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Major
3:50 PM - 5:50 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
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Point Lookout State Park today?
Point Lookout 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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