83°
Mostly Sunny
1%
85
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 · NWS alert active · 76°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 3629% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued june 25 at 6:25am edt until june 26 at 8:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
55 /100
good
25 Swim
84 Sunbathe
87 Walk
54 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued June 25 at 6:25AM EDT until June 26 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...South winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point MD to Smith Point VA, Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA, Eastern Bay, Choptank River to Cambridge MD and the Little Choptank River, Patuxent River to Broomes Island MD, and Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island. * WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 8 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Clear
Wind
7 to 16 mph
S
Rain
1%
Today
Tomorrow
88°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
76°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
5:57 PM
0.2 ft · in 3.3h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
3629% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:43 AM
Sunset
8:31 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:09 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:37 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 5:57 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
88°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
29%
46
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
68%
34
83°
Mostly Sunny
14%
85
83°
Sunny
2%
85
86°
Sunny
2%
85
89°
Sunny
7%
76
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 7 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
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