89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
68%
16
Baltimore County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Rocky Point Beach & Park
2200 Rocky Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221
A 375-acre Baltimore County park with a small swim beach, boat launch, dog park, and fishing pier on Back River. A genuine neighborhood beach with local character.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
68% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
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 89. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 68% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 40% probability — expect some stings
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
9 /100
skip
0 Swim
26 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
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
89°F
Light Thunderstorms and Light Rain
Wind
10 mph
SW
Rain
68%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
89°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
11:05 PM
1.7 ft · in 2.2h
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
40% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:53 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Mostly Sunny
4%
81
88°
Sunny
3%
84
90°
Showers And Thunderstorms
78%
10
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
62%
21
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
17%
77
83°
Sunny
7%
86
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 68% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°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
Free lot.
Dogs
Separate dog park on-site. Not permitted on swim beach.
Entry Fee
$7/vehicle non-resident, $5 resident
Address
2200 Rocky Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Rocky Point Beach & Park today?
Rocky Point Beach & 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 Rocky Point Beach & Park dog-friendly?
Separate dog park on-site. Not permitted on swim beach.
Is there an entry fee at Rocky Point Beach & Park?
$7/vehicle non-resident, $5 resident
Are there lifeguards at Rocky Point Beach & Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Rocky Point Beach & Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Rocky Point Beach & Park?
Amenities at Rocky Point Beach & Park include lifeguards, dog park, boat launch, fishing pier, playground, restrooms.
When is the water warmest at Rocky Point Beach & 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 Rocky Point Beach & Park located?
Rocky Point Beach & Park is in Baltimore County, MD, at 2200 Rocky Point Rd, Essex, MD 21221.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS