86°
Sunny
0%
75
Charles County, MD · Potomac River
Chapman State Park
Chapmans Landing Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640
A 2,225-acre undeveloped state park with roughly three miles of Potomac shoreline. There is no designated swim beach — access is via hiking trails through hardwood forest to a narrow, often rocky shoreline with views across to Virginia. Day use only, primarily for hiking and birding.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
81°F water · 86°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Weather
- 86°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 59% probability — expect some stings
75 /100
great
70 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
69 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
86°F
Sunny
Wind
14 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
7:20 PM
2.1 ft · in 3m
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
59% probability · Gooses Reef buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:44 AM
Sunset
7:27 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:01 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 6:47 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 12:44 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:20 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:58 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:40 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 1:31 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:09 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:50 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:29 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 2:15 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:54 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:38 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:15 AM | High | 2.2 ft |
| 2:56 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:37 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:25 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:00 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 3:36 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:20 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:45 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 4:15 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:03 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:59 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:32 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 4:52 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:48 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8579381, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
42%
28
82°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
45%
65
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
18
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
25%
37
84°
Mostly Sunny
5%
81
85°
Mostly Sunny
9%
80
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°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
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free gravel lot at the trailhead on Chapmans Landing Rd.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted on trails year-round.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Chapmans Landing Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Chapman State Park today?
Chapman 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 Chapman State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted on trails year-round.
Is there an entry fee at Chapman State Park?
Entry to Chapman State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Chapman State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Chapman State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Chapman State Park?
Amenities at Chapman State Park include trails, birding, fishing.
When is the water warmest at Chapman State Park?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Chapman State Park located?
Chapman State Park is in Charles County, MD, at Chapmans Landing Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS