61°
Sunny
1%
61
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.
61°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Weather
- 61°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
61 /100
good
58 Swim
50 Sunbathe
70 Walk
61 Fish
70 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
61°F
Clear
Wind
13 to 16 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
31 Good
Ozone · Northern Virginia and DC
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
64°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 6w ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
5:02 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:04 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 11:35 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:25 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:14 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:50 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 12:18 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:08 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:34 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 12:57 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:48 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:43 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:16 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 1:34 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:26 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:25 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:58 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 2:09 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:03 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:06 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:40 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 2:45 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:41 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:46 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:23 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:24 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:22 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8579381, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
64°
Sunny
0%
66
64°
Sunny
0%
62
68°
Sunny
0%
72
67°
Sunny
0%
69
62°
Chance Light Rain
43%
45
53°
Chance Light Rain
45%
32
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°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
9:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minor
3:30 PM - 4:30 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