59°
Sunny
1%
57
Anne Arundel County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Fort Smallwood Park
9500 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
A 100-acre former military fort on the Patapsco River where it meets the Bay. Small protected beach, fishing pier, hawk watch, and stunning Bay views. Overlooked in favor of Sandy Point but has its own loyal following.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
59°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 44. West wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Weather
- 59°F air — chilly for a beach day
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
57 /100
good
53 Swim
41 Sunbathe
66 Walk
57 Fish
67 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
59°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
18 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
24 Good
Ozone · Metro Baltimore
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
63°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:40 AM
Sunset
4:59 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 11:00 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 5:20 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:17 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 5:16 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 11:34 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:05 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:08 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 5:59 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 12:09 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:47 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:54 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:43 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 12:44 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 7:27 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:37 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 7:26 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 1:19 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:06 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:20 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:06 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 1:53 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:44 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:06 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:46 AM | High | 0.9 ft |
| 2:27 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:24 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8574680, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
63°
Sunny
1%
63
62°
Sunny
0%
54
66°
Sunny
0%
68
64°
Sunny
1%
67
60°
Chance Light Rain
44%
43
53°
Chance Light Rain
48%
28
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 59°F outside
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
9:10 PM - 11:10 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 lot. $6 entry fee in season.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash outside designated beach area.
Entry Fee
$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident
Address
9500 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Fort Smallwood Park today?
Fort Smallwood 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 Fort Smallwood Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash outside designated beach area.
Is there an entry fee at Fort Smallwood Park?
$8/vehicle daily (AA County 2026 rate); annual pass $40 resident, $50 non-resident
Are there lifeguards at Fort Smallwood Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Fort Smallwood Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Fort Smallwood Park?
Amenities at Fort Smallwood Park include restrooms, fishing pier, picnic pavilions, playground, hawk watch.
When is the water warmest at Fort Smallwood 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 Fort Smallwood Park located?
Fort Smallwood Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at 9500 Fort Smallwood Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS