85°
Sunny
0%
78
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
81°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 85. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
78 /100
great
84 Swim
78 Sunbathe
85 Walk
71 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.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
14 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
Low nettle risk
33% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:49 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 12:43 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 5:55 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:26 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 6:35 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 1:24 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 6:50 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:27 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:19 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 2:02 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:44 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 8:01 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:33 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:19 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:40 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 3:11 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:19 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:10 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 9:19 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:43 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:03 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:03 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 9:58 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 4:13 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:48 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8574680, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
36%
29
80°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
16%
79
80°
Chance Rain Showers
51%
61
84°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
54%
24
83°
Mostly Sunny
4%
82
84°
Mostly Sunny
8%
80
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — 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
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 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