85°
Mostly Cloudy
12%
74
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
Great day for fishing.
82°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. East wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 5 to 13 mph.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
77 /100
great
74 Swim
64 Sunbathe
77 Walk
84 Fish
83 Photo
Best for fishing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Cloudy
Wind
9 to 13 mph
E
Rain
12%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
5:14 PM
1.2 ft · in 2.1h
Sea Nettles
Low nettle risk
30% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:49 AM
Sunset
8:32 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
89°
Sunny
0%
82
96°
Sunny
1%
70
92°
Sunny
3%
77
91°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
43
90°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
22%
40
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 9 to 13 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°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
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
7:10 PM - 8:10 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