Anne Arundel County, MD · Chesapeake Bay

Franklin Point State Park

Sansbury Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764

Undeveloped 477-acre state park on a peninsula between the Rhode River and Chesapeake Bay in Shady Side. A 1-mile trail through pine forest leads to a quiet stretch of sandy Bay shoreline with no facilities — bring your own water and pack it out.

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

High nettle risk · NWS alert active · 81°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 85. South wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Weather

85°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
High nettle risk — 64% probability — reconsider swimming

Safety

NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 12:18pm edt until september 10 at 7:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc

67 /100

good

16 Swim

71 Sunbathe

82 Walk

77 Photo

Best for walking today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 12:18PM EDT until September 10 at 7:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

NWS · In effect through Sep 10, 7:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

85°F

Clear

Wind

17 mph

Rain

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

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Water

Water Temp

81°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

10:52 PM

0.4 ft · in 3.6h

Sea Nettles

High nettle risk

64% probability · Annapolis buoy

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:24 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
4:10 AM	High	1.6 ft
11:09 AM	Low	0.6 ft
4:16 PM	High	1.3 ft
10:52 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:56 AM	High	1.6 ft
11:50 AM	Low	0.5 ft
5:11 PM	High	1.4 ft
11:53 PM	Low	0.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:40 AM	High	1.5 ft
12:28 PM	Low	0.5 ft
6:05 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:52 AM	Low	0.5 ft
6:22 AM	High	1.4 ft
1:04 PM	Low	0.4 ft
6:54 PM	High	1.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:45 AM	Low	0.6 ft
7:01 AM	High	1.4 ft
1:37 PM	Low	0.4 ft
7:40 PM	High	1.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:36 AM	Low	0.7 ft
7:40 AM	High	1.3 ft
2:09 PM	Low	0.4 ft
8:24 PM	High	1.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:29 AM	Low	0.7 ft
8:19 AM	High	1.2 ft
2:39 PM	Low	0.5 ft
9:09 PM	High	1.6 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8575923, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

85°

Sunny

Thu Sep 10

87°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

24%

Fri Sep 11

79°

Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

35%

Sat Sep 12

80°

Chance Rain Showers

52%

Sun Sep 13

83°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

55%

Mon Sep 14

83°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Sep 15

83°

Mostly Sunny

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 17 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Small gravel trailhead lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Sansbury Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764

Amenities

hiking trail

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Franklin Point State Park today?

Franklin Point 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 Franklin Point State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Franklin Point State Park?

Entry to Franklin Point State Park is free.

Are there lifeguards at Franklin Point State Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at Franklin Point State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Franklin Point State Park?

Amenities at Franklin Point State Park include hiking trail.

When is the water warmest at Franklin Point State 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 Franklin Point State Park located?

Franklin Point State Park is in Anne Arundel County, MD, at Sansbury Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764.