84°
Sunny
0%
56
St Mary's County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Point Lookout State Park
11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Southernmost tip of Maryland's western shore, where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. 1,100 acres of beaches, marshland, Civil War history (POW camp), fishing pier, and lighthouse. Three miles of shoreline with multiple swim areas.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 82°F water · 84°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 84. South wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- 18 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 41% probability — expect some stings
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 12:18pm edt until september 10 at 10:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
56 /100
good
38 Swim
70 Sunbathe
81 Walk
39 Fish
76 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 12:18PM EDT until September 10 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA, Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA, and Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Clear
Wind
18 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
89°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
7:44 PM
0.3 ft · in 27m
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
41% probability · Potomac buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
7:23 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:36 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 1:14 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:44 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:57 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:22 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 2:07 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:35 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:41 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:05 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 2:58 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:24 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:23 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 3:47 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:11 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:05 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:29 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:34 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:58 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:46 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:11 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 5:21 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:46 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:54 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:08 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8577330, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Sunny
10%
69
82°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
49%
63
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
62%
20
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
59%
25
83°
Mostly Sunny
5%
86
84°
Mostly Sunny
7%
82
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 18 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
10:30 PM - 12:30 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
Large state park lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas. Not on swim beach.
Entry Fee
$5/person MD resident, $7/person non-resident. Advance day-use reservation required weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Address
11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Point Lookout State Park today?
Point Lookout 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Point Lookout State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas. Not on swim beach.
Is there an entry fee at Point Lookout State Park?
$5/person MD resident, $7/person non-resident. Advance day-use reservation required weekends & holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Are there lifeguards at Point Lookout State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Point Lookout State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Point Lookout State Park?
Amenities at Point Lookout State Park include lifeguards, fishing pier, camping, lighthouse, museum, boat rentals.
When is the water warmest at Point Lookout 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 Point Lookout State Park located?
Point Lookout State Park is in St Mary's County, MD, at 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS