61°
Sunny
1%
73
Charles County, MD · Potomac River
Purse State Park
Rugged, undeveloped 180-acre state park on Wades Bay along the Potomac. The draw is the half-mile beach at the bottom of a short wooded trail — famous for Miocene shark teeth and fossil shells washing out of the eroding cliffs. No facilities, no crowds.
Today's Conditions
Great day for fossil hunting.
61°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 12 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 40. Northwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Weather
- 61°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
73 /100
great
57 Swim
50 Sunbathe
70 Walk
84 Fossils
70 Photo
Best for fossil hunting today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
61°F
Clear
Wind
12 to 16 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
24 Good
Ozone · Northern Virginia
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
64°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next Low Tide
9:23 PM
0.1 ft · in 2.8h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 8mo ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:41 AM
Sunset
5:03 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 8:44 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 3:16 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 9:23 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:41 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 9:27 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 3:59 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 10:09 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:25 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 10:06 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 4:39 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 10:52 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:07 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 10:43 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 5:17 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 11:34 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:49 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 11:18 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 5:54 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:15 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:31 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 11:54 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:32 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:55 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:14 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 12:33 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:13 PM | High | 1.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8578853, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
64°
Sunny
0%
71
64°
Sunny
0%
68
68°
Sunny
0%
74
66°
Sunny
0%
73
61°
Chance Light Rain
42%
48
52°
Chance Light Rain
44%
39
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Small gravel lot on Wharf Rd. Easy to miss — look for the DNR sign.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted year-round.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Wharf Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Purse State Park today?
Purse 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 Purse State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted year-round.
Is there an entry fee at Purse State Park?
Entry to Purse State Park is free.
Are there lifeguards at Purse State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Purse State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Purse State Park?
Amenities at Purse State Park include trail to beach, fossil hunting.
When is the water warmest at Purse State Park?
The tidal Potomac peaks in late July and August at 78-82°F. Swimmable from mid-June into September.
Where is Purse State Park located?
Purse State Park is in Charles County, MD, at Wharf Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS