89°
Sunny
0%
84
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
Ideal for fossil hunting.
82°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 89, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. South wind around 12 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 12 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
84 /100
great
83 Swim
74 Sunbathe
83 Walk
89 Fossils
79 Photo
Best for fossil hunting today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
89°F
Sunny
Wind
12 mph
S
Rain
0%
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
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:07 PM
0.2 ft · in 2.8h
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:27 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:38 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 9:53 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 4:11 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 10:07 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:31 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 10:40 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 5:00 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 10:59 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:20 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:24 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 5:45 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:47 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:06 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 12:05 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:28 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:34 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:51 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 12:45 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:11 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:21 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:36 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 1:24 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:54 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:08 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:23 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:01 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:39 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8578853, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
87°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
45%
27
81°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
40%
65
81°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
71%
15
84°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
42
85°
Mostly Sunny
6%
81
85°
Mostly Sunny
8%
81
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 12 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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