Natural swimming hole
Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach
Ocean cove · Maryland
About this swimming hole
A Calvert County nature preserve on the Chesapeake Bay that was a pound-net fishing center from the early 1900s through 1955, with one rebuilt fishing shanty still standing. A trail of about half a mile leads from the entrance through forest and freshwater ponds to a wide sandy beach below the Calvert Cliffs formation. Swimming is permitted at the beach, and fossil shark teeth eroded from the cliffs can be collected along the shore.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Best season | June–August |
| Fees | Per-vehicle entry fee (reported at $5 for Calvert County residents and $15 for non-residents) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Seasonal hours, typically 9 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays and until 8 p.m. weekends; last entry one hour before closing |
| Parking | Entrance lot at 1525 Flag Ponds Parkway; the beach is about a half-mile walk from parking |
| Amenities | Beach, Trails, Visitor center, Fishing pier, Picnic tables and grills, Restrooms |
| County | Calvert |
| Nearest town | Lusby |
| Safety notes | Swimming is permitted but there are no lifeguards, so use caution. Jellyfish can be abundant in the bay during summer months and can make entering the water unpleasant. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach?
Yes — Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maryland. Heads-up: Swimming is permitted but there are no lifeguards, so use caution. Jellyfish can be abundant in the bay during summer months and can make entering the water unpleasant.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach?
Reported fee info: Per-vehicle entry fee (reported at $5 for Calvert County residents and $15 for non-residents). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Flag Ponds Nature Park — Bay Beach?
The best season is typically June–August.