Natural swimming hole
Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach
Ocean cove · Maryland
About this swimming hole
An Anne Arundel County regional park on Rock Point, where the Patapsco River meets the Chesapeake Bay, with a roughly 1,300-foot swimming beach that opened in 2016. The beach drew about 205,000 visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day in a recent season, making it one of the county's most popular swim spots. A historic gun battery, 380-foot fishing pier, boat ramp, and playground round out the grounds.
Good to know
| Water type | Ocean cove |
|---|---|
| Best season | June–August |
| Fees | Daily entry $8 per vehicle (annual and senior passes available) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 5:30 a.m. to sunset, 7 days a week |
| Parking | Large on-site lots at 9500 Fort Smallwood Road; first come, first served |
| Amenities | Beach, Fishing pier, Boat ramp, Playground, Trails, Restrooms, Outdoor showers, Historic gun battery |
| County | Anne Arundel |
| Nearest town | Pasadena |
| Safety notes | Unguarded beach — swim at your own risk; no lifeguards. Jellyfish may be present in late summer, and Anne Arundel County advises no swimming for at least 48 hours after rainfall of half an inch or more due to bacteria. |
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 Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach?
Yes — Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maryland. Heads-up: Unguarded beach — swim at your own risk; no lifeguards. Jellyfish may be present in late summer, and Anne Arundel County advises no swimming for at least 48 hours after rainfall of half an inch or more due to bacteria.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach?
Reported fee info: Daily entry $8 per vehicle (annual and senior passes available). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Fort Smallwood Park — Swimming Beach?
The best season is typically June–August.