🌤 Weather at Chapel Point State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–76 °F | 66–88 °F | 39–80 °F | 28–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Quantico Mcas, 16 mi away, elevation 10 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Historic Waterfront Park on the Port Tobacco River Next to St. Ignatius Church (1641): Fishing, Paddling, Hunting and Birding Near Port Tobacco, Charles County, Southern Maryland
Chapel Point State Park is a historic waterfront state park on the Port Tobacco River (a tributary of the Potomac River) in Charles County, southern Maryland, run by Charles County. Its riverfront has a small beach for fishing, a sand launch for canoes, kayaks and small boats, and picnic spots with views across the Port Tobacco River and its tidal marshes. The park sits next to St. Ignatius Church, the oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic parish in the United States, founded in 1641 by Jesuit missionaries. Most of the land is wooded upland and farmland, with a 550-acre designated hunting area, and the shoreline is good for birding: bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons and migrating warblers.
St. Ignatius Church (adjacent to the park) has been continuously operating since 1641 — making it the oldest Catholic parish in continuous operation in the United States. The Jesuit missionaries who founded it arrived with Lord Baltimore’s original colonists aboard the Ark and the Dove in 1634.
Trails are limited. The Maryland DNR trail map (last updated December 2019) shows one short marked trail into the wooded hills east of Chapel Point Road, starting at a roadside parking area, plus the gated park road that doubles as the walking route down to the waterfront. There is no trail along the river bluffs. In winter, bald eagles are frequently spotted soaring over the river.
Fishing, Paddling and Hunting
- Fishing: from the small beach on the Port Tobacco River. Anglers 16 and older need a Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License.
- Paddling and small boats: a small sand launch suits canoes, kayaks, john-boats and personal watercraft. Check the tides before you go: at high tide there is almost no beach.
- Hunting: general hunting in a 550-acre designated area during Maryland’s seasons, with daily sign-in at the three hunter parking areas and no more than 45 hunters at a time. A small accessible hunting area has hunt-from-vehicle provisions for hunters with disabilities.
- Camping: neither Charles County nor Maryland DNR currently lists camping here. The park closes at sunset, and open flames, including campfires and grills, are not allowed. For a campground nearby, see Smallwood State Park.
Sources: Maryland DNR Fishing and Boating and Hunting pages, Charles County park rules, as of October 2026.
What to See
- St. Ignatius Church — oldest US Catholic parish (1641)
- Waterfront — small beach, fishing, canoe and kayak launch
- Hunting — 550-acre designated area in season
- Birding — eagles, ospreys, herons
- Picnicking — woodland setting
- Day-use fee — $5 per vehicle at the county gate (credit card only)
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Port Tobacco River, Charles County, MD |
| Historic Site | St. Ignatius Church (1641) |
| Trails | One short marked trail in the eastern hills, plus the park road to the waterfront (DNR trail map, December 2019) |
| Water Access | Small sand launch for canoes, kayaks and john-boats; small beach for fishing |
| Wildlife | Bald eagles, ospreys, herons |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to sunset daily; vehicles left after hours may be ticketed or towed |
| Parking | Room for 30 vehicles; once full, visitors are sent to other area parks |
| Admission | $5 per vehicle at the automated gate, credit card only; Maryland State Park passes are honored (Charles County, as of October 2026) |
| Managed By | Charles County |
| Coordinates | 38.4692, -77.0139 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest Catholic parish in the United States?
St. Ignatius Church adjacent to Chapel Point State Park in Charles County, Maryland is the oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic parish in the United States, founded in 1641 by Jesuit missionaries. The state park on the Port Tobacco River has a small beach for fishing, a sand launch for canoes and kayaks, a designated hunting area, good birding for bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons, and picnic areas. Charles County runs the park and charges $5 per vehicle at the gate; Maryland State Park passes are honored.
Last updated: October 2026
More parks in Maryland: Purse State Park and Smallwood State Park. See the full Maryland state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Chapel Point State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Chapel Point State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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