🌤 Weather at Chapel Point State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–75 °F | 61–88 °F | 33–79 °F | 22–48 °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 Glenn Dale Bell Stn, 1 mi away, elevation 150 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 — Site of St. Ignatius Church (Oldest Continuously Operating Catholic Parish in the United States Founded 1641), Scenic Walking Trails Along the Bluffs, Views of the Port Tobacco River and Potomac River Watershed, Historic Cemetery, Birding and Wildlife Viewing, Picnicking in a Peaceful Woodland Setting, Free Admission Year-Round, 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, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The park features scenic walking trails along the bluffs overlooking the Port Tobacco River, adjacency to St. Ignatius Church — the oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic parish in the United States, founded in 1641 by Jesuit missionaries, a historic cemetery with graves dating to the colonial era, excellent birding and wildlife viewing along the river bluffs and tidal marshes with bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and migrating warblers, picnic areas in a peaceful woodland setting, panoramic views of the Port Tobacco River and surrounding tidal marshlands, free admission year-round, and a deeply historic atmosphere in one of Maryland’s earliest colonial settlements.
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.
The park’s blufftop trails offer stunning views of the Port Tobacco River — one of the most scenic tidal rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In winter, bald eagles are frequently spotted soaring over the river.
What to See
- St. Ignatius Church — oldest US Catholic parish (1641)
- Bluff trails — river views
- Historic cemetery — colonial era
- Birding — eagles, ospreys, herons
- Picnicking — woodland setting
- Free admission — year-round
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Port Tobacco River, Charles County, MD |
| Historic Site | St. Ignatius Church (1641) |
| Trails | Blufftop walking trails |
| Wildlife | Bald eagles, ospreys, herons |
| Camping | ❌ No — day-use only |
| Admission | Free — year-round |
| Managed By | Maryland DNR |
| Coordinates | 38.4667° N, 77.0167° W |
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 features blufftop walking trails with river views, a historic colonial-era cemetery, excellent birding for bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons, and picnic areas. Free admission year-round. Managed by Maryland DNR.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks in Maryland: Purse State Park and Smallwood State Park. See the full Maryland state parks guide.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Maryland state parks online at parkreservations.maryland.gov.
🐾 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 Location
Plan your gear for Chapel Point State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
