Fort Smallwood Park
9500 Fort Smallwood Rd
Pasadena, MD 21122
Admission Fee: $6 per vehicle (cash or check only!!!)
**UPDATE** FORT SMALLWOOD PARK BEACH IS CLOSED THROUGH SPRING OF 2022 FOR SHORELINE RESTORATION
Fort Smallwood Park in Pasadena is one of 4 Anne Arundel County Regional parks. All 4 parks have an admission fee – $6 per vehicle or $40 for an annual pass (well worth it – this pass gets you into any of the 4 parks for a year) Fort Smallwood is located where the Patapsco River meets the Chesapeake Bay. There are paved walking trails, a huge fishing pier, swimming beaches, historic battery and barracks, a nice playground and plenty of picnic areas. The side of the park with the fishing pier has more industrial views of Baltimore and Bethlehem Steel across the water, while the side with the beaches has a more open, scenic view.
My absolutely favorite part about this beach is that it is super shallow! My girls can wade really far out and the water still barely hit their knees. It’s the perfect beach to bring young kids! I also love that the parking lot is right next to the beach. This makes it easier to bring whatever we want and run back to the car if we forget something. There are also bathrooms by the beach with showers so you can rinse off the sand before heading home.
The playground appears to be fairly recently redone has one big play structure with features for all ages – several slides, monkey bars, swings, etc. My girls also love to walk down to the fishing pier, though we didn’t do that today.
Highly recommend checking out this park – especially is you have young kids who like to play in the water!
🚽 Bathrooms 🚽: public restrooms near beach and playground were both open
👩👧👦Solo w/ kids?👩👧👦: yes!
🛒 Stroller friendly?🛒: yes
🅿️Parking🅿️: Parking lots next to beach and playground. $6 admission fee per car or $40 for an annual pass
⏰Timing⏰: 2-3 hrs
Maryland Kid Adventures 