Fort Smallwood Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Smallwood Park is a beautiful waterfront park located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are many good reasons to visit the park, including its stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay, its rich history, and its many recreational activities.

One of the park's main points of interest is the historic Fort Smallwood, which was built in the late 1800s to defend Baltimore's harbor. Visitors can explore the fort's gun batteries, barracks, and other structures, and learn about its important role in American history. The park also features a fishing pier, boat ramp, and picnic areas, as well as hiking and biking trails, a playground, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing.

There are a number of interesting facts about Fort Smallwood Park and its surrounding area. For example, the park is located on the site of a former Native American village, and was once used as a training ground for soldiers during World War II. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and blue herons.

The best time of year to visit Fort Smallwood Park depends on what activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are good times for hiking and biking, while summer is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park is also open in the winter, and visitors can enjoy ice fishing and other winter sports.

Overall, Fort Smallwood Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and outdoor recreation. With its beautiful waterfront setting, rich history, and many activities and amenities, it is a perfect place to spend a day or a weekend.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks