Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Beach
Chase, MD
The Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park centers on a 1,500-foot swimming beach where the Gunpowder River widens toward the Bay, close enough to Baltimore that it's the default summer day trip for a lot of the city's east side. A bathhouse, food concession, and canoe and kayak rentals round out what's otherwise a straightforward river beach.
The closest real river beach to Baltimore with a bathhouse and rentals to back it up, though the popularity means the lot and beach both fill fast on a clear summer weekend.
How we score beachesEarly risers and night swimmers can use the open-water swim hours, 8 to 10am and 6 to 8pm, but have to sign a distance-swimming agreement with a lifeguard first and stay between beaches 1 and 5.
A large lot serves the day-use area off Ebenezer Road in Chase, with a per-vehicle entrance fee charged in season.
A short, flat walk connects the lot to the beach and bathhouse, with the swim area clearly marked and buoyed.
Lifeguards are on duty 11am to 6pm Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Water in the river warms into the mid 70s by peak summer, with swimming at your own risk outside guarded hours.
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