Belle Isle State Park

1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503

A 733-acre Virginia park on the Rappahannock River near its mouth at the Bay. Seven miles of shoreline, salt-marsh and forest trails, kayak rentals, fishing, and bayside camping. One of the quieter Virginia Bay parks.

Stay3

Skip the beach today.

69% rain · Thunderstorms · High nettle risk

Full NWS forecast for Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 81°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 69% rain — rain likely at some point

Water

  • 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • High nettle risk — 61% probability — reconsider swimming

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • NWS alert active — coastal flood statement issued july 12 at 4:03am edt until july 13 at 2:00am edt by nws wakefield va
skip
0 Swim
35 Sunbathe
0 Walk
4 Fish
25 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Statement

Coastal Flood Statement issued July 12 at 4:03AM EDT until July 13 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

NWS · In effect through Jul 13, 6:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster, Middlesex, Western Essex and Eastern Essex Counties. * WHEN...From this evening through late tonight. * IMPACTS...Shallow flooding is possible in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline.

Air Temp
81°F
Drizzle
Wind
5 to 9 mph
E
Rain
69%
Today
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
6:19 PM
0.1 ft · in 3.1h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
61% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 2mo ago
Sunrise
5:54 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Jul 12
81°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

69%
20
Mon Jul 13
81°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

18%
82
Tue Jul 14
87°

Sunny

3%
85
Wed Jul 15
93°

Sunny

3%
76
Thu Jul 16
93°

Sunny

4%
76
Fri Jul 17
91°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

15%
43
Sat Jul 18
92°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

25%
36
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Minor
3:10 AM - 4:10 AM
Major
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Minor
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Parking

Park lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

$5/vehicle standard VA parking fee

Address

1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503

campingkayak rentalstrailsfishing pierrestrooms
Is it safe to swim at Belle Isle State Park today?

Belle Isle State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Belle Isle State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Belle Isle State Park?

$5/vehicle standard VA parking fee

Are there lifeguards at Belle Isle State Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at Belle Isle State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Belle Isle State Park?

Amenities at Belle Isle State Park include camping, kayak rentals, trails, fishing pier, restrooms.

When is the water warmest at Belle Isle State Park?

The Chesapeake warms quickly — water temperatures peak in late July and August, typically 78-82°F. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Belle Isle State Park located?

Belle Isle State Park is in Lancaster County, VA, at 1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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