89°
Sunny
0%
75
Lancaster County, VA · Chesapeake Bay
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.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
82°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 89. South wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind around 10 mph.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 41% probability — expect some stings
75 /100
great
73 Swim
76 Sunbathe
84 Walk
70 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
89°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
S
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
91°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
41% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Clean
25 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform
USGS · sampled 4w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:43 AM
Sunset
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:25 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 6:46 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 12:40 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 6:58 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:33 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 1:31 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 7:49 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:17 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 2:19 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:37 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 8:59 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 3:05 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 9:24 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:27 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 9:41 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 3:50 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:11 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:10 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 10:23 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:33 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 10:58 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:53 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 11:06 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 5:17 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 11:47 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8635750, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
91°
Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
16%
73
84°
Partly Sunny
12%
80
84°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72%
16
87°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46%
25
87°
Mostly Sunny
9%
79
87°
Mostly Sunny
8%
79
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash.
Entry Fee
$5/vehicle standard VA parking fee
Address
1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503
Amenities
Frequently Asked
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS