83°
Sunny
1%
72
Kent County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661
A 2,285-acre island refuge at the mouth of the Chester River. Several beach-access trails through woods lead to quiet shoreline. Not a swimming destination — this is about birds, quiet, and native plants. Bald eagle and osprey nesting in spring.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · NWS alert active · 81°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 83. South wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 15 to 20 mph.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 81°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- High nettle risk — 64% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 12:18pm edt until september 10 at 7:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
72 /100
great
23 Swim
79 Sunbathe
85 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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.
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 12:18PM EDT until September 10 at 7:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Sunny
Wind
15 mph
S
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
6 High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
81°F
Swimming weather
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
64% probability · Annapolis buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:40 AM
Sunset
7:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14 AM | High | 2.1 ft |
| 12:52 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 6:25 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:36 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 6:59 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 1:30 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:18 PM | High | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:35 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 7:41 AM | High | 1.9 ft |
| 2:06 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:08 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:31 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:21 AM | High | 1.8 ft |
| 2:40 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:56 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:25 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:00 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 3:15 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 9:43 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:18 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 9:40 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 3:50 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:29 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:12 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:22 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 4:27 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:17 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8573364, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
27%
35
80°
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
30%
74
81°
Chance Rain Showers
44%
62
82°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
62%
21
82°
Mostly Sunny
4%
86
83°
Mostly Sunny
7%
83
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 81°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free refuge lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash on trails.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge today?
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge 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 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash on trails.
Is there an entry fee at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Entry to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is free.
Are there lifeguards at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
No lifeguards are stationed at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
Amenities at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge include trails, wildlife observation decks, restrooms.
When is the water warmest at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
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 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge located?
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is in Kent County, MD, at 1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS