84°
Mostly Cloudy
13%
76
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 photography.
82°F water · 84°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 84°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 50% probability — expect some stings
75 /100
great
64 Swim
67 Sunbathe
77 Walk
85 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
84°F
Cloudy
Wind
10 mph
E
Rain
13%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
5:44 PM
1.2 ft · in 42m
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
50% probability · Annapolis buoy
Water Quality
Clean
40 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:49 AM
Sunset
8:31 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Mostly Sunny
0%
87
87°
Sunny
0%
85
94°
Sunny
1%
73
89°
Sunny
3%
82
88°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
48
89°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
20%
45
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
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