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.

Decent day for photography.

NWS alert active · 58°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Weather

  • 58°F air — chilly for a beach day
  • 20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering

Safety

  • NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 8:36am est until november 9 at 6:00am est by nws baltimore md/washington dc
52 /100
ok
20 Swim
36 Sunbathe
64 Walk
65 Photo

Best for photography today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 8:36AM EST until November 9 at 6:00AM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

NWS · In effect through Nov 9, 6:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Smith Point VA, and Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA. * WHEN...Until 6 AM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

Air Temp
58°F
Clear
Wind
15 to 20 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
26 Good
Ozone · Upper Eastern Shore
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
62°F
Sunny
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Sunrise
6:38 AM
Sunset
4:58 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
5:05 AM High 1.2 ft
11:12 AM Low 0.1 ft
5:50 PM High 1.8 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8573364, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Nov 7
58°

Sunny

1%
52
Sun Nov 8
62°

Sunny

1%
65
Mon Nov 9
61°

Sunny

0%
58
Tue Nov 10
64°

Sunny

0%
70
Wed Nov 11
62°

Sunny

0%
69
Thu Nov 12
57°

Chance Light Rain

33%
46
Fri Nov 13
52°

Chance Light Rain

38%
31

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

Parking

Free refuge lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash on trails.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661

trailswildlife observation decksrestrooms
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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