Elk Neck State Park

4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901

At the very top of the Chesapeake Bay where freshwater inflow is highest — minimal jellyfish, good swimming. Home to the Turkey Point Lighthouse (1.9-mile trail), camping, and boat rentals.

Stay15

Ideal for a beach walk.

82°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 8 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind 2 to 8 mph.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
84 /100
great
85 Swim
82 Sunbathe
86 Walk
82 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
85°F
Partly Sunny
Wind
8 mph
E
Rain
5%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
82°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
3:50 PM
0.3 ft · in 40m
Sea Nettles
Low nettle risk
30% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Elevated
80 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sunrise
5:46 AM
Sunset
8:31 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Jul 12
85°

Partly Sunny

5%
85
Mon Jul 13
84°

Mostly Sunny

0%
86
Tue Jul 14
88°

Sunny

0%
84
Wed Jul 15
95°

Sunny

5%
72
Thu Jul 16
90°

Sunny

2%
81
Fri Jul 17
88°

Mostly Sunny

8%
83
Sat Jul 18
88°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

25%
43
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F

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

Parking

Ample. Day-use fee.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash in designated pet areas.

Entry Fee

$3/person MD resident, $5/person non-resident

Address

4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901

lifeguardsbathhouseboat rentalscampinglighthouse trailfishing
Is it safe to swim at Elk Neck State Park today?

Elk Neck 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Elk Neck State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash in designated pet areas.

Is there an entry fee at Elk Neck State Park?

$3/person MD resident, $5/person non-resident

Are there lifeguards at Elk Neck State Park?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Elk Neck State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Elk Neck State Park?

Amenities at Elk Neck State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, boat rentals, camping, lighthouse trail, fishing.

When is the water warmest at Elk Neck 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 Elk Neck State Park located?

Elk Neck State Park is in Cecil County, MD, at 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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