Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach

Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717

A 4,500-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir on the North Branch Potomac straddling WV and MD. Shaw Beach is the designated sandy swim area, reached via the Lakeside Trail from the Howell Run Picnic Area. Sunny grass lounge area, panoramic lake views, and some of the best eagle-watching in the region.

Decent day for sunbathing.

Thunderstorms · 82°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then patchy fog. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Weather

  • 82°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 38% rain — pop-up showers possible

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
36 /100
ok
56 Sunbathe
23 Walk
35 Fish
32 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Air Temp
82°F
Cloudy
Wind
6 mph
E
Rain
38%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Water Temp
Next High Tide
7:05 PM
2.8 ft · in 3.9h
Sunrise
5:59 AM
Sunset
8:44 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
12:35 AM Low 0.5 ft
6:20 AM High 3.5 ft
2:03 PM Low 0.4 ft
7:05 PM High 2.8 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8594900, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 12
82°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

38%
42
Mon Jul 13
81°

Patchy Fog then Sunny

10%
85
Tue Jul 14
90°

Sunny

0%
80
Wed Jul 15
92°

Sunny

1%
75
Thu Jul 16
90°

Mostly Sunny

10%
78
Fri Jul 17
87°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

20%
52
Sat Jul 18
87°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

32%
43
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 38% rain chance

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

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major
10:10 PM - 12:10 AM
Minor
3:10 AM - 4:10 AM
Major
10:40 AM - 12:40 PM
Minor
7:20 PM - 8:20 PM

Parking

Free lot at Howell Run Picnic Area.

Dogs

Leashed dogs permitted.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717

beachpicnic shelterstrailsrestroomsfishingboatingwater skiing
Is it safe to swim at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach today?

Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach 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 Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs permitted.

Is there an entry fee at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

Entry to Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

Amenities at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach include beach, picnic shelters, trails, restrooms, fishing, boating, water skiing.

When is the water warmest at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

Inland lakes peak in July and August at 75-80°F and hold warmth longer than tidal beaches. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach located?

Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach is in Mineral County, WV, at Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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