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.

Great day for a beach walk.

85°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Isolated rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. West wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

A chance of rain showers between 2am and 5am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
70 /100
great
66 Sunbathe
75 Walk
68 Fish
74 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
85°F
Isolated Rain Showers
Wind
13 mph
W
Rain
18%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
Sunrise
6:52 AM
Sunset
7:35 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Sep 9
85°

Isolated Rain Showers

18%
70
Thu Sep 10
80°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

54%
25
Fri Sep 11
79°

Partly Sunny

12%
78
Sat Sep 12
79°

Showers And Thunderstorms

86%
13
Sun Sep 13
83°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

26%
37
Mon Sep 14
84°

Partly Sunny

8%
79
Tue Sep 15
87°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

18%
40
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high

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
10:50 PM - 12:50 AM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
11:10 AM - 1:10 PM
Minor
6:30 PM - 7:30 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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