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 photography.

49°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Scattered rain showers before 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Weather

  • 49°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
50 /100
ok
27 Sunbathe
58 Walk
51 Fish
61 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
49°F
Unknown Precipitation and Fog/Mist
Wind
9 to 15 mph
SW
Rain
9%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
20 Good
Ozone · Western Maryland
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
58°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
—
Sunrise
6:51 AM
Sunset
5:09 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Nov 7
49°

Scattered Rain Showers

9%
50
Sun Nov 8
58°

Mostly Sunny

1%
59
Mon Nov 9
56°

Mostly Sunny

1%
48
Tue Nov 10
64°

Sunny

0%
67
Wed Nov 11
63°

Mostly Sunny

1%
67
Thu Nov 12
55°

Light Rain Likely

61%
32
Fri Nov 13
47°

Chance Rain And Snow

47%
33

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
9:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
9:40 AM - 11:40 AM
Minor
3:40 PM - 4:40 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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