60°
Sunny
0%
49
Northampton County, VA · Chesapeake Bay
Kiptopeke State Park
3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
562-acre Virginia Eastern Shore state park facing west across the lower Chesapeake. Famous for the "concrete ships" — nine WWII-era concrete vessels sunk as a breakwater. Incredible sunsets, fishing pier, hawk migration watch, and sandy swim beach.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
6.6ft waves · 60°F air · 70°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind around 16 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northwest wind 15 to 18 mph.
Weather
- 60°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 70°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Safety
- 6.6ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
49 /100
ok
39 Swim
49 Sunbathe
70 Walk
35 Fish
70 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
60°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
16 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
28 Good
Ozone · Hampton Roads
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
62°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
70°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
7:43 PM
2.5 ft · in 1.2h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 4mo ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:34 AM
Sunset
5:00 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:05 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:32 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 1:54 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:43 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:47 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:13 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:25 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:27 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:51 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 3:18 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:04 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:04 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:27 AM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 3:55 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:42 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:39 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:03 AM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 4:32 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:20 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:13 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:41 AM | High | 2.8 ft |
| 5:10 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:01 PM | High | 2.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:50 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:20 AM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 5:51 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:44 PM | High | 2.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
62°
Sunny
0%
61
62°
Sunny
0%
59
66°
Sunny
0%
69
64°
Sunny
0%
70
62°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
19%
59
57°
Chance Rain Showers
28%
32
What to Bring Today
Nothing unusual - conditions are unremarkable today.
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Major
9:10 PM - 11:10 PM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Minor
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas.
Entry Fee
$7/vehicle weekday, $10 weekend/holiday (standard VA parking; HOV and fishing-pier fees differ)
Address
3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Kiptopeke State Park today?
Kiptopeke 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 Kiptopeke State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas.
Is there an entry fee at Kiptopeke State Park?
$7/vehicle weekday, $10 weekend/holiday (standard VA parking; HOV and fishing-pier fees differ)
Are there lifeguards at Kiptopeke State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Kiptopeke 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 Kiptopeke State Park?
Amenities at Kiptopeke State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, camping, fishing pier, hawk watch, boat ramp.
When is the water warmest at Kiptopeke 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 Kiptopeke State Park located?
Kiptopeke State Park is in Northampton County, VA, at 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS