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.

Also a fishing day? Live conditions and regulations for target species at Kiptopeke State Park on itsafishingday.com →

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 82°F water · 82°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 14 to 17 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 18 to 23 mph.

Weather

82°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

82°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Moderate nettle risk — 49% probability — expect some stings

Safety

NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued september 9 at 2:40pm edt until september 10 at 10:00am edt by nws wakefield va

56 /100

good

35 Swim

72 Sunbathe

83 Walk

38 Fish

78 Photo

Best for walking today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 2:40PM EDT until September 10 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

NWS · In effect through Sep 10, 10:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...South to southwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 2 to 4 ft expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point to Windmill Point VA, Chesapeake Bay from Windmill Point to New Point Comfort VA, Chesapeake Bay from New Point Comfort to Little Creek VA and Chesapeake Bay from Little Creek VA to Cape Henry VA including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 10 AM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

82°F

Sunny

Wind

14 to 17 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

8 Very High

High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~25m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

87°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

82°F

Swimming weather

Next High Tide

8:44 PM

3.2 ft · in 1.5h

Sea Nettles

Moderate nettle risk

49% probability · York Spit buoy

Water Quality

No recent sample

Last reading 2mo ago: clean

USGS · not a current condition

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:21 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
2:17 AM	Low	0.3 ft
8:20 AM	High	2.9 ft
2:28 PM	Low	0.3 ft
8:44 PM	High	3.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:05 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:12 AM	High	3.1 ft
3:23 PM	Low	0.2 ft
9:31 PM	High	3.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:48 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:58 AM	High	3.2 ft
4:12 PM	Low	0.2 ft
10:14 PM	High	3.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:27 AM	Low	0.2 ft
10:42 AM	High	3.3 ft
4:58 PM	Low	0.3 ft
10:55 PM	High	2.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:04 AM	Low	0.2 ft
11:23 AM	High	3.3 ft
5:42 PM	Low	0.4 ft
11:35 PM	High	2.8 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:41 AM	Low	0.4 ft
12:04 PM	High	3.2 ft
6:27 PM	Low	0.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:16 AM	High	2.7 ft
6:18 AM	Low	0.5 ft
12:45 PM	High	3.1 ft
7:14 PM	Low	0.7 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638610, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

82°

Sunny

Thu Sep 10

87°

Sunny

Fri Sep 11

82°

Mostly Sunny

12%

Sat Sep 12

82°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

58%

Sun Sep 13

84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

47%

Mon Sep 14

83°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Tue Sep 15

83°

Sunny

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 to 17 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 82°F

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

10:30 PM - 12:30 AM

Minor

4:30 AM - 5:30 AM

Major

10:50 AM - 12:50 PM

Minor

6:20 PM - 7:20 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

lifeguardsbathhousecampingfishing pierhawk watchboat ramp

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.