81°
Partly Sunny
3%
82
Kent County, DE · Delaware Bay
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
6,300+ acres of Delaware Bay shoreline, salt marsh, and tidal creeks near Smyrna — primarily a wildlife management area. Two boat ramps (creek side and bay side), a fishing pier, kayak launch, and outstanding birding and photography.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · Bacteria above EPA action level · 78°F water
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued july 12 at 4:25am edt until july 12 at 11:00pm edt by nws mount holly nj
- Bacteria above EPA action level — recent usgs sample exceeded the federal beach action threshold
50 /100
ok
21 Swim
78 Sunbathe
85 Walk
25 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 4:25AM EDT until July 12 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Kent, Inland Sussex and Delaware Beaches. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways. Some partial or full road closures are possible.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
10 to 15 mph
SE
Rain
3%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
9:03 PM
7.2 ft · in 5.9h
Water Quality
Above threshold
135 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 3w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:29 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:17 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:41 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 3:08 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:03 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:17 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:40 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:00 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:12 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:36 AM | High | 6.0 ft |
| 5:07 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:55 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:04 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:31 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 6:02 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:48 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:53 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 12:25 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 6:55 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:41 AM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 7:40 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:17 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 7:47 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:32 AM | High | 6.9 ft |
| 8:27 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 2:09 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 8:39 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8553501, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
79°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
86°
Sunny
0%
86
93°
Sunny
3%
75
89°
Sunny
1%
81
87°
Mostly Sunny
8%
82
87°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
25%
42
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 15 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 78°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
9:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Minor
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Major
10:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Minor
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Revamped lot at the WMA. Conservation Access Pass required for motor vehicles.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free beach access; Conservation Access Pass required for vehicle entry
Address
4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area today?
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area 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 Woodland Beach Wildlife Area dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
Entry to Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is free.
Are there lifeguards at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
No lifeguards are stationed at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
Amenities at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area include boat ramps, fishing pier, kayak launch, wildlife viewing.
When is the water warmest at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?
Delaware Bay peaks in July and August at roughly 76-80°F — warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic. Comfortable swimming mid-June through September.
Where is Woodland Beach Wildlife Area located?
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is in Kent County, DE, at 4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS