57°
Sunny
1%
58
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
Decent day for photography.
57°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 57°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
58 /100
good
52 Swim
46 Sunbathe
68 Walk
59 Fish
69 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
57°F
Clear
Wind
15 mph
NW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
26 Good
Ozone · Kent County
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
59°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
8:39 PM
6.2 ft · in 2.1h
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 5w ago: elevated
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:36 AM
Sunset
4:54 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:27 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 8:20 AM | High | 6.7 ft |
| 2:58 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:39 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 9:03 AM | High | 6.8 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:22 PM | High | 6.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:52 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:43 AM | High | 6.7 ft |
| 4:31 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:04 PM | High | 5.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:22 AM | High | 6.6 ft |
| 5:14 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:45 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:07 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 10:59 AM | High | 6.5 ft |
| 5:55 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 11:27 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:43 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:36 AM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 6:36 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:08 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:18 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 12:14 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 7:17 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8553501, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
59°
Sunny
1%
58
59°
Sunny
0%
52
62°
Sunny
0%
61
61°
Sunny
0%
63
56°
Chance Light Rain
35%
43
51°
Chance Light Rain
40%
34
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 57°F outside
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
3:20 PM - 4:20 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