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.

Great day for a beach walk.

80°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
77 /100
great
81 Swim
77 Sunbathe
84 Walk
69 Fish
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
85°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
9:35 PM
7.1 ft · in 2.3h
Sunrise
6:37 AM
Sunset
7:21 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
3:38 AM Low 0.5 ft
9:13 AM High 6.4 ft
3:43 PM Low 0.5 ft
9:35 PM High 7.1 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8553501, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
85°

Sunny

0%
77
Thu Sep 10
85°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

17%
38
Fri Sep 11
80°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

22%
77
Sat Sep 12
79°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers

26%
71
Sun Sep 13
82°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

71%
16
Mon Sep 14
82°

Mostly Sunny

7%
81
Tue Sep 15
82°

Mostly Sunny

6%
82
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

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
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

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

boat rampsfishing pierkayak launchwildlife viewing
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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