Lancaster County, VA · Chesapeake Bay

Belle Isle State Park

A 733-acre Virginia park on the Rappahannock River near its mouth at the Bay. Seven miles of shoreline, salt-marsh and forest trails, kayak rentals, fishing, and bayside camping. One of the quieter Virginia Bay parks.

Stay3

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 61% rain · High nettle risk

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 107. Southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Weather

95°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
61% rain — rain likely at some point

Water

84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
High nettle risk — 71% probability — reconsider swimming

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm warning issued july 18 at 4:46pm edt until july 18 at 5:30pm edt by nws wakefield va

5 /100

skip

0 Swim

18 Sunbathe

0 Walk

0 Fish

19 Photo

Best for photography today

Water level 0.9 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.

NOAA station 8635750 · Observed 2.43 ft · Predicted 1.49 ft

Weather alert in effect

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:46PM EDT until July 18 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:43PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Get Directions View on Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Atmosphere

Air Temp

95°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

9 mph

Rain

61%

This Afternoon

UV Peak

9 Very High

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 04 PM

Tomorrow

89°F

Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Water

Water Temp

84°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

11:55 PM

0.3 ft · in 3.0h

Sea Nettles

High nettle risk

71% probability · Potomac buoy

Water Quality

Clean

10 cfu/100mL · E. coli

USGS · sampled 2mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:58 AM

Sunset

8:26 PM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
5:11 AM	High	1.6 ft
11:37 AM	Low	0.2 ft
5:41 PM	High	1.5 ft
11:55 PM	Low	0.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
6:00 AM	High	1.5 ft
12:26 PM	Low	0.2 ft
6:36 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:51 AM	Low	0.3 ft
6:50 AM	High	1.5 ft
1:14 PM	Low	0.2 ft
7:31 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:48 AM	Low	0.4 ft
7:43 AM	High	1.4 ft
2:02 PM	Low	0.3 ft
8:27 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:45 AM	Low	0.5 ft
8:38 AM	High	1.3 ft
2:52 PM	Low	0.3 ft
9:23 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:43 AM	Low	0.5 ft
9:35 AM	High	1.3 ft
3:44 PM	Low	0.3 ft
10:17 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:41 AM	Low	0.5 ft
10:28 AM	High	1.3 ft
4:37 PM	Low	0.4 ft
11:08 PM	High	1.5 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8635750, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

95°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

61%

Sun Jul 19

89°

Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

33%

Mon Jul 20

86°

Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

36%

Tue Jul 21

89°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

71%

Wed Jul 22

86°

Showers And Thunderstorms

77%

Thu Jul 23

81°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

24%

Fri Jul 24

83°

Sunny

13%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% chance of rain
critical Extra water / electrolytes 95°F - heat risk
recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat

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.

Minor

10:20 PM - 11:20 PM

Major

3:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Minor

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Major

3:50 PM - 5:50 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Park lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash.

Entry Fee

$5/vehicle standard VA parking fee

Address

1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503

Amenities

campingkayak rentalstrailsfishing pierrestrooms

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Belle Isle State Park today?

Belle Isle 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. 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 Belle Isle State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash.

Is there an entry fee at Belle Isle State Park?

$5/vehicle standard VA parking fee

Are there lifeguards at Belle Isle State Park?

No lifeguards are stationed at Belle Isle State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Belle Isle State Park?

Amenities at Belle Isle State Park include camping, kayak rentals, trails, fishing pier, restrooms.

When is the water warmest at Belle Isle 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 Belle Isle State Park located?

Belle Isle State Park is in Lancaster County, VA, at 1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503.