81°
Sunny
0%
84
Lancaster County, VA · Chesapeake Bay
Belle Isle State Park
1632 Belle Isle Rd, Lancaster, VA 22503
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.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · Bacteria above EPA action level · 81°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 7 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 54. South wind 0 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 81°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
- High nettle risk — 3554% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- Bacteria above EPA action level — recent usgs sample exceeded the federal beach action threshold
56 /100
good
14 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
43 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
81°F
Clear
Wind
7 mph
N
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Next Low Tide
10:22 PM
0.3 ft · in 1.0h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
3554% probability · Potomac buoy
Water Quality
Above threshold
850 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 4w ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:23 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:06 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 10:38 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:26 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 10:22 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Sunny
0%
84
92°
Sunny
0%
75
94°
Mostly Sunny
2%
74
91°
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
38%
37
75°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
21%
72
76°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
17%
84
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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
2:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Minor
7:40 AM - 8:40 AM
Major
2:50 PM - 4:50 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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Belle Isle State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Belle Isle State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS