Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661

A 2,285-acre island refuge at the mouth of the Chester River. Several beach-access trails through woods lead to quiet shoreline. Not a swimming destination — this is about birds, quiet, and native plants. Bald eagle and osprey nesting in spring.

Ideal for a beach walk.

High nettle risk · 79°F air · 69°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

Weather

  • 79°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
  • High nettle risk — 465% probability — reconsider swimming
77 /100
great
44 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
79°F
Clear
Wind
5 mph
NW
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
81°F
Sunny
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
10:20 PM
1.2 ft · in 59m
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
465% probability · Annapolis buoy
Water Quality
Clean
40 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sunrise
5:40 AM
Sunset
8:25 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
3:02 AM Low 0.5 ft
9:44 AM High 1.8 ft
4:51 PM Low 0.5 ft
10:20 PM High 1.2 ft
Today Jun 3
79°

Sunny

0%
84
Thu Jun 4
81°

Sunny

0%
84
Fri Jun 5
85°

Mostly Sunny

0%
84
Sat Jun 6
86°

Mostly Sunny

6%
82
Sun Jun 7
85°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

44%
33
Mon Jun 8
74°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

22%
72
Tue Jun 9
75°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

19%
78
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Free refuge lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash on trails.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661

trailswildlife observation decksrestrooms
Is Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash on trails.

Is there an entry fee at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?

Entry to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is free.

Are there lifeguards at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?

No lifeguards are stationed at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?

Amenities at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge include trails, wildlife observation decks, restrooms.

When is the water warmest at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?

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 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge located?

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is in Kent County, MD, at 1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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