Elk Neck State Park

4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901

At the very top of the Chesapeake Bay where freshwater inflow is highest — minimal jellyfish, good swimming. Home to the Turkey Point Lighthouse (1.9-mile trail), camping, and boat rentals.

Stay15

Ideal for a beach walk.

Swim advisory · High nettle risk · 82°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind around 3 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 3 mph.

Weather

  • 82°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 69°F water — swimmable, refreshing
  • High nettle risk — 348% probability — reconsider swimming

Safety

  • Swim advisory — state environmental agency flagged water quality
43 /100
ok
0 Swim
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Swim advisory: Advisory

Public beach, sampled once per week Advisory posted on 6/3/26

MDE · Updated May 22

Air Temp
82°F
Clear
Wind
3 mph
NE
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Sunny
Water Temp
69°F
Refreshing
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
348% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Elevated
80 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sunrise
5:38 AM
Sunset
8:26 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
12:59 AM High 3.1 ft
7:11 AM Low 0.7 ft
1:11 PM High 3.1 ft
7:45 PM Low 0.4 ft
Today Jun 3
82°

Sunny

1%
84
Thu Jun 4
86°

Sunny

0%
84
Fri Jun 5
89°

Mostly Sunny

0%
75
Sat Jun 6
91°

Mostly Sunny

4%
74
Sun Jun 7
84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

42%
33
Mon Jun 8
73°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

19%
78
Tue Jun 9
77°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

16%
78
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • critical Skip the swim Active swim advisory from MD DOE

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

Parking

Ample. Day-use fee.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash in designated pet areas.

Entry Fee

$3/person MD resident, $5/person non-resident

Address

4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901

lifeguardsbathhouseboat rentalscampinglighthouse trailfishing
Is Elk Neck State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash in designated pet areas.

Is there an entry fee at Elk Neck State Park?

$3/person MD resident, $5/person non-resident

Are there lifeguards at Elk Neck State Park?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Elk Neck State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Elk Neck State Park?

Amenities at Elk Neck State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, boat rentals, camping, lighthouse trail, fishing.

When is the water warmest at Elk Neck 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 Elk Neck State Park located?

Elk Neck State Park is in Cecil County, MD, at 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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