89°
Showers And Thunderstorms
75%
13
Cecil County, MD · Chesapeake Bay
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.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
75% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 5am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 89°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 75% rain — wet day — beach day is off
Water
- 84°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- Moderate nettle risk — 40% probability — expect some stings
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — special marine warning issued july 18 at 4:43pm edt until july 18 at 5:30pm edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
7 /100
skip
0 Swim
21 Sunbathe
0 Walk
21 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 7:48AM EDT until July 18 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Southwest winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. * WHERE...Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Cobb Island MD, and Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Drum Point MD. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Weather alert in effect
Special Marine Warning issued July 18 at 4:43PM EDT until July 18 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Tornado Watch issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
89°F
Smoke and Haze
Wind
12 mph
SW
Rain
75%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 01 PM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
84°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:11 PM
0.5 ft · in 17m
Sea Nettles
Moderate nettle risk
40% probability · Baltimore Harbor buoy
Water Quality
Elevated
100 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:51 AM
Sunset
8:28 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Sunny
3%
86
84°
Sunny
2%
86
86°
Showers And Thunderstorms
80%
15
83°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
66%
19
80°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
18%
77
83°
Sunny
8%
85
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 12 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 84°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 75% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 89°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
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
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Elk Neck State Park today?
Elk Neck 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. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS