Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach

Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717

A 4,500-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir on the North Branch Potomac straddling WV and MD. Shaw Beach is the designated sandy swim area, reached via the Lakeside Trail from the Howell Run Picnic Area. Sunny grass lounge area, panoramic lake views, and some of the best eagle-watching in the region.

Ideal for a beach walk.

79°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 6 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Weather

  • 79°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions
80 /100
great
85 Sunbathe
88 Walk
73 Fish
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
79°F
Clear
Wind
6 mph
N
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Sunny
Water Temp
Next High Tide
11:25 PM
2.8 ft · in 2.0h
Sunrise
5:50 AM
Sunset
8:38 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
5:07 AM Low 0.7 ft
10:38 AM High 3.3 ft
6:02 PM Low 0.5 ft
11:25 PM High 2.8 ft
Today Jun 3
79°

Sunny

0%
85
Thu Jun 4
85°

Sunny

0%
85
Fri Jun 5
86°

Mostly Sunny

0%
84
Sat Jun 6
85°

Mostly Sunny

11%
84
Sun Jun 7
82°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

44%
38
Mon Jun 8
78°

Chance Rain Showers

28%
74
Tue Jun 9
80°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

15%
85
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high

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

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor
10:40 PM - 11:40 PM
Major
2:40 AM - 4:40 AM
Minor
7:50 AM - 8:50 AM
Major
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Parking

Free lot at Howell Run Picnic Area.

Dogs

Leashed dogs permitted.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717

beachpicnic shelterstrailsrestroomsfishingboatingwater skiing
Is Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs permitted.

Is there an entry fee at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

Entry to Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

Amenities at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach include beach, picnic shelters, trails, restrooms, fishing, boating, water skiing.

When is the water warmest at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?

Inland lakes peak in July and August at 75-80°F and hold warmth longer than tidal beaches. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach located?

Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach is in Mineral County, WV, at Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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