79°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
Northampton County, VA · Chesapeake Bay
Kiptopeke State Park
3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
562-acre Virginia Eastern Shore state park facing west across the lower Chesapeake. Famous for the "concrete ships" — nine WWII-era concrete vessels sunk as a breakwater. Incredible sunsets, fishing pier, hawk migration watch, and sandy swim beach.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
High nettle risk · NWS alert active · 79°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 6 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 14 to 17 mph.
Weather
- 79°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
- High nettle risk — 160% probability — reconsider swimming
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued june 25 at 9:50am edt until june 26 at 4:00am edt by nws wakefield va
50 /100
ok
16 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
43 Fish
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued June 25 at 9:50AM EDT until June 26 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...South winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and waves 1 to 3 ft expected. * WHERE...Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point to Windmill Point VA, Chesapeake Bay from Windmill Point to New Point Comfort VA, Chesapeake Bay from New Point Comfort to Little Creek VA and Chesapeake Bay from Little Creek VA to Cape Henry VA including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 AM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
79°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
6 to 15 mph
S
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
7:07 PM
2.6 ft · in 4.4h
Sea Nettles
High nettle risk
160% probability · York Spit buoy
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:27 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:48 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:35 AM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 12:30 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:07 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
85°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
15%
50
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
60%
31
81°
Mostly Sunny
12%
82
79°
Sunny
2%
82
82°
Sunny
2%
82
86°
Sunny
7%
82
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 6 to 15 mph 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.
Major
8:10 PM - 10:10 PM
Minor
1:50 AM - 2:50 AM
Major
8:40 AM - 10:40 AM
Minor
4:40 PM - 5:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Park lot.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas.
Entry Fee
$7/vehicle weekday, $10 weekend/holiday (standard VA parking; HOV and fishing-pier fees differ)
Address
3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Kiptopeke State Park.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Kiptopeke State Park from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Kiptopeke State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas.
Is there an entry fee at Kiptopeke State Park?
$7/vehicle weekday, $10 weekend/holiday (standard VA parking; HOV and fishing-pier fees differ)
Are there lifeguards at Kiptopeke State Park?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Kiptopeke 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 Kiptopeke State Park?
Amenities at Kiptopeke State Park include lifeguards, bathhouse, camping, fishing pier, hawk watch, boat ramp.
When is the water warmest at Kiptopeke 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 Kiptopeke State Park located?
Kiptopeke State Park is in Northampton County, VA, at 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS