Woodland Beach Wildlife Area

4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977

6,300+ acres of Delaware Bay shoreline, salt marsh, and tidal creeks near Smyrna — primarily a wildlife management area. Two boat ramps (creek side and bay side), a fishing pier, kayak launch, and outstanding birding and photography.

Ideal for a beach walk.

79°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 61. South wind 0 to 10 mph.

Weather

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

Water

  • 61°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
75 /100
great
60 Swim
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
73 Fish
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
79°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SW
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
79°F
Sunny
Water Temp
61°F
Cold
Water Quality
Clean
5 #/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sunrise
5:36 AM
Sunset
8:23 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
12:19 AM High 6.6 ft
7:25 AM Low 0.6 ft
12:58 PM High 5.4 ft
7:03 PM Low 0.9 ft
Today Jun 3
79°

Sunny

0%
75
Thu Jun 4
79°

Sunny

0%
77
Fri Jun 5
84°

Sunny

0%
77
Sat Jun 6
86°

Mostly Sunny

2%
75
Sun Jun 7
82°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

44%
24
Mon Jun 8
70°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

24%
57
Tue Jun 9
73°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

18%
75
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — 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
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
2:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Minor
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Major
2:50 PM - 4:50 PM

Parking

Revamped lot at the WMA. Conservation Access Pass required for motor vehicles.

Dogs

Leashed dogs permitted.

Entry Fee

Free beach access; Conservation Access Pass required for vehicle entry

Address

4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977

boat rampsfishing pierkayak launchwildlife viewing
Is Woodland Beach Wildlife Area dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs permitted.

Is there an entry fee at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?

Entry to Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is free.

Are there lifeguards at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?

No lifeguards are stationed at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?

Amenities at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area include boat ramps, fishing pier, kayak launch, wildlife viewing.

When is the water warmest at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area?

Delaware Bay peaks in July and August at roughly 76-80°F — warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic. Comfortable swimming mid-June through September.

Where is Woodland Beach Wildlife Area located?

Woodland Beach Wildlife Area is in Kent County, DE, at 4876 Hay Point Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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