Hours
The Refuge is open during daylight hours only (1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset). Entry after sunset is prohibited.
The Visitor Contact Station is open 8 am - 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am - 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday with the following additional closings:
Closed Saturdays, November through March;
Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.
Fees
An entrance fee is required to enter the refuge. Fees vary by access method (foot or vehicle). Daily, seasonal and lifetime passes are available. For more information, see Entrance Fees. Entrance fees are not charged November 1 through March 31.
Parking
Refuge parking is permitted in the headquarters lot on a first-come, first served basis for people engaged in wildlife-dependent activities. Visitors may not park cars overnight. Parking of all types of trailers is prohibited. Overnight campers using False Cape State Park must park at Little Island City Park, north of the Refuge boundary and must pay the entrance fee at the booth.
Restricted Activities
Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other non-wildlife-dependent activities are prohibited. Wildlife-dependent activities such as hiking, nature photography, fishing, wildlife observation, and environmental education are encouraged.
Pets
Dogs and other pets are prohibited from April 1 to September 30. Pets are permitted October 1 to March 31 only. They must be on hand-held leashes (up to 10 feet long). Horses are prohibited.
Restricted Areas
Hikers and bikers must stay on designated trails and roadways. Bikers must walk bicycles across boardwalks. Entry into the dunes, marshes, and impoundments is prohibited. Certain portions of the Refuge are posted as "Area Closed" to provide undisturbed areas for wildlife. Visitors are expected to obey all Refuge signs.
Groups
Groups of more than ten people must obtain a special use permit two weeks prior to visiting the Refuge.
Motor Vehicles
Motor vehicles are permitted only on the entrance road and in the parking area. Visitors must obey posted speed limits, which are enforced through the use of radar.
Beach Vehicular Access
The beach vehicular access ramp is closed to the general public. The ramp and vehicular beach use are only open to certain permanent residents of the Outer Banks of North Carolina and employees of False Cape State Park, who possess a Refuge Motor Vehicle Access Permit (not an entrance permit).
Wildlife Protection
Molesting, harming, or unauthorized collecting of any plant or animal is prohibited on wildlife refuges. Animals should not be disturbed, just observed, or, in some cases, examined and released. Plants may not be collected without a "Special Use Permit". Fallen leaves, seeds, and twigs may be collected as needed for study while on the Refuge.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in designated areas only. A Virginia fishing license is required for Back Bay and D Pool. Fishing is not permitted along the paved access road. All anglers must comply with State of Virginia fishing license requirements.
Fires
Open fires, including charcoal-burning grills, are prohibited.
Litter
All litter should be collected and placed in proper containers.
Special Closings
The Refuge will close on specific dates in October. Check with the Refuge office for closure dates in October and for seasonal closing of trails.
Laws
The laws of the State of Virginia and the City of Virginia Beach are enforced on Refuge property.
Additional Federal Regulations
The Fish and Wildlife Service publishes in excess of 400 Federal Register documents annually. The Division of Policy and Directives Management handles this task. To find out more, visit them at http://pdm.fws.gov/regs.html.
