Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region
 
2145 Key Wallace Dr
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-2677
Sunset at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: W.H. Julian
Sunset at Blackwater NWR. Credit: W.H. Julian

Plan Your Visit

Driving Directions

To get directions to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, visit our Driving Directions.

If you have questions about Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, feel free to contact us using the information below:

Email: fw5rw_bwnwr@fws.gov

Address:
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
2145 Key Wallace Drive
Cambridge, Maryland 21613

Telephone: 410-228-2677
(Hearing-impaired visitors may call the Maryland Relay Service at TDD/800-735-2258 voice)

Refuge Hours and Fees

A daily permit is required for all visitors to the Wildlife Drive unless they possess an annual pass, lifetime passport, or current Duck Stamp. 

  • Private vehicle - $3.00
  • Pedestrian, Bicyclist - $1.00
  • Commercial Van or Bus up to
    20 passengers - $15.00
    21 or more passengers - $25.00

Passes are available at the Visitor Center and include either a current Federal Duck Stamp valid July 1 to June 30 ($15); a Blackwater NWR Pass ($12), valid one year from date of issue; an Interagency Annual Pass ($80), valid one year from date of issue; a lifetime Interagency Seniors Pass ($10); or a lifetime Interagency Access Pass, which is free for the blind and permanently disabled.

Please Note: Effective November 20, 2010, the Visitor Center is closed for renovation. Our gift store and information desk have been temporarily relocated to the Environmental Education building at the start of the Wildlife Drive (same hours as Visitor Center). You can learn more about the status of the renovation work on our Renovation page.

[Visitor Center hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). The Visitor Center features wildlife exhibits, an authentic eagle's nest, Eagle Cam and Osprey Cam TV monitors, the Eagle's Nest Book and Gift Shop, a butterfly garden, restrooms, maps and brochures, and an informational kiosk. On the second floor is the "Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature Observatory," which features bird exhibits and spotting scopes for viewing the Blackwater River, the marsh, and the Osprey Cam platform. Also on the second floor is a Birding and Natural History Library where visitors can browse the Refuge book collection to learn more about the local wildlife. (The second floor is accessible via a staircase or a wheelchair-friendly elevator).]

The Wildlife Drive and associated trails are open from dawn to dusk every day. Visitors can drive, bike, or walk the length of the Wildlife Drive, which is approximately four miles in length.

Pets are not allowed out of vehicles on the Wildlife Drive or on the trails, even if on a leash. This policy is to protect the endangered ground-feeding Delmarva fox squirrels. Pets can be walked in the area around the Visitor Center (in the parking lot).

If you need assistance while at the Refuge, feel free to stop by the Visitor Center or call 410-228-2677 (TDD/800-735-2258) for information. Enjoy your visit!

For more information about the refuge, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Refuge Brochures

You can view and print refuge maps and brochures before you arrive: Refuge Brochures
Last updated: September 30, 2010