Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region
 
Boardwalk through trees. Credit: Dave Blood/USFWS

Plan Your Visit

Hours of Operation

The refuge's headquarters is located at its Brigantine Division on the mainland, at Oceanville, New Jersey. From Route 9 in Oceanville, visitors may enter the refuge via Great Creek Road, which ends at our entry gate. Headquarters is open weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. At various times during the year we must close the Wildlife Drive and trails to the public to carry out wildlife management plans, so it is best to check our Web site or call prior to visiting. Organized groups are requested to contact the refuge to register their visits in advance.

We hope you enjoy your tour of the refuge.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are in effect every day at Forsythe Refuge's Wildlife Drive, and the foot trails associated with it. An important feature of Forsythe's entrance fee program allows 80% of revenues collected to be retained at the refuge. These funds will be used for recreation related expenses including; brochures, signage, facilities enhancement, trail/road maintenance, restoration associated with wildlife-dependent recreation, and public safety. Refuge officers routinely conduct compliance checks, and individuals entering the refuge without a valid entrance pass will be cited.

Daily Pass

Payment of the daily fee is on the honor system, and visitors may pay at either of two self-service payment sites. Visitors entering by private vehicle can purchase a daily entrance pass for $4.00, which will admit the purchaser and others accompanying in that vehicle. An individual who walks or bicycles in through our entrance gate must purchase a $2.00 daily pass. Children under 16 are admitted free.

Tour Groups - Commercial Vehicles
 Entrance fees are based on the seating capacity of the vehicle (driver not included).
Up to 20 passengers: $20.00 per vehicle (16 years of age or older)
21 or more passengers: $30.00 per vehicle

Click here to learn about Annual Passes to National Wildlife Refuges

Swallowtail butterfly and a bee on thistle. Credit: John & Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS
Swallowtail butterfly and a bee on thistle. Credit: John & Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS

The headquarters office is located at:

800 Great Creek Road
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Phone: (609) 652-1665
Fax:  (609) 652-1474
E-mail:  forsythe@fws.gov

Mailing Address

PO Box 72
Great Creek Road
Oceanville, NJ 08231

Volunteer Office (Sandy Perchetti, Volunteer Coordinator)

Phone:  (609) 748-1535
Last updated: October 29, 2009