Welcome to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome!

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The refuge consists of over 112,000 acres of forested wetlands. Lake Drummond, at 3,100 acres and the largest natural lake in Virginia, is located in the heart of the swamp.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge trails are open everyday for hiking and biking from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. The refuge headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Road in Suffolk, Virginia, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. The headquarters is closed on weekends and federal holidays, the hiking and biking trails remain open.

Protecting and preserving a unique and outstanding ecosystem, and perpetuating the diversity of animal and plant life therein.

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For event schedule, click here. All activities and events are free and open to the public.
Bus tours, canoe birding, guided walks and workshops require reservations as space is limited. Call (757)986-3705 to reserve your space!

Summer/Fall -2012 Calendar of Events, click here.

Permit applications for the 2012 refuge Fishing/Boating season are accepted beginning March 1. With the permit, access for boating is allowed from the Interior Ditch boat ramp from April 1 through June 15. For more information, click here.

The Railroad Ditch entrance, including the auto tour route, is open for public access to Lake Drummond, Mondays through Fridays. Auto passes are free and must be obtained on the day of your visit from the refuge headquarters between 8:00am and 3:00pm.