Know Before You Go

• During the summer months a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent will make your visit a success.  
• Biting insects are plentiful during the warm, wet summer.  
• Water is also extremely important! It is easy to become dehydrated while hiking, biking and wildlife watching through the refuge.  
• During the winter, while watching our beautiful waterfowl, do not forget to dress warmly against the chill wind that often blows along the beach and Back Bay. 

Visitor Regulations 

Refuge regulations exist for your safety and for the protection of wildlife and the environment. The following partial list of refuge regulations. A complete listing can be obtained by phoning the refuge office. Please inquire if you are uncertain as to whether or not a particular activity is permitted. 

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 Sundays, November through March;
Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

Directions 

Please visit our Directions page for directions to the refuge and the canoe / kayak launch site: Directions Page 

Fees 

An entrance fee is required to enter the refuge. Fees vary by access method (foot or vehicle). Daily, yearly and lifetime passes are available. Entrance fees are not charged November 1 through March 31. For more information on our entrance fees: Entrance Fees 

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 

Beginning April 1, 2011, pets will not be allowed on the refuge at any time. 

Restricted Areas 

Hikers and bikers must stay on designated trails and roadways. 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. 

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 

Harassing, 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 freshwater fishing license is required for Back Bay and D Pool. A Virginia saltwatr license is required for oceanfront surf fishing. 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.