Rules and Policies

Visitors are reminded of the following regulations:

• The refuge is open from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• Pets are not allowed at any time of year (effective April 1, 2011), with the exception of service dogs.
• Visitors must adhere to all signs.
• Swimming, surfing and sunbathing are not permitted on the Refuge beach.
• The use of motorized and non-motorized aircraft, including drones and kites, is prohibited.
• The North Mile and all dune areas are closed to public access.
• The beach vehicular ramp is closed to the general public. Pedestrian beach access is available via the Seaside and Dune trails.
• With the exception of shell collecting on the beach, collection of any plant, animal or historic artifact on the Refuge is prohibited.
• The Dike Trails are closed seasonally, November 1 – March 31 to fulfill habitat management objectives.
• Fishing is permitted in designated areas. A Virginia freshwater license is required to fish in Back Bay and in the D-Pool fishing area. A Virginia saltwater license is required for surf fishing along the Refuge oceanfront. Fishing licenses can be purchased through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at GoOutdoorsVA.com.
• Hikers and bikers must stay on designated trails at all times. Please note that the boardwalk trails are narrow and bikes should be walked along these paths, or left at the provided bike racks, to ensure the safety of all visitors.
• Commercial activities, such as commercial photography/filming and kayak tour operation, are permitted with Special Use Permits only.
• Metal detecting is not permitted at any time of year.
• Handling of wildlife is strictly prohibited for the safety of visitors and the safety of wildlife.
• Due to limited space in the refuge parking lot, trailers cannot be accommodated. 
• False Cape State Park campers must park at Little Island City Park, just north of the Refuge boundary.
• Vehicles are not permitted past the Visitor Center and parking area, with the exception of vehicles with handicapped tags visiting the D-Pool fishing platform (two parking spaces are provided)
• Open fires are prohibited at all times.
• The consumption of alcohol on refuge property is prohibited.

Several activities require Special Use Permits at Back Bay NWR. Commercial activities, such as commercial photography, commercial filming and kayak tour operation, are permitted by Special Use Permit, when in line with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy. Special tram tours and conservation-related special events are permitted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Visitor Services Specialist at (757)301-7329 ext.4 to inquire about these activities. Fees are as follows:

• General Special Use Permits (special events): $35.00
• Special Tram Tours: $200.00
• Commercial Photography: $35.00 (see Commercial Photography section for further details)
• Competitive Events Special Use Permit: Cost varies depending on individual competition needs
• Commercial Outfitters: These Special Use Permits are currently on hold. 

Biological research and collection are also permitted when approved by Refuge Biologists and Management. To begin the process for a Biological Research Permit please contact the Refuge Wildlife Biologist at 757-301-7329 ext.5 or the Refuge Manager at 757-301-7329 ext.7. 

Commercial Photography

Some commercial photography operations on the refuge require a Commercial Special Use Permit. Interested photographers can contact the Visitor Services Specialist at (757)301-7329 ext.4 to inquire about a Permit. Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue and cost $35.00, payable by cash or check.

Night Surf Fishing

Night surf fishing Special Use Permits may be obtained for the month of October. Night fishing permits go on sale in mid-September and are valid October 1-31. They cost $35.00, cash or check. Fishermen must show a current fishing license and photo ID to obtain a Permit.

Competitive Running, Bicycling and Birding Cup Events

Competitive running and bicycling races, as well as birding cups are permitted at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, per the Compatibility Determination for Competitive Events. Due to the nature of these events, certain stipulations and time frames are in place for competitive events. A Special Use Permit will be issued to each entity approved for a competitive event on wildlife refuge grounds. Please see the Compatibility Determination for the full description, potential impacts and stipulations for these types of events on the wildlife refuge. Please contact the Refuge Manager at 757-301-7329 ext.7 with inquiries about competitive events. Applications for the 2026-2027 season can be downloaded and sent to the Refuge Manager at Megan_Reed@fws.gov.