Facility Activities

The refuge offers wonderful wildlife viewing and expansive views of the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay along 7 different trails. The Visitor Contact Station, located in a historic hunting lodge, is staffed by volunteers and features exhibits about the habitats and history of the refuge, as well as a gift shop operated by the nonprofit Friends of Eastern Neck. Fishing is permitted at Tundra Swan Boardwalk, Ingleside Recreation area (closed seasonally), and Bogles Wharf. Hunters enjoy fall deer hunting and a spring youth turkey hunt.

Hunting

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge has a long hunting tradition. Waterfowl hunting once dominated the area, and the refuge’s visitor center was originally a private hunting lodge. Today, the refuge serves as a resting area for ducks and geese, but hunters can still come to the refuge each...

Fishing

Fishing opportunities in the tidal, brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River are available at the Tundra Swan Boardwalk, Ingleside Recreation Area (April 1-September 30), Bogles Wharf and the bridge spanning the Eastern Neck Narrows. A boat ramp is available at Bogles Wharf (a...

Biking

With 4 miles of flat paved roads and 3 miles of hard packed dirt roads, the refuge is a popular place to ride bikes. Bikes are permitted on roads, but are not permitted on walking trails. Once on the refuge, please follow the posted guidelines.

Birding

Between October and March, thousands of migratory waterfowl winter in the Chesapeake Bay. Refuge staff and volunteers have documented peaks of more than 20,000 waterfowl of 33 different species on and near the refuge. The most common species include Canada geese, tundra swans, lesser scaup, and...

Boating - motorized

Bogles Wharf landing, operated by Kent County, is located on the east side of the refuge and offers trailered boat launching facilities into the Chester River (Kent County trailer permit required – not available at the refuge office). Bogles Wharf features two piers for fishing and temporary...

Boating - non-motorized

The Ingleside Recreation Area, on the northwest side of the refuge, has facilities for crabbing and car-top boat launching from April 1 to September 30. Additionally, non-motorized boats may be launched from Bogles Wharf on the east side of the refuge any time of year. If your watercraft has a...

Dog walking

Pets are allowed on the refuge, and must be kept at all times on a hand-held leash of 6-feet or less. Please clean up after your pet and dispose of trash properly.

Hiking

Nearly nine miles of roads and trails are open to visitors much of the year. Seven hiking trails and boardwalks are available for those wishing to observe the varied habitats and wildlife of the refuge. In order to protect wildlife and their habitats, visitors must stay on designated trails or...

Photography

Whether you are interested in photographing waterfowl in the winter, butterflies in the summer, or stunning landscapes any time of year, Eastern Neck NWR will not disappoint! Many visitors make a special annual trip to see the tundra swans swimming and honking along the shoreline of the refuge....

Picnicking

Kent County operates the Ingleside Recreation Area within the refuge. Located on the northwest side of the refuge, the Ingleside Recreation Area has facilities for crabbing and car-top boat launching from April 1 to September 30. A picnic area with several tables is available for use during...

Wildlife watching

The varied habitats on Eastern Neck NWR, including brackish tidal marsh, forest, cropland, grassland, and open water impoundments, provide a home for a variety of wildlife species. Many wildlife can be seen while sitting back and quietly waiting their arrival, including fox, deer, turkey,...