Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. We offer a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, so it'll be easy to discover your nature connection at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. 

Fees

  • General entrance is free!
  • There is a $10 fee to use the boat ramp. Please see our motorized boating section under activities for details.

Activities

Visitors looking to immerse in nature can enjoy miles of trails or get a pass to launch their boat for a day on the water. History buffs might discover the World War II bunker and gun barrel while others spend time at the saltmarsh overlook or bicycling on a trail.

Trails

Our trails guide you through the timeless nature and surprising history of our refuge.

Related Documents

Bird Checklist for Eastern Shore of Virginia

The bird checklist for Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. 

Trail map for Eastern Shore of Virginia

Trail map for Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.

Application for an annual pass to access the Wise Point Boat Ramp at Eastern Shore of Virginia refuge (Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2024).

Other Facilities in the Complex

We are managed as part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, this group of sites protect similar habitat types and wildlife. This means common management needs can be applied toward a common purpose throughout the Complex.

Rules and Policies

Help us protect habitat and keep both you and our wildlife safe by following all rules and policies during your visit. Keep in mind that unless explicitly posted as a nature trail, public road, parking lot, or building, all areas of the refuge are closed to public entry. If you can't find information about your desired activity, give us a call! 

Locations

Visitor Center
32205 Seaside RoadCape Charles,VA23310

A great place to start your day, the visitor center invites you to revisit the past. Discover treasures of the ocean and land at the Touch Table. Explore the habitats protected by the Refuge. Enhance your experience with a wildlife video. Learn about the Journey of the Monarch while pretending you are a Monarch butterfly biologist! Count all the migrating birds depicted in displays. Visit the Butterfly Garden. Whatever your interest, the Visitor Center is a great place to begin an exploration of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.

Driving Directions

The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

  • From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)
  • Follow Seaside Rd for about 450 feet and turn right at the Visitor Center Access Road
  • The parking lot is at the end of this road (~750 feet)
Hours
Roads and Trails
Daily
1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Visitor Center
Saturday and Sunday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wise Point Boat Ramp
Daily
5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR Headquarters
5003 Hallet CircleCape Charles,VA23310-1128

Staff offices are located at the refuge's headquarters. Pease call to schedule an appointment. 

Driving Directions

The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

  • From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)
  • Follow Seaside Rd for about 0.3 mile to the intersection with Fitchett Rd
  • Turn right to drive South on Fitchett for ¼ mile, Refuge Headquarters is on the left.
Hours
Office Hours (by appointment only)
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.