Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

Junior Duck Stamp Practice

2021 Junior Duck Stamp Contest Winners

Huge thank you to the students, teachers, and parents who made this contest possible. View the winners and their amazing artwork below.

2021 Junior Duck Stamp Winners List and Gallery

Around the Refuge

Comment Period Now Closed for Hunting Plan

Buck on Occoquan Bay NWR

The 3-month public comment period for our draft Hunting Plan and Environmental Assessment has ended. We are now in the process of reviewing all submitted comments, developing responses, and incorporating any necessary changes as we finalize the plan. We anticipate that the final plan, with our responses, will be available prior to September 1.

Park Only In Designated Lots

Small Car on HP

When visiting the Refuge and State Park please only park in designated parking lots. Fines will be issued to cars parked along the side of High Point Rd.

Know Before You Go

Sunset at the refuge - USFWS.

Make sure you come prepared when visiting the refuge - from April to October biting insects and ticks are prevalent, so bring bug spray! Also, keep an eye out for poison ivy and northern copperhead snakes. Learn more on our Plan Your Visit page.

Plan Your Visit

Visitor Activities

Visitor Activities Promo

There are activities year round at Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge including wildlife viewing, photography and hunting. Learn more on our Visitor Activities page.

Visitor Activities
Bald Eagles

American Bald Eagle

American bald eagle - USFWS.

At the time of the refuge's establishment in 1969, the number of nesting bald eagles pairs had plummeted to less than 500 in the lower 48 states.

Wildlife & Habitat

About the Complex

Potomac River NWR Complex

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Potomac River NWR Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online