Change to Refuge Hours

Starting October 1, 2023 the refuge will be open from 7am-5pm.

Twenty miles south of Washington, D.C., where the Potomac meets the Occoquan River, lies Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge: an oasis for migratory birds and busy city residents seeking a quiet escape from development.


Attention Photographers and Artists!

This year is the 25th anniversary of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge!! To celebrate we will be putting together an exhibit full of photos and paintings that represent how special this wildlife refuge is.

If interested in participating, please send a picture of up to 3 pieces to Gabby Youngken at gabriela_youngken@fws.gov. Depending on how many people submit their art will determine how many get selected. We cannot promise that everyone will be featured. Art is being accepted from now until October 15, 2023. If your art is chosen you will be contacted within a few days once the deadline closes with further instructions. Only submit art that is related to Occoquan Bay NWR.

The exhibit will take place at the Visitor Information Center on Occoquan Bay NWR. The opening day will be November 4, 2023 and will stay on display until the end of the year or until space allows. 

Visit Us

A blue dragonfly perched on a branch.
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There is so much to see at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, all year-round! Check out what our refuge has to offer before visiting, and be sure to prepare for the elements, so you can make the most out of your trip. See the link below to learn more about our rules and regulations and visiting the refuge.

Our Visitor Information Center is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Yellow flowers
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      Learn more about our mission, purpose and history on our About Us page.

      What We Do

      Sunset over grasslands at Occoquan Bay NWR
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      Learn about our management practices, comprehensive conservation planning, research projects, and more on the What We Do page.

      Our Species

      A Prothonotary Warbler singing at Occoquan Bay NWR.
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      The diverse upland and wetland habitats of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge support a wide variety of resident and migratory wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, 79 species of butterflies, and 77 species of Dragonflies and Damselflies. Visit the link below to learn more about the species that call Occoquan Bay home!

      Get Involved

      Students examining specimens in a plastic tub at the rufge
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      Interested in getting involved with what we do at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge? Visit the link below to learn more.

      Projects and Research

      A solitary sandpiper walks in shallow water.
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      Management of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is focused primarily on protecting habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with help from dedicated volunteers, conducts several ongoing surveys to monitor the wildlife and vegetation on the refuge, and ensure the refuge is meeting its conservation goals.  Visit our Projects and Research page to learn more.