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

  • Hunting Permit Application Process

    The Bowhunting Permit Lottery will begin on August 15th, 2021

    Apply Here

  • Restroom Open

    The restroom will be cleaned 3 times per week. Due to Covid-19, please use at your own risk.

  • Lenape NWR Complex Brochure

    New Brochure for the Lenape National Wildlife Refuge Complex

    Lenape NWR Complex Brochure

Important Things to Know

Refuge Update

Northern Harrier

The Short-eared Owls have departed the Refuge on their northbound migration. A variety of other raptors – Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Merlins, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Bald Eagles and Rough-legged Hawks may be observed. Barred Owls may be heard from the forested perimeter. The observation platform is usually a good location from which to view the raptors and setup a tripod with camera or spotting scope. Anywhere along our 3.6 miles of trails can be productive as well, including any of our 5 wildlife observation blinds. We do ask that you respect the wildlife and remain on the trails at all times. This is a no-smoking and no-drone wildlife refuge.

Plan your visit

Short-eared Owl

The public restroom is open and cleaned three times per week. Please use the restroom at your own risk due to COVID-19. There are no potable water sources on site. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Information to plan your visit.

Things to do

Things to do

Shawangunk Grasslands offers a variety of ways to enjoy the refuge including wildlife viewing, photography, and catch-and-release fishing

Learn about activities on the refuge
Meet Our Friends

Meet Our Friends

FoSGNWR

The Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is an independent non-profit association founded in 2016. The operations and activities are managed by an all volunteer board of directors. The purpose of the Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands is to support the mission of the Refuge through promotion of environmental stewardship, biological programs, environmental education, recreational activities, land acquisition and habitat management and enhancement. For more information, please visit their Facebook page or their website:

Friends Of Shawangunk Grasslands

About the Complex

Lenape National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Lenape National Wildlife Refuge 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