About Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region. The refuge, located along the coast of Delaware, is mostly marsh, but also includes freshwater impoundments and upland habitats that are managed for other wildlife.Bombay Hook was established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is primarily a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. The value and importance of Bombay Hook for migratory bird protection and conservation has increased through the years, primarily due to the management of the refuge and the loss of high quality habitat along the Atlantic Flyway.Bombay Hook is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Portions are also designated a research natural area. The refuge, a nationally recognized birding spot attracting birders from across the country, is designated a Globally Important Bird Area. The Refuge, as well as the entire State of Delaware, is part of the New England/Mid Atlantic Coast Bird Conservation Region Implementation Plan (BCR 30).
How to Get There
From the North - Philadelphia Area - I-95 South into Delaware - Route 1 South (Christiana exit) (toll road $1.00) - Exit 114 (Route 13 North) for Smyrna. Right turn at the end of the exit ramp. - Right at the next light onto Route 12 East (Smyrna-Leipsic Road) - Route 12 merges with Route 9 South (5 miles) - Left onto Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge From Washington, DC Area - I-95 North to Washington, DC Beltway - Route 50 East over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - 301 North - Route 300 East to Smyrna - Route 13 South - Left on Rt 12 East (Symrna-Leipsic Road) until it merges with Rt 9 (5 miles) - Left on Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge From Dover, Delaware - Take Route 13 North - Turn right onto Route 42 East into Leipsic - Turn left onto Route 9 and proceed north for 2 miles - Turn right onto Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge entrance
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1313) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
From the North - Philadelphia Area - I-95 South into Delaware - Route 1 South (Christiana exit) (toll road $1.00) - Exit 114 (Route 13 North) for Smyrna. Right turn at the end of the exit ramp. - Right at the next light onto Route 12 East (Smyrna-Leipsic Road) - Route 12 merges with Route 9 South (5 miles) - Left onto Whitehall Neck Road which ends at the Refuge From Washington, DC Area - I-95 Nor…
How do I contact Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 302-653-9345 or email: bombayhook@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
