About Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1963, the refuge is an important stopover site for migratory birds as they travel up and down the Atlantic Flyway and provides protected breeding habitat for federally and State-listed threatened and endangered species, as well as many neo-tropical migrating bird species. Prime Hook’s habitat features include salt marsh, freshwater marsh, ponds, wooded swamps and upland grasslands and forest. Hundreds of native plant and animal species thrive in this mosaic of these diverse cover types that provide habitat for 308 species of birds, 51 species of fish, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, 37 species of mammals, and an array of rare insect and plant species.
How to Get There
The refuge lies within two hours driving time from metropolitan Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Wilmington, Delaware; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 22 miles southeast of the State capital of Dover. From Route 1, take Route 16 east for 1.1 miles toward Broadkill Beach; turn left onto Turkle Pond Road and the refuge office, visitor center, and Friends Store are just ahead on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Prime 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 Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1573) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge lies within two hours driving time from metropolitan Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Wilmington, Delaware; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 22 miles southeast of the State capital of Dover. From Route 1, take Route 16 east for 1.1 miles toward Broadkill Beach; turn left onto Turkle Pond Road and the refuge office, visitor center, and Friends Store are just ahead on the left.
How do I contact Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 302-684-8419 or email: fw5rw_phnwr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
