About Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge was established in 1941, and today consists of more than 4,700 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, maritime shrubs and forests, cranberry bogs, man-made impoundments, salt marsh and associated creek, river, and mud flat. These refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 300 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.
How to Get There
The refuge is located approximately 35 miles north of Boston. From Interstate 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles to the refuge entrance. The refuge headquarters is located at the northern end of Plum Island near the Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse. Once on the island continue straight for 0.25 miles. The road will then curve sharply to your left. Continue for 1.5 miles to the refuge headquarters on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Parker River 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 Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1557) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge is located approximately 35 miles north of Boston. From Interstate 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to P…
How do I contact Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 978-465-5753 or email: parkerriver@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
