About Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge located on Cape Cod Massachusetts is one of eight refuges that make up the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge was established in 1995 to preserve and protect natural resources associated with the Waquoit Bay area for the protection of waterfowl and wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only owns a portion of the enormous refuge. Through a unique partnership among eight federal, state, tribal and private conservation groups, the refuge is managed to help conserve and protect the area’s wildlife and habitat. The refuge is named after the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, which encompassed the homelands of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The refuge manages a variety of habitats including Atlantic white cedar swamps, coastal ecosystems, salt marshes, cranberry bogs, freshwater wetlands, ponds, rivers and vernal pools. These habitats provide ideal environment for songbirds, migratory waterfowl, raptors, white-tailed deer, small game and furbearers.
How to Get There
Though the Refuge is closed to all public access, environmental education and interpretive programs are offered occasionally by the Refuge Friends group (on and off site). Please contact Friends of Mashpee NWR for a complete map; there are public use areas on several of the partner's properties. The Mashpee Refuge is spread throughout the Towns of Mashpee and Falmouth, Massachusetts. There are many entry points on multiple landowner sites within the refuge. Below is the primary location that is best suited for public entry: Coming north from the Bourne Bridge take MacArthur Blvd (Route 28) south to Route 151 (7.0 miles) toward Mashpee (right). Go east on 151 for 6.6 miles to you reach the Mashpee rotary. At the rotary take Great Neck road south( second exit) and go straight for 4.1 miles to Jehu Pond Conservation area parking lot on your right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Mashpee 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 Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4047) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge?
Though the Refuge is closed to all public access, environmental education and interpretive programs are offered occasionally by the Refuge Friends group (on and off site). Please contact Friends of Mashpee NWR for a complete map; there are public use areas on several of the partner's properties. The Mashpee Refuge is spread throughout the Towns of Mashpee and Falmouth, Massachusetts. There are man…
How do I contact Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 978-443-4661 or email: fw5rw_emnwr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
