About Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. It supports 317 bird species, 42 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and numerous fish, shellfish and other invertebrates. Its value for the protection of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat along the Jersey Shore is developed into roads, shopping centers and housing developments. Cape May Peninsula's unique configuration and location concentrate songbirds, raptors and woodcock as they funnel south to Cape May Point during their fall migration. Faced with 12 miles of water to cross at the Delaware Bay migrants linger in the area to rest and feed until favorable winds allow them to cross the Bay or head north along the Bay's eastern shore. The refuge has been designated a “Flagship Project” of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, identified as an Important Bird Area (American Bird Conservancy), incorporated with in the DE Bay site of Hemispheric Significance (Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network), and is located within the portion of the DE Bay watershed that is designated a Wetland of International Importance
How to Get There
From the Garden State Parkway: Turn west at exit 10. Go into Cape May Court House. At Route 9, turn left (south). Through next light, make a right at Hand Avenue. Continue on Hand Avenue to State Highway 47. Turn left (south) onto Route 47, then make a quick right (west) onto Kimbles Beach Road. Refuge office is about 1/4 mile on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Cape May 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 Cape May National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1332) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cape May National Wildlife Refuge?
From the Garden State Parkway: Turn west at exit 10. Go into Cape May Court House. At Route 9, turn left (south). Through next light, make a right at Hand Avenue. Continue on Hand Avenue to State Highway 47. Turn left (south) onto Route 47, then make a quick right (west) onto Kimbles Beach Road. Refuge office is about 1/4 mile on the left.
How do I contact Cape May National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 609-463-0994 or email: capemay@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
