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Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Townsend, Virginia · Northampton County

Lying at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of the country's most valuable stopovers for migratory birds. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, this 1,127-acre refuge was established in 1984 for migratory birds and endangered species …

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37.13643, -75.96463
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About Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Lying at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of the country's most valuable stopovers for migratory birds. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, this 1,127-acre refuge was established in 1984 for migratory birds and endangered species management and for wildlife-dependent recreation including interpretation and education. This area is one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America. Each fall, like colorful clockwork, the refuge is the scene of a spectacular drama as millions of songbirds and monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors converge at the tip of the peninsula on their voyage south.

How to Get There

The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)Follow Seaside Rd for about 450 feet and turn right at the Visitor Center Access RoadThe parking lot is at the end of this road (~750 feet)

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Eastern Shore of Virginia 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 Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge?

No central reservation system listed for Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1385) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge?

The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)Follow Seaside Rd for about 450 feet and turn right at the Visitor Center Access RoadThe parking lot is at the end of this road (~750 feet)

How do I contact Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge?

You can reach the park at phone: 757-331-3425 or email: fw5rw_esvnwr@fws.gov.