James River National Wildlife Refuge

About James River National Wildlife Refuge

James River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1991 to conserve fish and wildlife which are listed as endangered or threatened species, and to protect bald eagles. It is a part of the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The 4,800-acre refuge is located within the James River watershed and Chesapeake Bay Estuary, the Nation’s largest estuarine ecosystem. Refuge habitats consist of pine-dominated, moist hardwood and floodplain forests, freshwater marsh and shrub swamp, aquatic habitats, erosional bluffs, and non-forested uplands. In addition to supporting hundreds of native plant and animal species, the refuge offers important breeding and roosting habitat for resident and migrating eagles.

How to Get There

Directions to Refuge: Turn North onto Flowerdew Hundred Road (Route 639) from James River Drive (Route 10). Proceed approximately one mile and turn left (at Information Kiosk Sign).Directions to the Administrative Office: Turn North onto Kimages Road (Route 658) from John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5). Proceed approximately 1 mile and turn right into the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery Campus. The refuge office is located in the fourth brick building.

Plan Your Visit to James River National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to James 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

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)