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 abunda
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 978-465-5753 · parkerriver@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Parker River National Wildlife Refuge — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Kents Island Road, Downfall Road, Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Often restricted to protect wildlife — many refuges limit or prohibit pets. Check this refuge before you go.
Nearby sites
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
NPS Photo / Robert Grant National Park Service Salem Maritime National Historical Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
