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
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 757-331-3425 · fw5rw_esvnwr@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Eastern Shore of Virginia 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 Eastern Shore of Virginia 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 Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Buterfly Trail, Baywoods Trail, Wren Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Eastern Shore of Virginia 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.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge land.
Nearby sites
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fisherman 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 National Park Service Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
