The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast forested wetland that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Formal protection of this resource began in 1973, when the Union Camp Corporation (a local forest products comp
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 757-986-3705 · GreatDismalSwamp@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Great Dismal Swamp 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 Great Dismal Swamp 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 Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Lynn Ditch Road, Washington Ditch Road, West Ditch Boardwalk, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Great Dismal Swamp 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
US Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dismal Swamp Canal
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
NPS Photo National Park Service Fort Monroe National Monument
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
