Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful spot for nature-lovers within the city of Virginia Beach. Visitors can explore a variety of habitats, from the oligohaline (almost freshwater) Back Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1938 for wintering waterfowl, the diverse habitats of the wildlife refuge provide a resting and feeding area for an amazing array of flora and fauna. Over 300 species of birds, dozens of reptiles and amphibians, fish and mammals consider Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge their home.
Visitors enjoy both freshwater and surf fishing, walking, bicycling, wildlife observation, photography and kayaking. Guided programs are offered throughout the year as well, for adults, children and families. Entrance fees are collected at the wildlife refuge from April 1 - October 31, when either the West or East Dike Trails provide hiking and biking access through the wildlife refuge to neighboring False Cape State Park. From November 1 - March 31 no fees are required to visit the wildlife refuge grounds. At this time the East and West Dike Trails are closed, to decrease disturbance to migratory and wintering waterfowl who use the wetlands of the wildlife refuge at this time of year. Other trails, including the Raptor, Kuralt, Seaside and Dune Trails remain open in the winter.
Visitors wishing to purchase a Refuge Annual, America the Beautiful or Federal Duck Stamp from November 1 - March 31 should call 757-301-7329 ext.3106 to schedule a pass sales appointment.
All visitors to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are required to pay an entrance fee of $5.00/vehicle from April 1 - October 31, with the following exceptions: visitors entering the wildlife refuge on foot or bicycle, America the Beautiful Interagency passholders (including the Military Pass, Senior Pass and Access Pass), Refuge Annual passholders and holders of a Federal Duck Stamp.
The $5.00/vehicle Daily Entrance Pass is only valid for entrance fees at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and admits the passholder and any accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle. Each Daily Entrance Pass covers one vehicle for the day. Visitors may leave and return the same day, using the same Daily Entrance Pass.
The $20.00 Refuge Annual Pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase (through the last day of that month). This Pass is an individual pass and cannot be transferred to another person. The Refuge Annual Pass covers the entrance fee for the passholder and any accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle.
Commercial Daily Passes are valid for a single day's entrance for all organized commercial or tour groups. Please contact Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge staff ahead of your visit to ensure parking accommodations are available.
Commercial Daily Passes are $25.00 for groups of 20 people or less and $30.00 for groups of more than 20 people.
Please be prepared to show a printout of your pass or your digital pass on your mobile device. Digital Refuge Annual Passes will be exchanged for a physical card.
Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge staff can be reached at 757-301-7329 ext.3106. Please reach out with any questions about these pass options.
Please note that no entrance fee is collected from November 1 - March 31.