Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Peaceful Spot for a Nature Walk, But Bring Bug Spray! We recently visited the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach, and while we didn’t spot too much wildlife during our trip, we still really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area. It’s a great place to go for a relaxing walk—especially if you have kids who like to run around and explore. The trails are mostly flat and well-maintained, making them easy for little legs and stroller-friendly, which is a huge bonus for families. There’s a mix of sandy paths, wooden boardwalks, and open views of marshes, dunes, and the bay. It really is pretty, especially if you go close to sunset when the lighting is soft and golden. It feels tucked away and serene, even though it’s not too far from the more developed parts of Virginia Beach. That said—the bugs are no joke. We were swarmed by mosquitoes and gnats almost the entire time, and that was even with bug spray. It’s definitely one of those places where long sleeves and pants, plus heavy-duty repellent, are a must if you plan to stay any length of time. The bugs were really the only downside of the experience, but it was enough that we had to cut our walk shorter than planned. If you're sensitive to bites or traveling with little ones, definitely plan ahead. As for wildlife, we were hoping to spot birds or maybe even deer or turtles, but it was a quiet day—possibly due to the weather or the time of year. We did hear plenty of frogs and saw some dragonflies, but not the variety of wildlife we had imagined. That being said, it's a wildlife refuge, not a zoo, so sightings are never guaranteed. I’ve heard others say they’ve seen all kinds of birds and even wild horses from a distance on other visits, so it might just depend on your timing. There are restrooms near the visitor center and a few benches along the trails, but it's a good idea to bring your own water, especially on warm days. Parking was easy and affordable, and the entry fee is minimal (or free if you have a national park pass). Overall, it’s a calm, scenic spot to reconnect with nature, especially if you want something low-key to do with your family. Just be aware of the bugs, and don’t set your expectations too high when it comes to wildlife sightings. It’s perfect for a short walk, some quiet time, and letting the kids burn off a little energy outdoors. We’ll probably be back—just with even more bug spray next time!

Wonderful wildlife refuge with trails, walkways along the coast allowing options to watch wildlife in its natural settings. The trails are well maintained, the resource center is equipped with host of information, and the staff is helpful and friendly. A great facility for a family to enjoy a day with nature. A fantastic find in Virginia Beach area. We visited in mid-March so we did not suffer any green fly attacks and had a very pleasant visit.

This is a great place to come in both summer and winter. In summer there is a pristine beach with many native seabirds and large shells to observe. In winter, many migratory birds from up north come down here, and you can even see things like tundra swans.

It was peaceful and beautiful. Go early in the morning. You may see some amazing birds and definitely some great scenery. And possibly make a new reptile friend or two

This is an emersive experience with nature in the protected Virginia coastal wetlands. With the exception in one area, intentional littering, the property is well maintained and is inclusive to visit for everyone. Not all, but many areas are mobility friendly. This is a great place to visit with the whole family. There's plenty of hiking trails, flora, and fauna to observe. We saw rabbits, rodents, turtles, snakes, birds, crabs, and insects. So bring bug spray. There's not much shade, so bring the sunblock or appropriate attire. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. All national park passes are accepted here, or you can even purchase one at the entrance. Bikers and hikers are admitted in for free. It's opened a half hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. No pets or animals are allowed on your visit. You can enjoy walking, biking, or hiking with miles of trails. You can visit the coastline without swimming. On the back bay side, you can bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to enjoy while being responsible to the environment. There's a launch area just off the parking lot by the handicap parking spaces. There's a welcome center with artifacts and info when open. You'll find the only parking and restrooms here. All trails start from this central location. We visited during a rain storm, so many pictures have puddles. Also, bring all essentials with you. You will not find food, drink, or gas to buy once inside. Get out and explore.

Lovely little park to walk the trails at sunset.

Nice trails and scenery. Helpful guides in the building. Restrooms available.

Great place for a walk and to enjoy nature. It is not a beach for swimming, surfing, etc., but that all can be done just up the road in Sand Bridge or VA Beach. Plenty of parking and bathroom facilities if needed. Enjoy!

Back Water Bay The start of my journey for destination False Cape; VA State Park. Back Water Bay is a serene refuge that only allows hiking and biking. When I started out, it was overcast and a somewhat cool breeze blowing from the bay. It was nice. I stopped to snap pictures often, the heard some distant thunder. I told myself to pick up and get moving! I was hiking to Galse Cape and it was about 4 miles and back 4 miles. I knew I couldn't play around for too long. I was good for 3 miles, then the sun broke through the clouds and right away, the heat was unbearable! It zapped my energy immediately. Luckily, I was coming up on the only peice of shade there was. A gorgeous pine tree forest for about 1/4 of a mile. I also had to respray for bugs here. The trees stop the wind and when the wind stops, the bugs come. I can't stress enough to bring bug spray. Spray your clothes as well as they bite through! Anyway, stopping briefly for water, I come out of the little forest and see the entrance for False Cape.YAY!!! but as you know from my false Cape review I didn't go in....I new thus storm was coming and I was already exhausted from the extreme heat. I took picture and started the 4 miles back to my car. The sun was fully out and it was relentless!! At one point I saw 2 river otters crossing the path and I was so sweaty, my fingerprint wouldn't register to open my phone to use my camera!! I missed the! Who sees river otters everyday??? Ugh! I kept going..I had to beat tje storm but it was so hot I was swaying across the path here and there. I got back to the parking area and BAM the storm was an instant downpour! Lightening right on top of me. It was amazing and a bit scary. I was in a dangerous area for this storm but it stopped in about 15 min. I drove back to KOA. Check my pics and thanks for listening to my story!

This refuge was established in 1938 so I have been coming here as long as I have been alive. Make sure you bring cash to get in. They have excellent bathrooms. We have done so many activities with the refuge . We have hiked the trails. Wildlife varies in the season and sometimes part of the refuge has been closed because the refuge is for the wildlife and it is closed for nesting and migration. But there is still lots to enjoy and see. We have also biked this all the way through False Cape State Park to the beach and at that end has a bathroom, snacks, drinks, and a little store. You can fill your water bottle. What a fun place to stop. Make sure you take plenty of sunscreen because there is a stretch that is not shaded. Back Bay has a few trails. I would say they are all easy to hike. Very well kept but be careful because you are hiking near water so there have been snakes sighted. There are areas with overlooks. Excellent to see waterfowl. Great bird watching. Take binoculars. We always take a day backpack. Hiking , biking, and children friendly but NO DOGS. Views of marsh, trees, dunes, beach, wildflowers and wildlife. I follow them on Facebook and they give you information of Winter Tram Tour. This is an excellent way to hear the history of the area and see everything. People of all ages are welcome because you ride the tram. They do have a small hike but they always leave it up to the individual to walk or not to walk.

Have always been a big fan of Back Bay until our most recent incredibly disappointing experience. Let me explain: - Drove 11 miles one way to get there - Unloaded our bikes and my son's electric scooter - Rode five minutes to have the FWS Barney Fife tell us electric scooters aren't authorized (You can't find this regulation anywhere on the premise or website). I explained to him that this is the safest location for my adult autistic son to ride a scooter and he didn't give a fiddlers you know what. It's an unknown rule and we had to leave immediately. I've looked everywhere and I can't find where it says electric scooters aren't allowed. To be clear, he has off-road tires, headlight, front and rear shocks, brake lights, turn signals, and a helmet. But they deem it not to be safe. But I'm on a beach cruiser with street tires. I would argue his scooter is safer than my bike. What really jerked my chain is when Barney snapped at my son and said (RUDELY) "I'm talking to you". He didn't has a once of polite in him, talk about deserving of an attitude adjustment. I haven't been this mad in a long time. If you have rules, post them clearly and enforce them all the time. This isn't the first time we have taken this scooter to Back Bay and we see people riding them all the time. I think Barney was having a crappy day of being Barney and decided to be an A$$. Fish and Wildlife Services will never get my business or donations again.

Friday, June 23, 2023 Hiking in the "Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dept. of the Interior." Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 4005 Sandpiper Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (757) 301-7329: "Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Virginia is located in the independent city of Virginia Beach. Established in 1938 in an isolated portion of the former Princess Anne County, it is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. We really like the well-maintained trails and great opportunity to take great pictures of birds, wildlife, wetlands, and waterscapes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel are always friendly, helpful, and full of information. All the trails are easily accessible from a convenient parking lot. It is handicap accessible, and family friendly.

This was a pretty cool adventure! You do have to pay to enter Back Bay I think it was $10.00 and if I can remember they only take cash. So make sure you have cash on you. It was a little isolated. The sound of the wind was a little scary when we were walking on the bridge on the water. But on the other side where the beach is was really cool! It reminded me of the movie " Nights in Rodanthe".. The beach was magical.... Nothing but sand and water... Then to top it off before you arrive to Back Bay. You have to drive through a residential area full of cute beach houses. So please drive the speed limit. Because there are a lot of people acrossing the street to go to the beach. We didn't stay to long because just like any foodie. We started to get hungry. And we didn't pack any snacks. Lol! There's a visitor center were you can learn about the history of the area. Please remember to pack food, water, and a blanket if you want to sit on the beach. They also have restrooms available. You also will have to park at the visitor center parking lot and walk to the beach area. Remember to dress comfortable!

I had heard of "Back Bay" a few times but didn't actually know what it meant. I definitely didn't realize that this beautiful land existed just a 25min drive away. It may not be as central or convenient as First Landing, but it is definitely a place I'll be returning to so I can explore more of it. We arrived on Sunday around noon. I would suggest getting there earlier because finding a parking spot was a little stressful. We took the trail down to False Cape State Park, I believe it was about two or three miles to FC. I wasn't paying much attention to distance, just crusin along and soaking up the scenery. We went on a foggy, overcast day, but it was still beautiful. We saw lots of birds, butterflies, and turtles. Thankfully we didn't see any snakes, but I was playing the game "is that a snake or stick" throughout our ride. We were just on beach cruisers, you don't need anything too rugged to explore the main trail. Everything was pretty flat. The trail was well maintained and wide enough for bikers and walkers to coexist. There were multiple spots where we could stop and climb up an overlook tower. The trail also indicated beach access points (not for swimming/sunbathing, though). I suggest taking a look at their website, so you know the rules and current parking fees before you go. It's better to have all the information to plan your trip since it is probably a bit of a drive unless you already live in Sandbridge. One of the rules I was bummed about was not being able to bring my dog. Not a big deal, I'll just have to plan different adventures with him. I will absolutely be back to explore more!

Beautiful location to walk with family and friends. Access point for the beach and the back bay. Be mindful this is a place for wildlife so just be aware of your surroundings while exploring!!

I LOVED Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge! I had only been here one other time and honestly didn't really get out of the car, I wasn't prepared to hike that day or walk around. This past weekend the spring weather was perfect for biking and we chose to bring the bikes and try our hand at visiting False Cape State Park which I was enchanted with when I realized the only way in was to hike or bike from Back Bay or at the NC boarder (way too far of a drive when I live 15 minutes from Back Bay). The visitor center is currently closed due to COVID and you need to bring $5 to pay at the gate for a day pass (or $15 for an annual one) or $2 if you are walking/biking per person. There is also a fee for a large commercial vehicle as well. But you can research all of that on the website before you come. I suggest you download the PDF of the maps to your phone before you go because you may or may not have cell service. I did have it at the Visitor Center at False Cape, which was surprising, but it was only one bar. Always be prepared. The trails inside this refuge are super well-maintained. I was actually very surprised. The 4 mile or so trail to False Cape was gravel and well-kept and we had virtually no issues whatsoever on the trail making it to the visitor center at False Cape in about an hour. We passed a few people - maybe 10 - so it wasn't very crowded on the Saturday in April we decided to visit. The other beach access and dune trails are also well-kept and clear. This is a place that is well worth the visit if you are in Virginia Beach. I would recommend biking if you want to go to False Cape - the trail would be boring to me for hiking - but it is scenic and beautiful so it's all up to preferences! Bring your own water and snacks and be prepared to PACK IT OUT! Take what you bring in. Please don't leave trash anywhere.

It's probably one of the most interesting pieces of land I've ever seen as a wildlife refuge. It's actually "Back Bay" and not "Black Bay"; but the water has extremely high tannin content and is as darkly colored as you're ever likely to see, which makes for some interesting aesthetics. Most of the accessible part is a gravel road which runs through marshy pools of such water, filled with wildlife. There were turtles aplenty, but I also saw quite a few snakes, some of which looked like they could do some actual damage to a human. Be ready for sun and mosquitos and reptiles suddenly moving on the side of the path as you approach. But hey, it's a wildlife refuge. If you want a manicured touristy beach there's plenty of that around. Beach access within the reserve was limited and cut off when I was there. The wildlife reserve is part of a shared arrangement in which there is a state park at the other end that you cannot drive to and must walk through the reserve to reach. It's easily a full day affair if you've got the time.

The only way to enter this place is with cash or a check. Who carries cash in 2022? I haven't had a check book in the last 15 years.

Nice area to get a lot of exploring, waking, biking, bird watching, etc. Great ocean air and peaceful scene. Beware of the deer flies and other insects and reptiles that can exact a toll on your experience here. Cover up and wear repellant as tolerated; the hot months bring out the nasties. Also, be cognizant of water moccasin and cotton mouth snakes that lay just off trail... these lovelies don't play around either. Be smart and use common sense and it will be a great experience. Certainly worth the trip. One last thing.... Don't speed While driving in the park area... the ranger(s) are wannabe traffic cops and are itching to write you real speeding citations.

A full FIVE STARS for this national treasure. I believe it to be a treasure that we in Hampton Roads are so fortunate to have preserved. A small price get you and your family in. During the off-season they work on the honor system much like our state parks do in an envelope is provided to put in your money. The parking lot is plenty spacious enough for cars, trucks, buses and even RV parking. I've always found the lot to be clean with multi purpose trash cans. One slot is for regular trash the other is for recycling. There are no cans out on the trail so now's the time to throw anything that you have away or hold onto it until you return. There is one small building on the property that houses the educational area which is open during the hours of the part. A volunteer or a Ranger is on hand to answer your questions. This is where group tours begin. The refuge was established June 6, 1938 as a crucial link along the Atlantic flyway, the migration route that takes birds from Summer breeding grounds in the North to Winter feeding grounds & rest. Educational programming is offered by park rangers. Best time to visit is late Fall/Winter when viewing birds. The trails are flat and easy to navigate. Make sure you bring your camera and if you're into birdwatching a spotting scope because there's always something to see or take a photo of. I absolutely recommend this park, especially if you've never been before. Yes it's a haul out to Sandbridge for many, but worth every mile.

This is one of the best trails I have ever been on. If you love seeing animals and being out in nature this is the spot for you. Every trail path I went on, there was a new sight to see. I saw so many turtles, cranes, bunnies, birds and fish. If you weren't that much of a walking person, you can ride your bike on the trails. The scenery is so beautiful so its also a good spot for taking pictures. Make sure to pack your sunscreen because there is not that many shaded areas.

Great tram ride through the refuge made possible by our trusty and most knowledgeable guides, Herb Jones and Jim Phipps! We started at 9am and finished by 1pm. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and we had a nice breeze with the intense sun! We saw tons of birds, turtles,and snakes! No feral pigs or deer were present but it was an enjoyably educational fun ride nonetheless! We thank Christy, Doug, and Annika for adding to the fun!

DISCLAIMER: Did not see much wildlife. Although the title of the Park is a little misleading, we had a great time visiting this park! They have well paced pathways into the the Bay Area with great views. The park ranger that we met was so helpful and courteous. She gave us maps of the area as well as tips on trails to take. We didn't see any wildlife but we heard what sounded like the feral hog. I was super excited by my hubs didn't share that excitement ;) I would suggest bringing hats and running shoes. I did read that they have poisonous cottonhead snakes so it's a good idea to protect your feet.

This refuge has multiple habitats: beach, dunes, scrub, marsh, and even maritime forest and the bay. The visitor programs are very impressive and the staff and volunteers are very chill and welcoming. It's an incredible spot to get far away from the congestion of the city without driving far. If you want to see False Cape State Park which is not accessible by car, you can catch the tram but be sure to arrive about 20 minutes before the 9am departure time.

This is one of my favorite parks to visit in Virginia beach. Really cool place to take wildlife pictures. There are some neat wooden trails and kayak launches too. I love going especially when the waves are rough because you can hear them from the trail. There's an area past the gravel trail where you are able to view the ducks/birds without disturbing them. They can make a lot of noise! Ps: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at this park!

I cannot say enough good things about Back Bay. It is my favorite place to visit in Virginia Beach, and since we always rent on Sandfiddler Road, it is really easy to get to. The entry fee is $5 per vehicle, but if you get there before the guard house opens - before 8 am - you won't have to pay. I would suggest getting there early anyway. I usually go around 6:30-7:00 am, to avoid the heat and see more wildlife. Every time I have gone I have seen at least four or five different animals - once we even saw the wild horses! The trails are very well-maintained. For a quick walk, I'd recommend the Bay Trail or the Seaside Trail. Trams run through out the day, and guide you around Back Bay and into False Cape (the adjoined state park to the south). They also run nature programs for the kids on certain days.

It's been a long time.. since I've been to Back Bay (like since I was a child in elementary school). I personally like it because it's away from the hustle and bustle of things and you can get your nature on. It's quite a drive for me even though I live in VB. There are several trails you can take varying from .5 miles to 8.8miles. The longest trail leading to the NC state line via the beach. Be sure to use the restrooms BEFORE you venture out because the closest one, if you do the West Dike Trail towards False Cape is about 4 miles. It's very serene and you can ride your bike or hike. If you want to cover more land in a faster amount of time I recommend bringing your bike. However, you might tend to miss the little things around you if you're biking versus walking. I was able to enjoy spotting wildlife I have never seen before and some I have. There were lots of turtles, I spotted coots, an Osprey and egrets. I saw aquatic life I have no idea what they were. Just take a picture and if you head back to the visitor center you can show them a pic and they can help you identify what you saw. There is no shade out there! So bring a hat which I did and sunscreen and water. It gets hot! Oh and a jacket just in case. You have to be careful though because there are cottonmouth snakes out there. Several were spotted out today, I didn't see any personally. However when I came back to the visitor center this guy who was speed walking earlier and blew past us saw me and asked if I had seen the cottonmouth. I said no. He said." yeah! That's why I stopped because I couldn't pass it. It started hissing at me." Well Geez.. there you go folks! Just be careful. It costs $5 per vehicle. Even if no one is manning the gate. You still have to pay. They have an envelope and a drop box to pay. I went ahead and bought the annual back bay refuge pass for $15 that is good one year from the date and it covers the entrance fee. You can purchase this at the visitor center. I intend to come back and go to False Cape via Back Bay, so I can do some geocaching! I have yet to do it and have been wanting to for so long now! They also offer some archery classes (False Cape) and some other cool, fun stuff!

Back Bay National Wild Life Refuge offers a beauty all it's own. It is an ecosystem that is largely undisturbed by man. There is fish and wild life in abundance. Yet, you must be willing to slow down to observe it. Animals will stay in their hiding places if they are unsure of their safety. The trail is tough on the feet. Carry plenty of H2O. Bike awesome! Bring camera with a nice lens or some binoculars. This isn't really kid friendly if you want to go deep into the reserve. The conditions are just too difficult for most. You can do it, but you will probably wish you hadn't. The path can probably handle a good motorized chair but once again if you don't have plenty of power and water this could be a bad situation. If dehydration is an issue stay close to visitor station. I don't have a Kayak but I imagine this would be epic!

Lots of walking trails, but it's very restricted when it's not in season. I literally could not get to False Cape State Park because path in was closed. The nature is nice, though you can only appreciate the beach from the walkways.

Great park but TOO MANY RULES!! The only activities allowed are wildlife related activities. For example, I like to dolphin watch, but the ranger said I was sun bathing and that I needed to keep walking. Well, I had a shirt and hat on so I don't think that counts as sun bathing. Basically you can sit still in the interior of the park and call it bird watching, but sitting still on the beach is not allowed. In the past, I have sat still long enough that horses, feral pigs and deer are able to be seen. No surfing. Apparently the park controls what happens beyond the low-tide line. I didn't even think that was possible, but I've seen the rangers tell kids that they are not allowed to body board while their parents shore fish. No potable water. Not a rule, just a warning. They don't let you fill up your water bottles in the ranger station, and the water from the sink in the bathrooms is untreated well water. I wouldn't touch that stuff without boiling it first. Even the ranger told me last month it was pretty much guaranteed to get you sick. The BEST thing about Back Bay is that it is the path to get to False Cape, where they let you sit on the beach, and have all the twice-filtered water you could want, and plenty of beach camping. I used to volunteer at Back Bay looking for turtle crawls to protect the eggs from predators, so I have spent plenty of time at the park.

The $5 entry fee is a steal for what this place has to offer: -gorgeous dunes -lovely trails -birdwatching -plant-looking -and plenty of spots to stop and take romantic pics If you happen to be in the area and like nature, you must find your way here.

Interesting place to take the kids. You never know what you may see. We saw a number of mammals, insects, reptiles and birds. The beach trail was our favorite. It does get very hot in the summer months with very little cover. There is water at the visitors center but don't fill up bottles or you will be fined. The bugs especially the deer flies can swarm and be nasty. Be prepared if you plan to trek to false cape sp. the deer flies won't give up or leave you alone. You will be bitten if you venture too far from the visitors center. This past week I was there three separate times on my annual holiday. I will be back.

So look, I'm a mountain hiking guy - always have been, most likely always will be. Having relocated to Virginia Beach during the last year, I've been "forced" to acclimatize to new forms of outdoor adventure. Coming to Back Bay was my first such "adjustment" to my new environment - and lemme tell ya, the adjustment has been rather nice. My first visit (late last year) was everything I love about being alone in the mountains, but in sandy-beach form. There were very few people, it was quiet, and you could "feel" the world around you - yes, that sounds like something a hippie would say, and yes part of me is quite the hippie... minus the dreads, plus a shower. It was awe-inspiring to say the least, being in a state of solitude in a place I always considered to be so crowded. As I stood and gazed out upon the open waters, dolphins sprang forth from the foamy waves. The wind bit sharply at my exposed ears and the smell of salt flooded my senses - in a sense, I loved it. The park itself is quite large for a location so close to such a populated area. There are several very well kept trails - some level and graded, some boardwalks, and some completely sandy. You can easily make a day of your visit by simply heading out to the shore and hiking south - though you'll eventually run into government property (or so I'm told). If you have an interest in local flora and fauna, this is a wonderful spot to begin or advance your knowledge of the wildlife that thrives in the area. The ranger station near the amply-spaced parking lot has a nice museum set up where you can learn quite a bit about the park, it's animals, and it's history before heading out for the day - also, there is a water dispenser and a few restrooms should you need them! If you're a local and you haven't been, you get discounted parking - always a plus! If you're not a local and wanna go, do it - you'll see an aspect of the beach that you won't find on a tourist brochure. Bring the family and get a taste of what this beautiful area actually looked and felt like hundreds of years ago. Enjoy the pristine primitive shoreline... and capture it on your iPhone!

April to October Took the family there for a planned bike ride on March 31. Wow we were looking forward to it. We had never been to Sandbridge area and the 8+mile loop was calling our names. Bought a new bike rack and fixed the bikes up for the trip. Long story short, the full trail doesn't open up untl 01 April and runs through October. UUUGGGHHHHhhh. Had to tell the kiddos that the one mile loop was all we were allowed on. My wife and I had scoured the websites on this place but somehow missed this important piece of information. Lots of wildlife and cool things to see, but not for us this day. We will have to go back there to check it out again. We did go out onto the beach for a little while. Kids were good sports about it and they want to go back. Lesson is to do your homework and look at the hours of operation before you drive an hour and a 1/2 to a location.

Oh boy. What a nice day. Got to the park at 0855 one fine Saturday morning-just in time to get on board the tram ride. Note: My buddy Ralph and his wife Patsy do the tour. While I'm friends with them I'm also a DOCENT elsewhere and know a class act when I see it. In any case, good discussion of the various flora and fauna. The tram ride also goes through False Cape State Park. Got a briefing on the history of this area and the early settlers. Toured an old church and cemetery site. Stopped at a visitor center on the way out and way back-picked up a nice lime popsicle that hit the spot. Lots of free literature and things to buy if so inclined. I intend to bring my buddies back in the spring, bike in, and do some primitive manly camping.

If I could give more stars I would! This is an AMAZING place. I saw a review on here and couldn't wait to visit it for myself. A lot of people say it's not for young children, but I happen to have an ASD child who very much enjoys being outside and seeing nature. Kids these days need to experience life without a screen in front of their face, and this is one of the more beautiful places to do so. Its gorgeous coast will make you forget the time and simply feel like you're floating away on a cloud. Watch out! It can get hot, bring water! I advise taking the trails, we were cut short for time so we didn't get to visit that part of the refuge. However, I would really love to be able to explore the rest. Everyone was very friendly, and the naturalness of the environment made it even more perfect. There are a ton of benches and places to just breathe or meditate (if you're into that). The Visitor center was closed for some reason (maybe lunchtime?) but bathrooms were well kept. I did see someone freaking out because of bugs, so if that is an issue, make sure you bring sunscreen AND bug repellent. I don't really mind the bugs (or the sun, I know I know, terrible). Anyway, enjoy the park! Also, please don't litter & remember to pick up your trash. It could save an animals life (and the environment!). Happy trailing :)

Visited the refuge around late February. Since it was still winter at the time, they didn't charge any entry fee. There were about 5 cars on the lot and the temperature was in the low 50s. As you enter the trail you will see a huge sign with a list of strict rules to follow, which is typical to wildlife refuges. Went for a walk here just before sunset and it wasn't too bad. Peaceful, calm and serene but also uneventful and unexciting. Kids will either love it or be bored (bird-watching, sand dunes, sea shells, plants, etc). Bring a binocular, a camera and a bottled water for a better experience.

A fantastic refuge for birds and people alike, light years away from Virginia Beach. This is a great part of the state that welcomes day-trippers, weekend beach visitors, and campers alike. The dunes trails to the Atlantic are great, as are the bayside hiking paths. Lots of places to rest, soak in the surroundings, and leave with digital memories.

There is an entry fee, so come with cash (I don't think they take checks or credit/debit cards). There is a small visitor center, too. Nice scenic trails, and I enjoyed watching the wildlife.

This park is really beautiful. Lots of migratory birds to see.

The four of us started out with the idea that we would get to see a nice part of Virginia Beach. Not. We walked the 4 miles on a dusty dirt / stone road ,,,, along which is a blackish water way .. and we did not hardly see a SINGLE live animal outside of a stray bird or turtle .. that not counting the handfull of animals squished in the roadway. This had to be the most boring 4 mile walk we have ever done. We should have gotten a clue in the $5 entry fee and the fact we only say 4 people during the 8 mile round trip. Totaly waste of time visiting this area ... find something better to do ! PS the whole idea was to walk the 8 mile loop but whenwe got to the mid point ... it was blocked off .. so we got to rewalk the same 4 dusty miles...

It is a beautiful area with miles of trails and boardwalks featuring beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. The annual pass is very inexpensive and if you live in the area you will easily get your moneys worth. I am really hoping that the plan to extend Nimmo Trail through the refuge between Lago Mar and Sandbridge happens soon!