Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge has a long hunting tradition. Waterfowl hunting once dominated the area, and the refuge’s visitor center was originally a private hunting lodge. Today, the refuge serves as a resting area for ducks and geese, but hunters can still...

Fishing opportunities in the tidal, brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River are available at the Tundra Swan Boardwalk, Ingleside Recreation Area (April 1-September 30), Bogles Wharf and the bridge spanning the Eastern Neck Narrows. A boat ramp is...

With 4 miles of flat paved roads and 3 miles of hard packed dirt roads, the refuge is a popular place to ride bikes. Bikes are permitted on roads, but are not permitted on walking trails. Once on the refuge, please follow the posted guidelines.

Between October and March, thousands of migratory waterfowl winter in the Chesapeake Bay. Refuge staff and volunteers have documented peaks of more than 20,000 waterfowl of 33 different species on and near the refuge. The most common species include Canada geese, tundra...

Bogles Wharf landing, operated by Kent County, is located on the east side of the refuge and offers trailered boat launching facilities into the Chester River (Kent County trailer permit required – not available at the refuge office). Bogles Wharf features two...

The Ingleside Recreation Area, on the northwest side of the refuge, has facilities for crabbing and car-top boat launching from April 1 to September 30. Additionally, non-motorized boats may be launched from Bogles Wharf on the east side of the refuge any...

Pets are allowed on the refuge, and must be kept at all times on a hand-held leash of 6-feet or less. Please clean up after your pet and dispose of trash properly.

Nearly nine miles of roads and trails are open to visitors much of the year. Seven hiking trails and boardwalks are available for those wishing to observe the varied habitats and wildlife of the refuge. In order to protect wildlife and their habitats, visitors must stay on...

Whether you are interested in photographing waterfowl in the winter, butterflies in the summer, or stunning landscapes any time of year, Eastern Neck NWR will not disappoint! Many visitors make a special annual trip to see the tundra swans swimming and honking along...

Kent County operates the Ingleside Recreation Area within the refuge. Located on the northwest side of the refuge, the Ingleside Recreation Area has facilities for crabbing and car-top boat launching from April 1 to September 30. A picnic area with several tables is...

The varied habitats on Eastern Neck NWR, including brackish tidal marsh, forest, cropland, grassland, and open water impoundments, provide a home for a variety of wildlife species. Many wildlife can be seen while sitting back and quietly waiting their arrival,...