Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) contains over 9,200 acres. Habitats include beach, dunes, woodland, and freshwater marsh. The majority of refuge marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of the Back Bay.
Thousands of geese, swans and a large variety of ducks visit Back Bay NWR during the winter migration, particularly during the months of December and January. The Refuge also provides habitat for a wide assortment of other wildlife, including bobcats, foxes, deer, rabbits and loggerhead sea turtles, which nest on the Refuge beach during the summer.
Back Bay NWR provides scenic trails, a Visitor Center, and, with advance scheduling, group educational opportunities. Fishing, hunting, bicycling and hiking are also available. In addition there are activities throughout the year for all ages. All events are posted on the website and Facebook page.
Back Bay NWR is located near Virginia Beach - south of Sandbridge Beach at the very end of Sandpiper Road.
Amenities
- Family Friendly
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
Categories
- Fishing
Accessibility
Price Information
- $5.00/vehicle; $2.00/hiker or biker; also accept America the Beautiful Federal Recreational Lands passes and the Duck Stamp
Additional Links
Region
Last Updated: 06/12/2017
