Description
The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is open year round. A one-mile wildlife drive and over three miles of hiking trails provide access to grasslands, tidal marshes and the river’s edge. The refuge is one of the largest open areas remaining in northern Virginia. Over 650 species of plants and 200 species of birds have been observed on the site. The site has one of the largest stands of eastern gamma grass in the state. Waterfowl, deer, red fox and raptors are abundant and can easily be observed from the trails. The Visitor Contact Station is open on weekends. The station hosts a display of the winners of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program for the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as an assortment of mounted raptors and songbirds.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge:
- Canada Goose
- Ring-necked Duck
- Bufflehead
- Ring-billed Gull
- American Herring Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
- Osprey
- Bald Eagle
260 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Mar 2026 | 25 | Art Drauglis |
| 21 Mar 2026 | 19 | Erica Hill |
| 21 Mar 2026 | 32 | Van M. |
| 21 Mar 2026 | 51 | Pete Huffer |
| 20 Mar 2026 | 6 | Buchi Tarigoppula |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
From the Town of Occoquan, return to Gordon Boulevard/SR 123 and turn right. Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto Jefferson Davis Highway/US 1 South. Get into the left lane and prepare to turn left at the next light. At the traffic light, turn onto Dawson Beach Road. Proceed to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge entrance gate.
Site Information
Managed By:
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.