Important Notices For This Site
| Notice |
|---|
| Shoreline Restoration Project at Ragged Island WMA Begins June 9Beginning June 9, 2025, the primary parking lot nearest the James River Bridge, the boardwalk, and the shoreline at Ragged Island WMA will be closed for approximately six months due to a shoreline restoration project.
Visitors may use the secondary parking lot across from Kings Cove Way during this time. Please avoid the construction area entirely for your safety and to support the success of the project. The implementation of this project will not only add important habitat and enhance water quality, it will also increase the resiliency of the marsh and other wetland habitats by drastically reducing erosion. Partners include NOAA Fisheries, EPA, Christopher Newport University, and Ducks Unlimited. |
Description
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Ragged Island WMA includes 1,537 acres of open pine forest, sandy beaches, and saltwater marshes, much of which is not readily accessible. From the main parking lot, there is a short path to a beach bordering the James River. A second, longer trail passes by open stands of pine trees and reaches a boardwalk that continues across a saltmarsh to a platform overlooking the river. From the marsh boardwalk, killifishes, fiddler and blue crabs, and marsh songbirds can be seen. Depending on the season, the platform overlooking the river can provide views of gulls, bald eagle, terns, loons, and waterfowl including all three species of scoters. During migration, the pine trees near the parking lot are likely to produce any of the more than 30 species of warblers known to inhabit the WMA, as well as orioles, tanagers and other songbirds. Despite its saltiness, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians are denizens of this site, including northern diamondback terrapin and eastern mud turtle. The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle is occasionally seen in the James River, which visitors can watch for as they scan from the platform for dolphins and other marine life.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Ragged Island WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area:
- Bufflehead
- Rock Pigeon
- Great Blue Heron
- Carolina Chickadee
- Northern Mockingbird
- House Finch
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- Bald Eagle
- Carolina Wren
- American Goldfinch
172 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Jan 2026 | 7 | Jason Strickland |
| 26 Jan 2026 | 11 | Jason Strickland |
| 21 Jan 2026 | 2 | Elgin Green |
| 10 Jan 2026 | 17 | Peter Van Veld |
| 2 Jan 2026 | 24 | Rexanne Bruno |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
From I-64 in Newport News, take Exit #263 for US 258/Mercury Boulevard South. Follow this road to its intersection with US 17 South, then follow US 17/US 258 across the James River Bridge. After crossing the bridge, take the first exit to the left and enter the parking lot of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.
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.