Description
The Port Royal Unit is one section of the much-larger Rappahannock River Valley NWR. This 125 acre site protects critical floodplain habitat on the river’s edge and is managed as grassland and shrubland habitat for species such as vesper and grasshopper sparrows. A mowed trail provides access to the Rappahannock River, host to year-round concentrations of bald eagles and wintering waterfowl.
The newly established Port Royal Water Trail has a stop on this unit of the Refuge.
Notes:
- Hunting occurs at this site. Click here to see the current year’s schedule. If you are visiting during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange or blaze pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Port Royal Unit:
- Black Vulture
- Bald Eagle
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Belted Kingfisher
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Blue Jay
- Golden-crowned Kinglet
- European Starling
- Northern Mockingbird
165 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Nov 2026 | 17 | Lucas Pittman |
| 10 Oct 2026 | 10 | Natalie Cavalieri |
| 9 Oct 2026 | 24 | Andrew Rapp |
| 12 Aug 2026 | 22 | Maeve Coker |
| 1 Aug 2026 | 39 | Destiny Evans |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 1211 Caroline Street, Port Royal, VA 22535
From Tappahannock, head north on Tidewater Trail/US-17, turn right onto A.P. Hill Boulevard/US-301, turn right onto Caroline Street, and the parking area is 0.2 miles ahead on the right.
Site Information
Managed By:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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.