Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway, and currently encompasses more than 33,000 acres. Blackwater NWR is home to an incredible amount of plant and animal diversity in its three major habitats - forest, marsh and shallow water. The refuge contains one-third of Maryland's tidal wetlands, which makes it an ecologically important area within the state. Blackwater NWR is home to the largest natural population of formerly endangered Delmarva peninsula fox squirrels and to the largest breeding population of American bald eagles on the East Coast.
The refuge Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm, and is closed on Federal holidays. Outdoor public areas are open daily, dawn to dusk.
A Daily Pass provides access to the refuge's 4-mile Wildlife Drive, which can be travelled by vehicle, bicycle, or foot, and provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities on the refuge. The Wildlife Drive features 2 trails, an elevated observation platform, a photo blind, and many pull-offs for stopping. An Annual Pass specific to Blackwater NWR is also available.
All public areas outside of the Wildlife Drive, including the Visitor Center, are free-of-charge.
Federal 'America the Beautiful' Interagency Passes and Federal Duck Stamps are available for purchase at the Visitor Center. It is not necessary for current holders of these passes to obtain a permit through this site.
For additional information, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater or call 410-228-2677.
All visitors to Blackwater NWR's Wildlife Drive are required to pay an entry fee. Please be prepared to show your printed pass or a digital pass on your mobile device if requested by refuge staff.
Entrance fees are waived for visitors in possession of a current Blackwater Annual Pass, current America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, or a current Federal Duck Stamp. It is not necessary for holders of these passes to obtain a permit through this site. Children 15 and under are free, and do not need to obtain a pedestrian/cyclist pass.
Operators of commercial tour vehicles must pay the commercial rate. Other commercial operators who enter the Wildlife Drive must obtain a Special Use Permit prior to visiting. 'Commercial' is defined as any person, group or organization making or attempting to make a profit, receive money/remuneration, amortize equipment, or obtain goods or services as compensation from participants in activities occurring on public lands.
Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit. Connectivity may be limited, and the pass must be available to show at all times when you are on Wildlife Drive.
Passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Separate fees apply for refuge hunt permits.
Refuge lands are open daily, dawn to dusk. The Wildlife Drive entrance is gated, and opening and closing times are variable depending on the time of year.
Refuge lands are subject to closure occasionally for maintenance, management activities and scheduled hunts. As hunt dates are set, they will be published on the refuge website and Facebook page
GPS ADVISORY: If you are using GPS navigation to find the refuge, you will need to enter our physical address . This will bring you to the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center. DO NOT USE "BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE"!